Every now and then, a debate surfaces over the issue of
Apostles today.
Now I am speaking of those who claim there are still
Apostles alive today, and that the original apostles were not the end...but it
was a "gift" or "appointment" still in effect.
Personally, I lean towards the traditional view that, no,
there are no apostles today. The
original apostles were appointed for a reason, much like the canon of the
scripture, was set in place for the beginning of the Church age.
A great quote is found here:
During the
first century of the church, there was an office of apostle and there was a
spiritual gift of apostle. The office or position of apostle was held by the 12
disciples of Jesus plus Matthias, who took Judas’ place, and Paul. Those who
held the office or position of apostle were chosen specifically by Christ (Mark
3:16-19). The replacement for Judas is seen in Acts 1:20-26. Note in this
passage that Judas' position was called an office. It should also be noted that
Paul was chosen by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8-9; Galatians 1:1; 2:6-9). These
men were given the task of setting up the foundation of the church. It should
be understood that it was for the universal church that these men were a part
of the foundation (Ephesians 2:20). The foundation of the church (universal
church) was laid in the first century. This is why the office of apostle is no
longer functioning.
Although, sadly, a lot is filtered with the
non-scriptural notion that gifts also ceased....but no where in scripture do we
find that....it is just a conclusion that is actually not found in the Bible.
I know that not
everyone agrees with me. But I would be more inclined to accept someone who is
an apostle if they:
1. Were appointed by Jesus Himself to be an apostle.
2. Had seen the
Risen Jesus as well.
2 Peter 1:1 opens up in a great way. It states:
"Simon
Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the
righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as
precious as ours"
Notice how he states that he is a "servant"
before he lays hold of the "apostle" label?
Beware of men in today's day and age advertizing their
"apostle" label, even showing up in Church explaining why they are an
"apostle". They are clinging to authority that is not theirs to cling
to.
And why try to claim the label of apostle? What purpose?
That you have authority over everyone? That everyone should listen to
you?
Will we ever know?
One of those issues where I have friends on both sides. But this is what
I believe anyways....there are no apostles alive today. Some might have a form
of apostolic ministry....but apostles?
Nah...I just don't see it in the Bible
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