Many Apostles?

[ScottHere]

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ
Ephesians 4:11-12

Are there apostles around these days, or was it only the twelve? How about prophets?

 

[A Brother In Christ]

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ
Ephesians 4:11-12

Are there apostles around these days, or was it only the twelve? How about prophets?

there was more than 12 apostles... they were gift in eph 4:8

there was also prophets but both of these where for the body of Christ so that they could be fed... since the bible was not completed

 

[Blank123]

that actually is an interesting verse in light of Revelations:


14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. - rev 21:14

obviously thats referring to the 12 apostles, but what strikes me as interesting is that only 12 apostles will ever be recognized as being apostles.

so how can we interpret the verse from ephesians in light of what Rev tells us?

 

[A Brother In Christ]

acts 14:14... barnabas ... NT apostle
phil 2:25 ... epaphroditus ... NT apostle
romans 16:7 .. Andronicus and Junia ... NT Apostles

 

[Tychicum]

The word "Apostle" means a person sent by another; a messenger; envoy.

This word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus Christ, the Sent of the Father (Heb_3:1; Joh_20:21).

It is, however, generally used as designating the body of disciples to whom he entrusted the dissemination of his gospels, “the twelve,” as they are called (Mat_10:1-5; Mar_3:14; Mar_6:7; Luk_6:13; Luk_9:1).

We have four lists of the apostles, one by each of the synoptic evangelists (Mat_10:2-4; Mar_3:16; Luk_6:14), and one in the Acts (Act_1:13). No two of these lists, however, perfectly coincide.

Paul was an apostle with a special calling ... to the gentiles ...

Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office ...

 

[daveleau]

The word Apostle means "messenger." One who is sent is based on an incorrect view of this being a compound word. All major subsequent lexicons after Thayers disagree that apostollos means "one who is sent." All are sent to preach the Word, as is discussed in the Great Commission. DA Carson talks bout this issue (root fallacy) in his book Exegetical Fallacies. The Apostle is a messenger sent from God.

This topic of gifts is highly debated. Many deny the sign gifts, and many of those that do this assume apostleship is a sign gift. They lump it with tongues, prophecy, miracles and healing.

Scripture does not say these gifts have ceased. But, the lack of manifestation of some of these gifts in today's churches leads people to reason that they are not for today. Also, Paul's description of apostles as having seen Jesus Christ on earth feeds this belief.

Today, people calling themselves apostles, to me, is presumptuous. I know there are pastors that do this, and I do not deny that this gift is possible to manifest itself today. But, I feel that most instances of people calling themselves "apostles" are treating this like the office of "pastor." Apostleship is not described as a calling, and it can possibly be a temporary position (some say Barnabas and Timothy were temporarily given the gift of apostleship in Acts.) People are called to the pastorate. There is no discussion of being called to apostleship.

I urge you to read about this from different viewpoints to learn about this topic. Read all pertinent Scripture, and read differing views on this to see the interpretations of Scripture. If not, check with your pastor and talk to him about it. And, with everything, hold it up to all Scripture's statements on this issue.

In Him,
Dave

 

[huyhoa87]

but didn't Jesus call the apostles to follow him? Had he not called him, would they still be apostles?