Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake1611
I mentioned extra because of the significant of the original 12. Theirs was a special one time mission: to lay the foundation of the church which can only be done once. We cannot lay another foundation. Also, there are very specific qualifications to be an apostle. One had to have been with Jesus or witnessed the resurrection, just to name two. Although Paul came on the scene late, he was visited by the resurrected Christ and singled out for a very important mission: to preach to the Gentiles. Paul said of himself that he was born out of time.
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So how do you know that Paul was the LAST one to have this revelation of seeing Jesus Christ in His resurrected body???
Well, up to now, we are certain of 14 Apostles (the original 12, Matthias and Paul). Let's take a look. First, there was Barnabas.
Acts 14:14 records,
"Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,"
There was also Apollos, mentioned in
1 Corinthians 4:6-9,
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another…For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Then, there was James, the brother of Jesus Christ, who was not one of the original Twelve (there were two other apostles named James).
Galatians 1:19, Paul says, "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother." And there was Silvanus and Timotheus. This one slips by some people. In 1 Thessalonians, we find Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus, writing to those in Thessalonica:
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; (
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2)
Then later, we find them referencing themselves as Apostles...
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6)
There are two others that could be considered apostles, but it's not absolutely clear, given the language used by Paul in
Romans 16:7. But that could be another two.
So, let's see, where does that leave us? Using the New Testament text, we have found at least 19, perhaps 21, men with the title of apostle. Did all 19 or 21 see the resurrected Lord? We don't know. If they did, it is not recorded in our current New Testament.
Suffice it to say, there were several other Apostles, in addition to the original 12. And while the original 11 (minus Judas) were chosen from men who had been with Christ throughout His ministry, this was never declared a universal requirement and we have numerous examples of apostles who don't meet that requirement.
Apostles are special witnesses of Christ, chosen by God to testify, to lead and teach His children and to manage the affairs of His Church. Whether it be 2000 years ago when they wore robes and sandals, or today when they wear suits and ties, apostles are special witnesses of Christ and we are blessed to have them on the Earth today.
http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Must_All...ee_Christ.html
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