Are there still Apostles today?

[Servus]

The stated requirements for being an apostle are:

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22

And of course the apostle had to be appointed by the apostles who were appointed by Jesus.

 

[concretecamper]

No one alive today is entitled to call themselves an Apostle.

However, there are bishops in Apostolic succession

I think the word Apostolic in the phrase Apostolic Succession tells us that all Bishops are modern day Apostles.

 

[concretecamper]

Acts 1:15 In those days Peter rising up in the midst of the brethren, said (now the number of persons together was about an hundred and twenty):
1:16 Men, brethren, the scripture must needs be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was the leader of them that apprehended Jesus:
1:17 Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
1:18 And he indeed hath possessed a field of the reward of iniquity, and being hanged, burst asunder in the midst: and all his bowels gushed out.
1:19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: so that the same field was called in their tongue, Haceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein. And his bishopric let another take.
1:21 Wherefore of these men who have companied with us, all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us,
1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day wherein he was taken up from us, one of these must be made a witness with us of his resurrection.
1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.


A few things to take away from this passage in Acts.

1. First, Peter displays his position as Chief of the Apostles.
2. Second, Bishopric is used as a description, showing that the Apostles were indeed the first Bishops of His Church.
3. Succession is demonstrated .

It is without a doubt, both scripturally and historically that the present day Bishops of His Church are modern day Apostles

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Acts 1:15 In those days Peter rising up in the midst of the brethren, said (now the number of persons together was about an hundred and twenty):
1:16 Men, brethren, the scripture must needs be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was the leader of them that apprehended Jesus:
1:17 Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
1:18 And he indeed hath possessed a field of the reward of iniquity, and being hanged, burst asunder in the midst: and all his bowels gushed out.
1:19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: so that the same field was called in their tongue, Haceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein. And his bishopric let another take.
1:21 Wherefore of these men who have companied with us, all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us,
1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day wherein he was taken up from us, one of these must be made a witness with us of his resurrection.
1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.


A few things to take away from this passage in Acts.

1. First, Peter displays his position as Chief of the Apostles.
2. Second, Bishopric is used as a description, showing that the Apostles were indeed the first Bishops of His Church.
3. Succession is demonstrated .

It is without a doubt, both scripturally and historically that the present day Bishops of His Church are modern day Apostles

Nah. Later successors may indeed be bishops, that can't be denied, but what can be denied is that they are identical in nature in their total calling and authority. Because historically, in connection to Christ and the Apostles, they're not in the same relation to Christ and we have no guarantee that they were indeed called by the Holy Spirit simply because some other church leaders 'think' that Joe Schmoe should be a leader.

No, we just have a bunch of denominations today with a mixed bag of legitimate leaders, some of whom have merely taken the mantle by their own personal assumptions of being "available," which isn't really a criterion of being a legitimate leader in the Church.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

The stated requirements for being an apostle are:

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22

And of course the apostle had to be appointed by the apostles who were appointed by Jesus.

But we have to fit in the fact that Barnabas was also designated as an 'apostle,' and there's no indication that Barnabas was similar to Matthias in having been in the original entourage directly surrounding Jesus.

 

[Always in His Presence]

The stated requirements for being an apostle are:

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22

And of course the apostle had to be appointed by the apostles who were appointed by Jesus.

Yes - that adequately describes "The Apostles of the Lamb" mentioned in Revelation

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

Which would be similar to the church being built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets - note: same terminology (foundation)

But we have to fit in the fact that Barnabas was also designated as an 'apostle,' and there's no indication that Barnabas was similar to Matthias in having been in the original entourage directly surrounding Jesus.

Neither was Paul.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Yes - that adequately describes "The Apostles of the Lamb" mentioned in Revelation

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

Which would be similar to the church being built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets - note: same terminology (foundation)


Neither was Paul.

Sure he was. That's the point that Luke was making in Acts. Paul himself attests to it as well. So, get that straight into your head.

 

[Always in His Presence]

Sure he was. That's the point that Luke was making in Acts. Paul himself attests to it as well. So, get that straight into your head.

I do have it right in my head - go back and re-read what I was responding to.

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us,​

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Was Paul with them the whole time the Lord was living?

22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.​

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Was Paul with them from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from them?

For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22​

​

Was Paul a witness with the Disciples to His Resurrection?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I do have it right in my head - go back and re-read what I was responding to.

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us,​

​

Was Paul with them the whole time the Lord was living?

22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.​

​

Was Paul with them from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from them?

For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22​

​

Was Paul a witness with the Disciples to His Resurrection?

I only read the part where you were addressing me. I didn't read what your were writing to other people and I won't be reading it.

You silly charismatics.

 

[Always in His Presence]

Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,​

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NOTE: all five were given by Jesus to the church - what is the purpose for all five?

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12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,​

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Do we still need to be equipped for the work of the ministry, does the Body of Christ still need to be edified?

How long are they supposed to be in the chruch?​

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13 till 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;​

 

[Always in His Presence]

You silly charismatics.

Thank you - I appreciate the compliment.

My apologies for responding contextually.

 

[concretecamper]

Because historically, in connection to Christ and the Apostles, they're not in the same relation to Christ and we have no guarantee that they were indeed called by the Holy Spirit simply because some other church leaders 'think' that Joe Schmoe should be a leader.

So I guess you then reject John's appointment of Polycarp as Bishop of Smyrna.

To be ignorant of history is a huge handicap.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

So I guess you then reject John's appointment of Polycarp as Bishop of Smyrna.

I only reject the idea that Polycarp carried on the 'equal' station from John, not the Apostolic Kerygma itself.

To be ignorant of history is a huge handicap.

Well then, you'll be happy to know that as a student of Historiography, World History, Church History and The Philosophy of History, I don't have as big of a handicap in that area as you apparently assume I do.

So, you can stop you boasting and pomposity anytime, 'cuz I won't be patient with it any longer.

 

[concretecamper]

Well then, you'll be happy to know that as a student of Historiography, World History, Church History and The Philosophy of History, I don't have as big of a handicap in that area as you apparently assume I do.

So, you can stop you boasting and pomposity anytime, 'cuz I won't be patient with it any longer.

Another boaster about their claimed credentials.

 

[concretecamper]

I only reject the idea that Polycarp carried on the 'equal' station from John, not the Apostolic Kerygma itself.

I would not expect anything different. However, it doesn't negate the historical and scriptural idea of Apostolic Succession.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I would not expect anything different. However, it doesn't negate the historical and scriptural idea of Apostolic Succession.

And your parroting it doesn't validate either.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Another boaster about their claimed credentials.

You're not listening, are you? That's fine. I'll just recommend that no one else listens to your ongoing chutzpah either, Mr. Qualifications.

 

[concretecamper]

No one alive today is entitled to call themselves an Apostle. If that were the case, then surely St. Clement, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Justin Martyr, St. Polycarp of Smyrna, St. Ireaneus of Lyons, St. Victor of Rome, St. Cyprian of Carthage, St. Gregory the Wonderworker, St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Nino the Enlightener of the Georgians, St. Athanasius of Alexandria, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, St. John Chrysostom, St. Cyril the Great, St. Cyril and Methodius, St. Herman of Alaska and others would be venerated as Apostles. As it happens, some, such as St. Nino, are venerated as Equal to the Apostles, and some such as St. Athanasius, are venerated as Apostolic.

However, there are bishops in Apostolic succession, both according to the definition of succession of St. Cyprian of Carthage which requires doctrinal orthodoxy for apostolic succession to be transmitted, and the definition of St. Augustine of Hippo, which does not.

Obviously some bishops are more deserving of the episcopate than others.

Additionally there are evangelists who have received a blessing from the Orthodox Church to preach, such as Billy Graham, memory eternal, who assisted the Russian Orthodox Church, the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the other canonical Orthodox churches in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics by preaching there, with the blessing of the Patriarchate of Moscow, for during the Soviet Union, the churches therein were prohibited from catechizing the youth, preaching became dangerous, and many parishes were closed so accessing church became very difficult, and in some cities there was no church at all*.

Thus, with the blessing of the Russian Orthodox Church, Billy Graham did a great service for the Christians of the former Soviet Union, by preaching throughout; his popularity was such that the Soviets dared not interfere without embarrassing themselves on the world stage.

But Billy Graham did not claim the title of Apostle; this title has only been used to refer to the Twelve (including St. Matthias, ordained to replace Judas Iscariot), the Seventy and St. Paul. Self-appointed Apostles are always a red flag; no traditional denomination has allowed anyone to claim such a title.


*for example, in Pripyat, although there was an Orthodox church nearby in Chernobyl, which survived the disaster, has miraculously low radiation levels and is still open for liturgy, the only operational church in the Exclusion Zone.

Saint Innocent of Alaska is referred to as an Apostle in the Russian Orthodox Tradition.

Also, we cannot argue that the 318 Fathers at Nicea were not guided by the same Holy Spirit, in equal measure to those 120 at Pentecost. Ignatius, ordained by Peter, carried on the Catholic faith at Antioch. Are we to believe that Ignatius was somehow inferior? On the contrary. Ignatius led the Church in Antioch with no less authority or affect than Peter.

Apostolic Succession is precisely what it says

 

[Dan Perez]

Yes - that adequately describes "The Apostles of the Lamb" mentioned in Revelation

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

Which would be similar to the church being built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets - note: same terminology (foundation)


Neither was Paul.

# 1 AND how apostles were chosen. is written in. Acts 1:21. AND 22 . PERIOD

Verse 21 says therefore , it is necessary b of the men having gone with us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus came in

and went. out among us.

verse 22 says having BEGUN. from the BAPTIM. of John. until the DAY. in which. He was TAKEN. UP FROM US

one of these. is to b become with. us a WITNESS of HIS RESURRECTION

and that means that under the LAW NO ONE COULD CHOSEN TO BE AND APOSTLE UNLESS THAT PERSON

WAS A WITNESS OF JESUS RESURRECTION

And in verse 26 show they were CHOSEN

And in. Eph 4:11 and it is Christ who chooses. and HE GAVE // DIDOMI. in. the AORIST TENSE in. the ACTIVE VOICE

in. the SINGULAR

SOME //. HO DEFINITE ARTICLE. in the PLURAL

APOSTLES /. APOSTOLOS. just means a Messenger

And PROPHETS. , EVANGELISTS , PASTORS. AND TEACHERS

Christ chooses and not a church !!

AND was a called from his mothers womb and in Rom 1 :1 a called APOSTLE. and SEPARATED. //. APHORIZO

and that Greek word means LIMITED TO PREACH. the GOSPEL of GRACE !!

dan p

 

[Maria Billingsley]

An Apo

A little Biblical history and perspective first.

First and foremost is Jesus Christ -

Heb 3:1Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,​

There is the Original 12:

• Simon (Peter)
• Andrew (his brother)
• James (son of Zebedee)
• John (his brother)
• Philip
• Bartholomew (Nathanael)
• Thomas (Didymus)
• Matthew (the tax collector/Levi)
• James (son of Alphaeus)
• Thaddaeus (Judas son of James, also called Jude or Lebbaeus)
• Simon (the Zealot/Cananite)
• Judas Iscariot (the betrayer, later replaced)

Judas was replaced by Matthias - After Judas Iscariot's death, Matthias was chosen by lot to replace him and is explicitly numbered "with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:26). He is therefore referred to as an apostle. They held a unique position (role) in the Gospels -

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

The Reader will notice that the writers of their Gospels - Luke and Mark were not part of the 12. - yet many refer to them as Apostles

Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”​

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The reader will note that the 12 were called disciples when they were with Christ and Apostles when they were sent out -​

Keep reading:

Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done.​

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Same 12 people - their titles changed from disciple to apostle because they were sent out on a specific journey.

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Luke 10:10 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ​

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Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”​

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EXACTLY the same direction from the Lord - EXACTLY the same authority and results.

Apostle - transliterated - apostolos - a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers):—apostle, messenger, he that is sent.​

Then there is Paul - an Apostle to the Gentiles

Barnabus - Acts 14:4 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out

James - Gal 1:19 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

None will ever be to the level of the 12 -

But there are numbers called by God and sent who bear the Title Apostle who preached the Gospel, cast out demons and healed the sick.

When I think of modern times, I think of Dr. Billy Graham, who preached the Gospel to over 1 billion people - ministered to Kings and President, who's ministry saw tens of millions come to Christ for Salvation.

The definition of an apostle is rooted in the Greek concept of an authoritative emissary or delegate, meaning the individual is specially commissioned and sent on a particular mission. The title is reserved for a representative who is empowered to act and speak on behalf of the sender, carrying their official authority and mandate. Therefore, to be considered an apostle requires a direct, official appointment, not merely a desire to carry a message.
So I would say no, there are no apostles today as the Foundation had already been placed with Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Chief Cornerstone with the Prophets and Apostles.
Blessings