Do Apostle’s Still Exist Today?
Many will argue that there are no apostle’s today, that the only apostles were the original 12.
We know from Scripture that indeed there are apostle’s today because Jesus authorized it.
Apostles besides the original 12 exist today because Christ, after His ascension, established it!
He said in Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers.
After Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven, He gave us the ongoing ministry of apostles and prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists who serve the church of Christ.
The original 12 Apostles:
Simon Peter, Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (Son of Zebedee), John (son of Zebedee), Philip,
Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (Son of Alphaeus), Simon, Jude, Judas Iscariot (Replaced by Matthias).
If there were no more Apostles, then Jesus did not make the list.
But we know from Scripture He is an apostle.
Look at Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.
Paul clearly states that there were more apostles in the New Testament church outside of the twelve:
1 Corinthians 15:3-9 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remains to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Here is another key scriptural reference that establishes apostleship in the church today.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31 NKJV And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Paul and Barnabas were apostles – Acts 14:14 “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out.”
• Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle sent not from men nor through man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
Andronicus and Junia were apostles – Romans 16:7 Junia was a female apostle.
Unnamed apostles in 2 Corinthians 8:23 – Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
• Messengers= the Greek root word is Apostolos, translated here as messengers.
Philippians 2:25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need.
• Messengers= the Greek root word is Apostolos, translated here as messengers.
Timothy and Sylvanus were apostles.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 & 2:6
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 1 Thess. 2:6
Apollos was an apostle – 1 Corinthians 4:6-9
James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church was an apostle–
Galatians 1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
Signs of an Apostle
High level of spiritual authority, they operate in power gifts: Healings, miracles, signs, wonders, and mighty deeds done regularly.
• 2 Corinthians 12:12 The signs of an apostle were performed with unfailing endurance among you, including signs and wonders and miracles.
• Acts 5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many sings and wonders were done among the people, and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.
Ephesians 4:11 clearly explains that after the ascension of Christ there would be some called to the fivefold ministry offices.
Do you have a problem calling someone pastor? Then why would you have a problem calling them an apostle if that is their God given calling?
An Apostle is a special delegated messenger of God, a visionary, a builder, one who walks in a high level of authority and anointing, signs and wonders follow their lives.
Apostles should function in all the offices when needed as prompted by the Holy Spirit: prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.
Date of Service 5/14/24
