The role of an apostle...
 

Today I have been reflecting about all of that has been discussed of late re the possible new organization and the idea of apostles and such.

I have heard some folks (not Apostolic) say that they do not believe in modern day apostles...that this died off with the first apostles.

Others leave it to an organizational body to appoint men to an Apostles Board (COOLJC for example).

But what does the Bible say about it?!

Is it a position one aspires to or is it thrust upon them?!

Do we have apostles among us today?!

What is the office of apostle for...what is his role in the scructure of the Church?!

First, let us understand that Ephesian 2:20 states that we "are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone."

My thinking is that if the Church was built on something, that foundation is still there, that being apostles and prophets...seems elementary to me.

Second, Ephesians 4:11-16 states...

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

So if the 'Five-fold Ministry' was given for the perfecting and edifying of the Saints and for the work of the ministry, it is my humbled opinion that apostles are operating today.

If I am correct in my thinking, it seems in order to set up a church or organization with that in mind.

As I may not be articulating my thoughts and questions as well as I ought (these long days are beginning to catch up with me), I'll let the great minds here make sense of this and explain the role of apostles in the Church.

Too tired to think about your question.

But I wanted to name 2 men I have known personally.

They knew my dad as well.

I consider them modern day Apostles.

T.W. Barnes - Minden, LA
Frank Tamel - Oak Creek, WI

I consider my husband an apostle.

That was so sweet. I would long for the day my wife would say that about me.

If his wife says he is an Apostle.

Then I would say he is a real Apostle.

You know him best!

He is just human like all of us but his role in the work of God is that of an apostle.

"Always hoped that I'd be an apostle
Knew that I would make it if I tried
Then when we retire we can write the gospels
So they'll still talk about us when we've died"


The one problem I see with setting up a church organization based upon the New Testament model is that Jesus chose the Apostles. Of course the term "apostle" can simply mean "one who is sent" and in a generic sense every missionary is an "apostle" to some degree.

However, when you get into the office of an "Apostle" then you really need to look at the Biblical role that was fulfilled by these men and then wonder how we would accomplish the same thing in the modern world. There are many who proclaim themselves to be an "Apostle." This appeared to happen in NT times as well (Revelation 2:2).

The NT Apostles had the authority to write Scripture and to judge what was and was not Scripture. Like it or not, we have relied upon the offices of the Roman Catholic Church and its apostles and the apostolic authority of its councils to determine what is Scripture for us. I guess since we lack the real "Apostolic" authority, we have deferred to their authority.

Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it. Why do we as "Apostolics" rip on the RCC and claim that we're "more apostolic than they are." But when it comes down to the most fundamental role of an Apostle, we defer to their apostolic authority- and never question it.

Here is my take. First of all I see a LOT of people who are known as "Apostle" this or that..Sometimes they just start off as evangelist, then Pastor...moves up to Prophet or prophetess and then finally they reach Apostlehood..

I don't see anywhere in the bible where someone has any of those titles as official titles everyone calls them. Rather they were simply descriptive terms...

I mean, are we heading back to Rome? If I wanted to be puffed up in pride I'd take Apostle any day over "father", but the bible says not to do that. So why are we doing it with these terms? I have to say I am leery about those titles as I tend to think it's more about pride and wanting to gain a title.

I see a lot of Pastors introduce their wives as "Evangelist so and so"....do they really do the work of the evangelist? What is the Pastor doing?

How did they get the title of Apostle? Did someone confer it on them or was it self appointed? Or was it appointed by a friend?

To me an apostle would be one who has a gifting for raising up new works, and helping oversee works,and also an apostle would be one who helps young ministers get esatablished and mentors them.

Put a shirt on the cave man and I'll confer the title of "civilized" upon you, Prax my friend.

I agree...with Scott