Are there Apostles Today?

 

What is an apostle?

“An apostle is one sent on behalf of another with the authority of the sender to successfully fulfil that for which he is sent, and to fully represent and make known the sender”

 

The first apostles were appointed by Jesus

“…He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” Luke 6:12-13

 These 12 [Judas was replace by Matthias – Acts 1:25] are called the apostles of the Lamb.

Rev. 21:14

 Apostles in the early church

In Acts 13:2-4 the Holy Spirit identified Saul (Paul) & Barnabas to be set apart and sent out as apostles. [Acts 14:14]

 When Jesus ascended into heaven, He released gifts

“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” Eph. 4:8

 It is a five-fold gift

“He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers.” Eph. 4:11

 Each of the five gifts releases grace to the body of Christ.

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” Eph. 4:7. Every saint needs the grace that each five-fold minister releases.   

 The gifts are for a specific purpose - to equip [perfect] the saints & to edify [build up] the body of Christ, and must do the work of the ministry until “we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:12-13

 Apostles are appointed by the will of God

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” Eph.1:1

 “Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father…) Gal.1:1

 Why do we need apostles?

God has set an order in His body 

“And God has appointed these in the church; first apostles, second prophets, third teachers …” 1 Cor.12:28

 The church is to be built on the right foundations

“Having been built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” Eph.2:20

 Apostles bring revelation of the mystery

“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (… by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.) Eph.3:3-5

Apostles represent Christ

“He who receives you [the apostles] receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” Matt.10:40

 Apostles are given to bring the nations to the obedience of the faith

“Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.” Rom.1:5

 The church grows through the apostles’ doctrine

(the teachings of Jesus)

The early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine …” Acts 2:42

 Apostles are fathers

They have the heart of a father for the church because they have been appointed by Jesus to bring the revelation of the Father to the church. “.. you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 1Cor.4:15

 Apostles are vital ministries:

In the founding of the church,

In the life and the development of the church of Jesus Christ.

 Apostles are needed today:

·       to set the church in order

·       to restore proper foundations

·       to ordain elders in every place

·       to bring the revelation of the mystery

·       to release the grace of God

·       to work mighty signs and wonders

·       to bring the church to maturity.