What is an Apostle?
The office and ministry of an Apostle is one of five ministry gifts Christ gives to build and bless His Church as described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11-16. The following biblical truths are clearly revealed in this passage and the entire New Testament:
- All five ministry gifts are given by Jesus Christ Himself to His Church.
- All five ministry gifts are needed for the Church to fulfill her destiny.
- All five ministry gifts are to operate until Jesus Christ returns for His Church.
The word that is used throughout the New Testament for “Apostle” literally means one sent forth from someone on a mission. The New Testament calls “the twelve” Jesus sent forth as “Apostles” who had seen Him, and such others as Paul, Silas, Barnabas, Timothy, Epaphroditus, etc., who had not seen Jesus but were sent out later by the Church as apostles (Lk.6:13,9:10, I Cor.9:1,15:8, Acts14:4,14, Rom.16:7, II Cor. 8:23, Phil.2:25, I Thess.2:6,).
The mission that Jesus Christ has sent apostles to do is clearly defined throughout the New Testament. Below are some of the Apostles roles in the church:
- Apostles are sent to take the gospel to unreached people (Rom 15:20)
- Apostles are sent to plant or establish new churches (1 Cor 3:10, Eph 2:20)
- Apostles are sent to appoint and train church leaders ( Acts 14:21-23)
- Apostles are sent to be “Spiritual Fathers” to Ministers & Churches (1 Cor 4:15)
- Apostles are sent to unify the Body of Christ (Eph 4:1-16, Rom 15:25-27, 1 Cor 16:1-4)
- Apostles are sent to demonstrate and impart the supernatural power of God ( Acts 4:33, Acts 8:4-7, 14-15, Acts 10:44, Acts 19:6, Rom 1:11, 2 Tim 1:6-7)
- Apostles are sent to correct false doctrine, sin & problems within the church. (1 Cor 1:1-16, Acts 15)
God is restoring all five ministry gifts to His Church, including apostles, so His Church can totally fulfill her New Testament mandate and mission today.
|
