ARE THERE STILL APOSTLES TODAY?

There are many professing apostles today. Some of them sit at the top of a church hierarchy. And they speak with an authoritative voice over the Elders and entire congregation. 

The question is, are modern day apostles biblical? This article will give a robust biblical explanation of an apostle. What is the role of the Apostles in the church today and how we should view modern day apostles.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE AN APOSTLE?

The first qualification of an Apostle is that they must be an eyewitness to the Risen Lord Jesus. Secondly, they are directly appointed by Christ (Acts 1:2-3, Acts 4:33).

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 2 Corinthians 12:12 ESV

In addition, extraordinary powers were granted by Christ to the Apostles to authenticate the Gospel message (Acts 3:1-10, Acts 5:12-16, Acts 13:11, Acts 14:10, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 20:10-12).

Furthermore, their lives were subjected to extreme sufferings for the sake of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 4:9-13).

WHO WERE THE APOSTLES? 

And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach. Mark 3:13-14 ESV

Christ appointed a group of twelve men who were unique as charter members of the office of Apostles (Revelation 21:14). They spent three years with Jesus and were personally taught by Him. However, one of them was a son of destruction (John 17:12).

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.” Acts 1:22-23 ESV

After the Ascension of the Lord Jesus, the eleven remaining Apostles rightly decided to appoint a replacement of Judas. Christ directed the other Apostles to appoint Matthias (Acts 1:24-26). Hence, the twelve Apostles were true unique servants of Christ. 

Nonetheless, they were commissioned to serve the Jews, and there weren’t any Apostle to the Gentiles or non Jews. Amazingly, Paul had a supernatural encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9:1-16, Acts 26:16-18). He had a direct revelation from Christ and was appointed the Apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:12, Galatians 1:1).

Although, Paul’s Apostleship had divine origin, he was also endorsed by the original Apostles of Christ (Galatians 2:7-8). Furthermore, during the foundational period of the church, few others were recognised as Apostles. Barnabas and James the half brother of the Lord Jesus (Acts 14:14, 1 Corinthians 15:7-9, Galatians 1:19).

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF AN APOSTLE?

The office of an Apostle of Christ was restricted to a few men. They laid the foundation work in the first century of the church, through their doctrines and directions (Ephesians 2:20).

However, some church movements practice the five fold ministry, of apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers and evangelist (Ephesians 4:11-12). Nevertheless, Ephesians 4:11 needs to be interpreted in light of Paul’s entire teachings and the New Testament (Acts 10:40-42).

Evidently, the New Testament emphasises is on Teaching and Preaching which corresponds with the highest office of Elders or Pastors in the Church today (Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-2)

Hence, Ephesians 4:11 should be understood in light of Ephesians 2:20 which states that the Apostles have laid the foundations of the church. 

Importantly, one of the foundations of the Apostles, are their teachings. Therefore, the Apostles of Christ, speaks and direct the church today with their inspired writings of Scripture.

As a consequence, a local church should be governed by a plurality of male Elders as prescribed in the New Testament (Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17).

WHAT ABOUT MODERN DAY APOSTLES?

The rise and the popularity of modern day apostles derived from a missiologist and church growth Guru called C. Peter Wagner. 

He developed a new theological framework claiming a New Reformation of Apostles and Prophets, for the contemporary church. The popularity of this recent phenomenon has significantly increased the idea of modern day apostles in many churches across the world. 

So the question is, are there still apostles in the church today? As I have just proved from the Bible, the answer is No. But then, what should we make of our modern day apostles?

Since this doctrine contradicts historic biblical Christianity, it’s obvious that its origin came from men.

That’s why, I believe the apostles we have today are Chief Executives Officers, Cult Leaders, or Con Men. 

Firstly, CEOs are the ones who have transformed churches into enterprises. They have built brands of churches they control. However, some of them are zealous in some way, but are ambitious to be successful with their empire or ministry.

Secondly Cult Leaders are heretics who have absolute power and control of everything. They control their members mind with destructive beliefs, and made them believe that they have been chosen by God with a special anointing.

Thirdly, Con Men are unregenerate men who preaches the prosperity gospel or another gospel. They see godliness as a means for financial gain (1 Timothy 6:3-6). Their greed corresponds with their poor conduct and integrity.

“If any in modern times want to take the title “apostle” to themselves, they immediately raise the suspicion that they may be motivated by inappropriate pride and desires for self-exaltation, along with excessive ambition and a desire for much more authority in the church than any one person should rightly have” Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, page 911. (1994).

Finally, Christians should seek a biblical sound church, led by a plurality of male Elders. Ultimately, Christ is the Chief Apostle and High Priest of our faith. He is the only one, we should worship and trust (Hebrews 3:1).