Are there modern-day apostles of Christ?

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Are there modern day Apostles of Christ? (see definition of the original poster)

  • Yes, there are modern day Apostles of Christ.

    Votes: 9 30.0%
  • No, there are no modern day Apostles of Christ.

    Votes: 20 66.7%
  • I don't know.

    Votes: 1 3.3%

  • Total voters
    30
Mar 28, 2016
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#61
There are Apostles of Christ, and apostles of the Church. An apostle of Christ included the Twelve and Paul, and others were sent as emmissaries at different points by the local church. They could be called "apostles" in a lower "a" sense.



Descriptions of the spiritual gifts/offices include "apostle" as one of the spiritual offices, similar to prophet or teacher. It is obvious that it is not generic in this context.
One case the lower. We walk by faith the unseen eternal.

There are apostles (sent ones)period. Apostles don't send apostles. Thats a oral tradition of the Mormonism and Catholicism .Men lording over other the faith of other men.

Apostle(sent one) prophet (that in which he is sent with) and teacher the one not seen working in them. It is one office the office of Christ, not the church, representatives of the unseen glory.

The word apostle simply means "sent one". God sends all of his apostles with a list of words that they hear when the Holy Spirit living in them puts them on the lips of a apostle(sent one) .Like Paul said. . ( 1 Cor, 4 )... when men were trying to eulogies the flesh of the apostles

If God has freely given the word to the apostles why would Paul boast as if it was not freely given? Why think of men above that which is written or make them equal?

The words do the teaching as a gift from God .Not of the apostles. Apostles can plant the seed and water it with the word. ,But God alone can cause growth.

Ultimately one is our teacher in heaven. We are to call no man teacher, master, Lord, Rabbi in that way.

The apostles feet are beautiful you could say, as beautiful as the feet of Balaam's donkey who stopped the madness of the false prophet Balaam. .

Feet are use to represent messengers of the gospel wings of the wind. Peter refused to have his feet washed. Jesus said if he does not wash his feet then Peter has no part. Feet washing signifies the gospel is applied

Mankind have added meaning to the word apostle destroying the use of the word when used in other applications. like the 12 a remnant of the 27 listed Part of a unknow number of all sent out two by two. . We are not to number. 12 has a unseen meaning attached.to both the apostles and the tribes together they equal the one bride of Christ, the church.

The 12 apostles had no more authorly than any believer today who does hold out the gospel seed .The power that works from within Emanuel.
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#62
Paul, Silvanus and Timothy write an epistle in which they referred to themselves 'as apostles of Christ' (I Thes. 1:1,2:6).

The Bible also refers to Jesus as an 'Apostle' with a capital 'A' and the other apostles with a small 'a' because they are not deity.

Yes, He is the Apostle who sends out other apostles with His word .
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
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#63
One case the lower. We walk by faith the unseen eternal.

There are apostles (sent ones)period. Apostles don't send apostles. Thats a oral tradition of the Mormonism and Catholicism .Men lording over other the faith of other men.

Apostle(sent one) prophet (that in which he is sent with) and teacher the one not seen working in them. It is one office the office of Christ, not the church, representatives of the unseen glory.

The word apostle simply means "sent one". God sends all of his apostles with a list of words that they hear when the Holy Spirit living in them puts them on the lips of a apostle(sent one) .Like Paul said. . ( 1 Cor, 4 )... when men were trying to eulogies the flesh of the apostles

If God has freely given the word to the apostles why would Paul boast as if it was not freely given? Why think of men above that which is written or make them equal?

The words do the teaching as a gift from God .Not of the apostles. Apostles can plant the seed and water it with the word. ,But God alone can cause growth.

Ultimately one is our teacher in heaven. We are to call no man teacher, master, Lord, Rabbi in that way.

The apostles feet are beautiful you could say, as beautiful as the feet of Balaam's donkey who stopped the madness of the false prophet Balaam. .

Feet are use to represent messengers of the gospel wings of the wind. Peter refused to have his feet washed. Jesus said if he does not wash his feet then Peter has no part. Feet washing signifies the gospel is applied

Mankind have added meaning to the word apostle destroying the use of the word when used in other applications. like the 12 a remnant of the 27 listed Part of a unknow number of all sent out two by two. . We are not to number. 12 has a unseen meaning attached.to both the apostles and the tribes together they equal the one bride of Christ, the church.

The 12 apostles had no more authorly than any believer today who does hold out the gospel seed .The power that works from within Emanuel.
The church can send out emissaries for specific purposes. These can be called apostles of the church.

However, I'm not going to argue with you on this point. I will simply note that these two designations are acknowledged by sound Bible teachers.

AND..there is an office within the Church called a "teacher". In one sense, the Holy Spirit instructs all believers, and teachers should consider themselves "brothers" too. However, the concept of a teacher within the Church is valid.

Like I said, though, I'm not debating you. Your explanations give me a headache. They are like disjointed factoids that apparently make sense in your mind but don't reconcile to the overall schema of Scripture.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#64
Of course there are apostles still in this time. The Bible very clearly describes the apostles as one of the offices of the Spirit. Mindful that most of the people that pretend to be apostles are really just apostles of the dragon named Satan. The Apostle Paul does a very good job in describing what an apostle does and looks like so that you may not be deceived. Additionally, you can become an apostle if that's the office you covet the most, but it's just one of the jobs among others, so if you are not an apostle don't fret either, everything in the Kingdom of God will work together in good order like a body and its several pieces and parts.
Apostles were appointed, not self-appointed.

In fact, it is the Holy Spirit who distributes gifts (and offices) as he wills, not as the person wills.

And there are a lot of people strutting about as if God has given them particular offices or gifts that they don't have.

4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Eph 2:20 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,d but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22I him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.


The Apostles were foundational. No one today is an Apostle of Christ, and it is sheer vanity to think so. Like I said, there are tons of people prancing and strutting about claiming gifts and offices they don't have. It is discouraging personally to me to think about all the nonsense in the Church today.
 
Feb 1, 2020
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#65
Apostles were appointed, not self-appointed.

In fact, it is the Holy Spirit who distributes gifts (and offices) as he wills, not as the person wills.

And there are a lot of people strutting about as if God has given them particular offices or gifts that they don't have.

4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Eph 2:20 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,d but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22I him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.


The Apostles were foundational. No one today is an Apostle of Christ, and it is sheer vanity to think so. Like I said, there are tons of people prancing and strutting about claiming gifts and offices they don't have. It is discouraging personally to me to think about all the nonsense in the Church today.
Totally incorrect, so rather than type up a bunch on it, really the offices of the Kingdom of God, such as the Apostles, the point of the many different jobs and spiritual gifts, the likening it to a body, and so forth are very well laid out in the whole of the chapter of 1 Corinthians 12 which I will post here for you and anyone as it is very useful to the subject.

1 Corinthians 12 King James Version (KJV)

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#66
Totally incorrect, so rather than type up a bunch on it, really the offices of the Kingdom of God, such as the Apostles, the point of the many different jobs and spiritual gifts, the likening it to a body, and so forth are very well laid out in the whole of the chapter of 1 Corinthians 12 which I will post here for you and anyone as it is very useful to the subject.

1 Corinthians 12 King James Version (KJV)

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
I'm not sure how this proves your point. If I remember right, you claimed anyone could be an apostle if he wants to....these verses actually prove MY POINT. It's obvious that it is God who appoints people to offices he chooses, and gives them gifts that he chooses.

So, how in the world can you use this to defend the position that you can declare yourself an Apostle, in the same sense as the Twelve or Paul?

Pretty funny :D

Unless you claim that the rhetorical questions Paul asks are actually meant to be answered "YES".

LOL
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#67
I'm not sure how this proves your point. If I remember right, you claimed anyone could be an apostle if he wants to....these verses actually prove MY POINT. It's obvious that it is God who appoints people to offices he chooses, and gives them gifts that he chooses.

So, how in the world can you use this to defend the position that you can declare yourself an Apostle, in the same sense as the Twelve or Paul?

Pretty funny :D

Unless you claim that the rhetorical questions Paul asks are actually meant to be answered "YES".

LOL
Why try and put a difference between the 12 and the 27 listed in the new testament?

There is no rank or pecking order amongst the believers. We are not those who lord it over another's man faith. Like Catholicism. But rather be good examples of those who serve a God not seen

The word apostle is simply "sent one". Many new meaning have been added therefore destroying its use .Every believer that is moved to bring and share the gospel is considered a apostle .

Christian boards are full of apostles that do the work of a evangelist. A desire that God gives to a kingdom of priest sending out apostles two by two. Abel in the old testament the first apostle as a martyr

The 12 used a remnant of the 27 listed in the new testament do not change the meaning of the word "sent one" .

The 12 set aside are to be used to describe the bride of Christ the church. (Revelation 21) 12 Tribes are also set aside for the same purpose as metaphors. Purposely leaving out the tribe of Dan from the description of the chaste virgin bride and leaving out Judas .Those two used to represent the spirit of judgment as those that fall backward .Using old testament saints as sent ones as well as old testament tribes as gates to enter in. You could say gates to enter in. Walls to defend from the enemies without.

The apostle Paul had to deal with men that wanted to elevate the word "apostle" to mean more than sent one as a way of puffing up one sect above anther . In the end the question is asked. What does anyone have that had not freely been given and if so why eulogize the corrupted flesh of a brother or sister?

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us "not to think of men" above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Corinthians 4 ;6-7
 
Feb 1, 2020
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#68
I'm not sure how this proves your point. If I remember right, you claimed anyone could be an apostle if he wants to....these verses actually prove MY POINT. It's obvious that it is God who appoints people to offices he chooses, and gives them gifts that he chooses.

So, how in the world can you use this to defend the position that you can declare yourself an Apostle, in the same sense as the Twelve or Paul?

Pretty funny :D

Unless you claim that the rhetorical questions Paul asks are actually meant to be answered "YES".

LOL
Read the last verse.
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#70
Read the next chapter :)

This may shock you but the chapter markers were not part of Paul's original letter.

What is mentioned in 1 Cor 13:13 as the "greatest"?
No pecking order in Christianity.

Search out as to why he set aside the 12 a remnant of all 27 listed in the new .Then it becomes clearer what the greater as to what the perfect is . The more excellent way as two walking together is as it written (the perfect.)

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.Corinthians 13: 31

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is
perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.1 Corinthians 13: 9-10

The Holy Spirit revealed beforehand before John on the island of Patmos when it was sealed with seven seals till the end of time. .

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is
Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.Mathew 24: 21-25
 
Feb 26, 2020
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#71
Hard no, one of the requierments was to have seen jesus or be appointed by God. So no, Also the main purpose of the apostles was to kick start the church so to speak.
 
Mar 28, 2016
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#72
Hard no, one of the requierments was to have seen jesus or be appointed by God. So no, Also the main purpose of the apostles was to kick start the church so to speak.
We cannot see the work of appointing or God working giving a person a desire to bring the gospel .Philippians 2:12


The purpose for having the apostles as Greek word that simply means "sent one" stand out in the new testament .Not that there not apostles in the Old testament .But 12 tribes were used to represent the Old testament saints when it comes to describing the chaste virgin bride the church. And 12 out of the 27 listed in the new in order to represent the same bride.

The 12 set aside of the apostles has lost is value as well as tribes as together representing the one bride.. Men have changed the value to represent those who lord it over the faith of others. or use it as a period to establish lord ship (apostolic time) The apostles fall into the same category as tribes.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
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#73
Bible Definition of Apostle

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geKYld91leANkAfFFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyajQ2M2twBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQjkzMjJfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1582983134/RO=10/RU=https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/apostle//RK=2/RS=YA4CMwtTTFDHh_s_G041lFmstEY-

(excerpt)

In the New Testament apostolos [ajpovstolo"] is applied to Jesus as the Sent One of God ( Heb 3:1 ), to those sent by God to preach to Israel ( Luke 11:49 ), to those sent by churches ( 2 Col 8:23 ; Php 2:25 ), and most often, to the individuals who had been appointed by Christ to preach the gospel of the kingdom. This latter category, however, is understood differently by New Testament writers. For example, Luke-Acts uses the term "apostle" to refer almost exclusively to the Twelve, while Paul uses it in relation to a broader group of individuals. The expression "all the apostles" in 1 Corinthians 15:7 seems to include more than the twelve referred to in verse 5. James is considered here, and in Galatians 1:19, to be an apostle. Barnabas is referred to as an apostle in ac 14:14 ( 11:22-24 ; 13:1-4 ). Paul calls Andronicus and Junias apostles in Romans 16:7. In this broader sense, an apostle was a witness to the resurrection of Christ, sent by him to make disciples of all nations.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
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#74
Bible Definition of Apostle

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geKYld91leANkAfFFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyajQ2M2twBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQjkzMjJfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1582983134/RO=10/RU=https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/apostle//RK=2/RS=YA4CMwtTTFDHh_s_G041lFmstEY-

(excerpt)

In the New Testament apostolos [ajpovstolo"] is applied to Jesus as the Sent One of God ( Heb 3:1 ), to those sent by God to preach to Israel ( Luke 11:49 ), to those sent by churches ( 2 Col 8:23 ; Php 2:25 ), and most often, to the individuals who had been appointed by Christ to preach the gospel of the kingdom. This latter category, however, is understood differently by New Testament writers. For example, Luke-Acts uses the term "apostle" to refer almost exclusively to the Twelve, while Paul uses it in relation to a broader group of individuals. The expression "all the apostles" in 1 Corinthians 15:7 seems to include more than the twelve referred to in verse 5. James is considered here, and in Galatians 1:19, to be an apostle. Barnabas is referred to as an apostle in ac 14:14 ( 11:22-24 ; 13:1-4 ). Paul calls Andronicus and Junias apostles in Romans 16:7. In this broader sense, an apostle was a witness to the resurrection of Christ, sent by him to make disciples of all nations.
I wouldn't disagree with this. At least there is a differentiation between "Apostles of Christ" and "apostles" in a "little a" sense.

However, I'm pretty sure the "modern apostles" I am mainly concerned about place themselves at the same level as "Apostles of Christ".
 
Feb 1, 2020
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#75
Read the next chapter :)

This may shock you but the chapter markers were not part of Paul's original letter.

What is mentioned in 1 Cor 13:13 as the "greatest"?
Chapter thirteen is about the importance of the spirit in the gifts and offices of God and indeed is pretty good for the subject as a whole as well as all the letter. To answer your question directly, charity is what Paul calls the greatest power of the faith.

Chapter twelve merely outlines many of the different sort of offices. To the original point that people can be apostles today, yes they can. Is it likely? No, but that doesn't mean that there aren't apostles or that someone couldn't become an apostle if they wanted to. It's not so much that they self-will to be, but there does have to be I suppose a sort of desire to do it as 1 Corinthians 12 details.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#76
Chapter thirteen is about the importance of the spirit in the gifts and offices of God and indeed is pretty good for the subject as a whole as well as all the letter. To answer your question directly, charity is what Paul calls the greatest power of the faith.

Chapter twelve merely outlines many of the different sort of offices. To the original point that people can be apostles today, yes they can. Is it likely? No, but that doesn't mean that there aren't apostles or that someone couldn't become an apostle if they wanted to. It's not so much that they self-will to be, but there does have to be I suppose a sort of desire to do it as 1 Corinthians 12 details.
I'm not going to debate this, but I think it's ridiculous that you use the phrase "if they want to" as if individuals decide to become apostles.

God appointed apostles.

There's any number of nutty people who claim they are apostles and prophets that do not produce the fruit of such offices.

This is why I'm not charismatic :)

I know human vanity and its' capacity for self-deception and prideful behavior. And, some young believers are full of this sort of pride. I know I was as well.
 
Feb 1, 2020
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#77
I'm not going to debate this, but I think it's ridiculous that you use the phrase "if they want to" as if individuals decide to become apostles.

God appointed apostles.

There's any number of nutty people who claim they are apostles and prophets that do not produce the fruit of such offices.

This is why I'm not charismatic :)

I know human vanity and its' capacity for self-deception and prideful behavior. And, some young believers are full of this sort of pride. I know I was as well.
I understand some people pretend to be apostles of God or claim to be and they are not. Really it's kinda funny when you have very rich or popular people claim to be apostles when the Bible describes the job of the apostle as pretty much being hated by everyone. I think a lot of the claimants to being an apostle or prophet they have not really sat down and counted the cost. It is possible to be an apostle in this time, but there's a big cost.

Nevertheless, yes, God of course calls his people to be apostles and prophets and evangelists and so forth, but they also have to somewhat want to do it to a degree also. It's a relationship. This is why Paul says to covet which gift you want. I would make an analogy to like a big company. If you want a certain job in that company you apply for it.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#78
I understand some people pretend to be apostles of God or claim to be and they are not. Really it's kinda funny when you have very rich or popular people claim to be apostles when the Bible describes the job of the apostle as pretty much being hated by everyone. I think a lot of the claimants to being an apostle or prophet they have not really sat down and counted the cost. It is possible to be an apostle in this time, but there's a big cost.

Nevertheless, yes, God of course calls his people to be apostles and prophets and evangelists and so forth, but they also have to somewhat want to do it to a degree also. It's a relationship. This is why Paul says to covet which gift you want. I would make an analogy to like a big company. If you want a certain job in that company you apply for it.
Do you think the apostle Paul applied for his job as an apostle? :D

Have you ever read the book of Acts? Start reading Acts 7-9.

God knocked him off his horse, blinded him, and told him what he was going to be doing, without his approval.

God is sovereign. He doesn't beg someone to become an apostle, he orders it.

But, in the free-willer world, I guess someone might come up with such a view as you have...however I know God is sovereign. I don't think God is impressed by the free-willer god at all.
 
Feb 1, 2020
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#79
Do you think the apostle Paul applied for his job as an apostle? :D

Have you ever read the book of Acts? Start reading Acts 7-9.

God knocked him off his horse, blinded him, and told him what he was going to be doing, without his approval.

God is sovereign. He doesn't beg someone to become an apostle, he orders it.

But, in the free-willer world, I guess someone might come up with such a view as you have...however I know God is sovereign. I don't think God is impressed by the free-willer god at all.

Paul still had to want to serve the Lord as an apostle, or elsewise we'd likely never have heard of the blind man named Saul of Tarsus.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
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#80
Paul still had to want to serve the Lord as an apostle, or elsewise we'd likely never have heard of the blind man named Saul of Tarsus.
I'm not going to argue this anymore, but it's obvious Paul was drafted AND he didn't beg for any spiritual office of Apostle. In fact, he participated in the murder of God's people.

But, in the free-willer Bizarro world, I suppose you can't make sense of that :)

Reformed theology is glorious.


GOD IS SOVEREIGN. HALLELUJAH!!!!