Episode 24: Do we have Apostles Today?

The word Apostle means many things to many people. In general I think most people think of the twelve apostles. While their ministry is obviously foundational, I think that there is a wider meaning that we need to understand. The meaning of the word “apostle” is “sent one.” The scriptures use this word to describe more than just the original twelve apostles. A more common word that is used today with a similar meaning is the word “missionary.” To grasp the full ministry of the apostle and see how this ministry applies to us we need to look at all of the scriptures together.

• Those who are considered “apostles” in the New Testament
o Jesus (Heb. 3:1)
o The original twelve (Matt. 10:2)
o Paul (I Cor. 9:1, 15:9, 2 Peter 3:15)
o In Acts (Barnabas, Silas, Titus and others) (Rom. 16:7, I Cor. 12:29, 2 Cor. 8:23)
o Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25) (your messenger or apostle)
• Those who are sent by God
o Have a mission from God for His purpose (establishing of churches)
o Are separated to the work by the church (Acts 13:1-3)
o Empowered by the Holy Spirit according to God’s grace
o The principle of plurality should continually be exercised
• We need to recognize those whom God has sent
o Recognize God’s provision coming to us through men
o To recognize the grace and receive it (2 Cor. 6)
o Respond to God, not just to the person
o Support them in prayer and material needs
• Authority
o Is not in the title or the man himself
o Is according  to the grace of God towards building up in Christ
• Be available for God to send us
o To the neighbor next door
o To our brother and sister
o To another gathering of God’s children (local and abroad)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]