We're having some great discussion on this topic over here. I'm going to repost some thoughts on this topic:
Here are some common misconceptions of what an apostle is (via Anton Bosch):
-Apostles run denominations.
-Apostles receive supernatural extra Biblical revelation like Paul did.
-Apostles have authority that supersedes scripture.
-Apostles succeed one another -(as in a continuous line since Peter).
-Apostles are the highest authority in the church.
-Apostles are inward (churchward) while Evangelists are outward.
A good working definition of Apostle: Quoting from Thayer's the word apostle literally means: "a delegate, messenger, on sent forth with orders."
Apostles are literally those who have been sent out on a mission - from this concept we get the word "missionary".
So to the question - "Do Apostles exist today?"
The truth is, being an 'apostle' is a calling just like being a 'pastor'. What makes one a pastor? A title? A position? A degree from a Seminary or Bible College? I believe most pastors will answer 'none of the above' - what makes one a pastor is the Divine call on your life that you felt at some point in your history and continues burning brightly today. An apostle is called in the same way.
The problem we face today in believing apostles exist - is this "mystical" view of what an apostle is. We've gotten into our minds that if you're an apostle, then your shadow must be healing people. This is simply not the case.
Apostles today are some of the people you might know - church planters, missionaries, movers and shakers that are called of God to be such. Some might also pastor a church like Paul did for a time.
Biblically apostles are those:
-Who are sent out to preach the gospel.
-They establish churches.
-They confirm and establish the churches they start through follow-up visits.
-They appoint elders and pastors to oversee the local churches.
I don't know how other movements work, but this describes several missionaries that I know personally in the A/G. That's not to say every missionary is an apostle - because that wouldn't be accurate. By the same token I also believe every man behind a pulpit isn't necessarily gifted to be a pastor even though he (or she) may carry that title.
These apostles I know do things that I couldn't do - go places I can't, establish things I couldn't, endure things that make me cringe. They are undoubtedly gifted as Biblical apostles.
We have not lost apostles today, we simply cease to identify them for what they are.
Usually the guys that have it on their business cards - ARE NOT IT! God didn't call us to be legends in our own minds - but humble, broken servants of Christ that would gladly die for the cause of Christ. THESE are the type men that I know and call apostles.
PastorE,
ReplyDeleteGood post! Didn't the Bible say that some are called to be pastors, teachers, APOSTLES, etc????
Whether a person holds the title "apostle" or not is not the litmus test of a true apostle. God alone makes that distinction. Of course, there are ways that God makes known His callings and certifies those whom He chooses to be "apostles", or other spiritual leaders, to His children.
One thing I know for sure, I have seen men claiming that they know the Truth, yet they call on simple minds to question the authority of that Truth. This is a relevant issue in today's society. We are seeing more self-proclaimed "apostles" and "pastors" that are leading others in a more passive christianity than any other time in history.
We need more reliance on Christ and His Word than on any view expressed by man which has been watered down to tickle the ears of the listeners. I encourage all to test the spirits behind what is being said because so many deceiving spirits are out there. It is so easy to fall for what sounds "good" versus what is good and right according to Scripture.
Keep on preaching the Truth, PastorE, whether in the pulpit or online.
God Bless,
Phoenix
Former Firepower Youth member and avid reader of this blog.
I absolutely agree with your points of what an apostle is but with an addition. Most apostles are what we call missionaries but few missionaries are apostles. Most missionaries are evangelists and we are asking them to perform apostolic duties. IMO I think that is why so many of them are burned out and we don't have the vital Christianity sticking that we need in some countries. But it isn't the missionaries fault - it's the organizations and churches that misname them and give them impossible tasks fro their calling. Apostles, on tehe other hand, at leeast I have found this to be true, have a stronger anointing.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, what the Third Wave Charismatic movement calls an apostle, in most cases, is a joke. Apostles are not simply teachers that go around trying to get over already existing churches., Apostles are under churches and are sent out by them. They have the prophet, pastor-teacher and evangelist anointing. They also perform healings and miracles. If we had apostles like this, boy, would the world be turned upside down!
pastor e - amen! and thanks for your work.
ReplyDelete"what makes one a pastor is the Divine call on your life that you felt at some point in your history and continues burning brightly today. An apostle is called in the same way" I am being called and I am listening. Will you help me?
ReplyDeleteJenni - sure, what do you need help with?
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Sorry I found it so late.
ReplyDelete