What Is An Apostle?

What Is An Apostle?

The term ” apostle ” is frequently utilized within our religious communities to refer to or designate specific individuals. However, one may question the authenticity of these individuals as apostles and whether it is possible to have a living apostle in contemporary times. This inquiry naturally leads to a fundamental question: what constitutes an apostle, and what was the role of apostles during biblical times?

Examining the scriptures and discerning what God’s Word articulates regarding the matter is essential to determine this accurately.Apostle?

To address the first inquiry, what is an apostle? In general terms, the word essentially denotes “one who is sent. ” However, as indicated in Matthew chapter 10, specific individuals were chosen by Jesus and designated as apostles.  Matthew 10, beginning at verse one, elaborates on the kind of authority bestowed upon these individuals, stating, “ And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.   The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;  Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;  Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him

Notably, these twelve disciples are referred to as the twelve apostles in the verses mentioned above, as they received this divine power directly from Christ to cast out demons and heal all forms of sickness and disease.

Jesus prepared these individuals before his crucifixion, and we can reference the significant discourse in the Gospel according to John, chapters 14 through 17, where Jesus shares the upper room with these twelve apostles. During this time, he discloses numerous events destined to unfold for them; one such event is that the Holy Spirit will inspire them to fulfill the work he ordained for them. As we analyze John chapter 14, it is essential to recall that this discourse occurs shortly before his betrayal, trial, and ultimate death.

in John chapter 14 verse 26 says ” But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

The information Jesus imparted to the twelve individuals is not extended to us. We do not possess the Holy Spirit in a manner that allows for miraculous recollection of all that Jesus proclaimed.

In John chapter 16 we go to verse 13 and it says ” When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ”

The verse mentioned above explicitly applies to the twelve individuals to whom Jesus spoke. The spirit of truth does not disclose future events to us today; however, it did convey prophetic insights to those apostles. This distinction holds considerable significance, particularly when analyzing these specific verses. Frequently, individuals extend the implications of these chapters to encompass all believers, despite not all information being imparted to every disciple.

In Acts chapter 1 starting in verse 2 and we see again how these individuals were given specific roles.  “until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.  He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

We observe various aspects concerning these individuals, including their identities, respective roles, and the powers bestowed upon them. Therefore, one may inquire whether anyone could attain the status of an apostle. It is becoming increasingly evident that the answer is in the negative. Specific qualifications must be satisfied, and these individuals must meet these criteria to be recognized as apostles.

Staying in Acts chapter 1, after Judas’s death- and of course, we know what happened to him; he took his own life after all that transpired with his betrayal- there was a vacancy that needed to be filled. In Acts chapter 1, we will revisit verse 20, which follows the revelation of what happened to Judas. Verse 20 states, “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and Let another take his office.”   Here is a prophecy regarding what was to happen to Judas, at least a thousand years before it did.  ” Let another take his office “- this is what the eleven present were engaged in. They were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them.

Verse 21 continues, “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”  And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

The vacancy presented upon Judas’ death is significant. However, what precisely underscores its importance? Among the men who accompanied them, individuals needed to be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. Not just anyone could fulfill the role of an apostle. The only individuals eligible to be apostles were those who had directly witnessed Jesus alive following his resurrection, and this is a critical point to consider when the term ” apostle “is employed.

What about the apostle Paul? 

The narrative concerning Saul of Tarsus is of significant importance. He was traveling on the road to Damascus, an account of critical relevance. To gain further insight, let us reference Acts chapter 9. Initially, verse 15 states, “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

This passage illustrates the interaction between Ananias and Saul of Tarsus. Consequently, Ananias proceeded to Saul’s residence, and upon laying his hands on him, he addressed him thus, ”  “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This significant occasion on the road to Damascus, during which Saul encountered the resurrected Lord, holds profound importance. Saul could not have assumed the role of an apostle without having witnessed the resurrected Lord. Consequently, the encounter between Saul and the resurrected Christ along the road is paramount for his apostolic calling.

Paul frequently emphasizes this in his epistles, notably those addressed to the church in Corinth, where he explicitly articulates his commission as an apostle.  1 Corinthians 9:1-3, “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?  If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.  This is my defense to those who would examine me.

The event on the road to Damascus served as an essential prerequisite for his apostolic mission, illustrating that one must be a witness of the risen Lord to fulfill this role.

John reinforces this point in 1 John chapter 1:1-3, “We want to tell you about the Word that gives life—the one who existed before the world began. This is the one we have heard and have seen with our own eyes. We saw what he did, and our hands touched him.  Yes, the one who is life was shown to us. We saw him, and so we can tell others about him. We now tell you about him. He is the eternal life that was with God the Father and was shown to us.  We are telling you about what we have seen and heard because we want you to have fellowship with us. The fellowship we share together is with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.

Being an eyewitness was an essential requirement for being an Apostle.

Continuing with the concept as mentioned earlier and referring to the Book of Acts, we note additional insights regarding the apostles. Specifically, Acts Chapter 3 provides significant information. Verse two reveals that Peter and John encountered a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb. Each day, he was carried and laid at the temple gate, referred to as ” Beautiful, ” to request alms from those entering the temple. It is noteworthy that this man had never been able to walk, which implies that his muscles, tendons, and ligaments would have been completely weak and ineffective due to his lifelong condition.  In addition to muscle atrophy, being lame from birth, he had never learned how to walk.

Concering this event, we read in verse six, where Peter states, “… “I don’t have any silver or gold, but I do have something else I can give you. By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth—stand up and walk!”  Then Peter took the man’s right hand and lifted him up. Immediately his feet and legs became strong.   He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk. He went into the Temple area with them. He was walking and jumping and praising God.

The Miraculous Healings

The significance of this matter lies in the fact that the apostles Peter and John possessed the extraordinary ability to heal individuals and perform miracles.  These were capabilities not exhibited by individuals today who claim the title of apostles within various religious groups.  Authentic apostles had the remarkable capacity to heal anyone suffering from any ailment, including those who were blind, deaf, or lame, as well as individuals who were possessed. Furthermore, they were even able to raise the dead.

In Acts chapter nine starting in verse 36, we find the account of the death and resurrection of Tabitha.  In verse 40 of this account we read, “Peter sent all the people out of the room. He knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to Tabitha’s body and said, “Tabitha, stand up!” She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the believers and the widows into the room. He showed them Tabitha; she was alive!

This woman had died, and Peter, being an apostle, was able to raise her from the dead.  In Acts chapter 19 starting in verse 11 we read, “And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,  so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.”  These miracles were undeniable and impossible to deny as noted in Act 4:16  saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.”   These miracles were so profound that they were impossible to fake and deny.

Only an Apostle Could Pass Miraculous Abilities To Others

Only the apostles could lay hands on others to bestow miraculous abilities. This is profoundly significant given the so-called faith healers today who claim to be able to perform miracles.

In Acts chapter 8, beginning in verse 4, we read of the gospel being taken to Samaria, “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.  Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.  For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.   So there was much joy in that city.

This was Philip the evangelist.  He was not one of the original 12 apostles.  He was one of the seven men chosen to help with the widows in the Jerusalem church in Acts 6:1-7.  Notice in Act 8:14-17, “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

In the Bible, the city of Samaria was roughly 40 to 42 miles north of Jerusalem. The distance between Jerusalem and the region of Samaria was generally considered to be around 33 miles.   Most people walked everywhere in the first century.  Peter and John made that trip expressly to give the new Christians in Samaria the Holy Spirit because Philip could not do it.  Philip had the gift of the Holy Spirit and worked many miracles in Samaria, but he could not pass them along.  Peter and John, who were apostles, had to make that journey to do that for them.

Recall Simon the sorcerer was impressed with the abilities provided by the Holy Spirit and, after becoming a Christian himself, he chose to accompany Philip as he evangelized (Acts 8:13).   When Peter and John arrived and started laying hands on the Samaritans and giving them the Holy Ghost, Simon saw this and he made a very specific request.  He did not ask to purchase the abilities of the Holy Spirit; instead, he asked for the ability to pass them along to others.

Act 8:18-19, “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,  saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Verse 18 shows that Simon realized the Holy Spirit was only given through the laying on of the hands of an apostle. Philip couldn’t do it. Only Peter and John could, and Simon, realizing this, desired that ability for himself and tried to buy the ability to pass them along.

The account of Philip evangelizing Samaria and Simon the sorcerer clearly establishes that the only way the Holy Ghost’s miraculous gifts could be passed was through an apostle.  That being established, when the last person upon whom an apostle laid their hands died, the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost forever passed from mankind.  Anyone claiming to have those abilities today is lying.

Paul prophesied the passing of these miraculous gifts in 1 Corinthians 13:8, which reads, “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”  The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were never intended to continue.  Once the perfect and complete will of God was revealed and recorded, there was no longer a need to confirm the spoken word with signs and miracles.

No one living today has seen the resurrected Savior. No one possesses the power to heal diseases or raise the dead, nor does anyone have the ability to bestow such miraculous abilities upon others. Therefore, the truth is that there are no living apostles today, regardless of what some may claim.

Lastly, in John 17, Jesus speaks toward the end of the upper room discourse. He offers a prayer, which is arguably what should be called the Lord’s Prayer. In contrast, the Sermon on the Mount presents what is often referred to as the model prayer. In John chapter 17, particularly verses 1-8, Jesus prays for himself, specifically verses 1-6, where he focuses on his own needs. Following that, he prays for the apostles. In verse 6, he states, “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. ”

Here, he is praying for those men, specifically the apostles. Notably, starting in verse 20, Jesus states, ” I do not pray for these alone “- referring not only to the apostles but also to those who will believe in Me through their word. This clarification underscores a distinction between the apostles and the believers.   Not all believers are apostles; the apostles represent a distinctly chosen group.

Thus, there is a significant division between the apostles and those who would come later, believing through their teachings. In conclusion, regardless of what any organization, religion, or church may assert, no individuals can biblically be called apostles like the originals could.   No one alive today can truly claim to be an apostle of the Lord.   Additionally, no one alive today can claim to possess any miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.

However, we can be thankful that the real apostles’ words guide us toward heaven. Just as Jesus prayed for those who would believe through their word, we have their teachings guiding us.

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Preacher, Elder, Leader?  Step Down!

Preacher, Elder, Leader?  Step Down!

If you are a preacher, elder, or church leader currently caught up in adultery, pedophilia, homosexuality, drunkenness, or pornography, please step down until you get your own life under control.

I am so very tired of meeting young people who placed their faith in a youth minister, camp director, preacher, elder, etc. only to discover years later that the person they held up as a “model Christian” is now a scandal in his local congregation.elder, preacher, leader

Yes, I agree that young people should not put men whose feet are made of clay on pedestals, but the reality is that most of them do. And many are walking away from the church because of this.

If this were just a one-time issue I would never have considered writing this.

But it seems to be occurring more often with greater frequency. You open Facebook and see a picture of a youth minister with his arm around two young girls at a Christian camp. Fast-forward three years and now his marriage is in shambles because for the past six months he has been sleeping with a sixteen year old in the youth group. Not only is he facing a broken marriage, but he may also be facing criminal charges that would tarnish the name of the church in that local area.

Or maybe it’s an elder many look up to in a congregation who gets addicted to pornography. Or maybe it’s a preacher who loves to hug little children every Sunday—only to discover years later he struggles with pedophilia.

Please, if you are struggling with these issues right now—or feel yourself on the brink of falling into one of these temptations—please have the courage to take some time off and get help. Please don’t tarnish the bride of Christ with yet another scandal.

We all shake our fingers at Catholic priests and the tremendous amount of damage they have done to young boys. But the reality is we have our own problems in the New Testament church. (I know some will chastise me for even pointing this out, because “we are not supposed to air out any dirty laundry” regarding the church. Friends, we’ve been polishing the outside of the cup too long. It’s time we take a good long look at the contents of what’s inside!)

Right now our local congregations do not handle confession well. If this is going to happen we need cooperation from elders and congregations. We must have a plan in place.

Consider the plight of a man whose income is tied to preaching in the pulpit, but he needs help with pornography. His livelihood is at stake, making it highly unlikely that he will confess and seek treatment, unless there is a plan in place that will help him during his time off. Maybe they help him find temporary work with an agreement that he can come back or maybe it’s a paid sabbatical so that he can seek counseling.

If you are caught up in these sins I beg you to take a sabbatical, step down, or take an extended leave. Consider for a moment the beautiful impact you will have on your church family when you return and can say, “I had walked back on the broad way, but I took some time to heal and am now happily back on the narrow path.” That message will influence young people in a healthy way and will help strengthen their faith, rather than them hearing through the grapevine that their preacher got arrested in a prostitution sting.

It is way past time our church leaders and preachers teach Truth in the pulpit and demonstrate it in their daily lives. It is time we clean up the bride of Christ and get her ready to meet the groom. Paul wrote: “ For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2).

We must keep the church pure, and that has to start with the leaders. If we are going to call ourselves servants of Christ then we must conduct ourselves like Christ.

Please prayerfully consider what I’m saying. If you need help, counseling, or resources I am happy to provide those confidentially. (In fact, there are hundreds of Christian men ready and willing to help).

If you are caught up in one of these sins the best sermon you can preach is by stepping down, getting help, and drawing closer to Christ—showing true fruits of repentance. Please don’t wait. Young souls hang in the balance of your decision….

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Faith Cometh By Hearing

Faith Cometh By Hearing

According to the Bible, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans_10:17). Many who misunderstand faith believe it is merely a mental acknowledgment of one’s belief in Jesus as the Son of God. But God’s Word shows that faith is believing and heeding the information God has revealed. Because you believe this information, you are then inclined to follow the instructions that it presents.ear for hearing

Hebrews chapter 11 describes various actions individuals took by faith. When we examine these actions closely, we see that they were following instructions that were provided to them. They received information and then adhered to the instructions that came from it. As a result, they accomplished these acts by faith.

For instance, by faith, Moses forsook Egypt; he was instructed to do so. By faith, he kept the Passover, which he was also told to do. By faith, the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, following instructions they had received. And by faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, as they were told. None of these actions accomplished by faith would have resulted in the blessings they received if they had not heeded God’s instructions. God provided them with information that included instructions to be followed. By faith they obeyed.

When you read your Bible and understand that faith refers to the information God has provided, complete with instructions, your understanding of faith will become much clearer. Notice that the gospel was made known to all nations for the obedience of faith (Romans 16:26), indicating that faith includes information accompanied by commandments we are expected to obey.

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Joshua, A Man used by God

Joshua, A Man used by God

The grandeur of Israel with their renowned leader, Moses, does not end when Moses ascends to the peaks of Mt. Nebo to view the Promised Land. It does not end when God takes the body of Moses and buries it in an unmarked tomb. The reality is that far greater days lay ahead for Israel under a new leader, Joshua the son of Nun.

Joshua, A Chosen Vessel

The reality is that we know so very little about this great leader, but what we know shows that he was a vessel chosen by God to accomplish His will.  Before the Jews, having passed through the Red Sea, even arrived at Mt. Sinai, they were attacked by the Amalekites. Israel had no army for they had been slaves for many years in Egypt, but Moses instructed Joshua to become the leader of the battle with this nomadic tribe. It was on this occasion that the uplifted hands of Moses lead to victory over the enemies.

The second mention of this chosen vessel is when Moses ascended Mt. Sinai to receive the tablets of stone. Joshua, described as the assistant of Moses (Ex. 24:13), ascended part of the way on Moses’ upward journey. Joshua was still there forty days later when Moses descended from the mountain because of the building of the golden calf (Ex. 32:17).Joshua

Joshua, A Man Appointed by God

Right before Moses ascended to the peaks of another mountain, Mt. Nebo, he entreated God to select his successor (Numbers 27). Joshua was brought before the nation and, in their presence, he was inaugurated as the new leader (Num. 27:23). Joshua had received the Spirit to help him and this happened when Moses laid his hands on Joshua (Deut. 34:9). He received Divine wisdom to enable him to do his work.

Joshua, A Man of Faith

The life of Joshua is centered on the faith he had in God. No man could have accomplished what he did without having deep faith in the Almighty God and His help. We must never overlook where faith comes from, not only in one who is seeking to become a child of God, but also in the oldest Christian who seeks great faith. The key to greater faith is greater knowledge of His word.

Look at the charge given to Joshua by God. “Observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left…This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it” (Josh. 1:7-8).

Let me urge you to be used by God like Joshua.

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Following the Leader

Following the Leader

I remember a game I played as a child, but I am not sure what it was called. I think it was called “Follow the Leader,” where one child became the leader and whatever he did had to be exactly duplicated in all those other children who were following the leader. If he jumped, they jumped. If he turned in a circle, they turned in a circle. If he walked backwards, they walked backwards. If he did all three in an immediate sequence, they did all three.Following the Leader

There is serious application of this game in the lives of those early Christians. Paul came to Thessalonica as part of the “Macedonian Call” and went first to Philippi and then to Thessalonica. He was only there three weeks before tremendous persecution forced him to leave. He came back there often for several years. In his first letter to that church, Paul spoke of what had happened as the church began. “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess. 1:6).

For the first time, these people in Macedonia met a follower of Jesus. He taught them, and they saw the way he lived what he taught. They followed him. They had worshiped images made by the hands of mortals which were embellished with gold and precious stones. Paul taught them about the One who created these very stones, and they “…turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9). What they had seen and heard from the apostle caused them to follow him. Look at verse 6 again. They followed Paul, but he taught them more. They became followers of Paul and “of the Lord.” The apostle diverted their focus from him and focused it on the Lord, the One who really matters.

The Greek word for “follower” (mimos) became a word we commonly use today. They saw the folly of idolatry and began to “mimic” Paul and Jesus. Paul was not seeking to become an iconic apostolic hero. He taught them what he taught those in Corinth. “Imitate (mimos) me just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). He is the One to follow!

Paul described the lives of these new Christians in this way. “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 2:14). I will never forget how this verse was taught to the people of Easter Island. Josh Blackmer said, “We have come to this island to ask the people to become followers of ‘churches of God which are in’ the Bible. The Bible describes that church, and Jesus wants us to read about it and be followers of the Lord as seen in that church.”

Read about the Lord. Then become one who mimics the One who really matters!

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