Ephesians 4:11-16

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Aug 2, 2021
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#21
The word perfect in the bible is associated with completion and maturity.

teleios
tel'-i-os
From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.

Someone then can be mature and complete by the meditating on God's Word and application to their life.
Correct = the Completion of His Body = the Resurrection and our Transformation into HIS LIKENESS
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
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#22
Thing is believers could be perfect in the sense of maturity and completeness before the event of the second coming, and Jesus was perfect, nothing in part before the second coming.. and perfect in the sinless sense before the second coming.

The Word of God though was in part at the time of him writing and became perfect in the complete sense, before the second coming.

To say that the perfect is at the time of the second coming.. then that would mean all believers are prophesying, speaking in tongues and knowledge in part now.. but this doesn't fit with scripture saying believers can be mature and complete now.

The other thing is the comparison between what a biblical prophet and apostle is, and what people are calling them now. There is a big difference.

Aside from this.. for those who are into the sign gifts in particular I would never say they are unsaved or blaspheming.
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
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#23
Ephesians 4:11-16 says that there are five ministries that Jesus set in the churches which are to remain in the churches until the end of time. Why do some people say that apostles and prophets are no longer relevant or legitimate functions or ministries in churches today?
Precious friend, A Very Warm Welcome to Chat.

Please Be Very RICHLY Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified In
The LORD JESUS CHRIST, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided!

God's Simple Will!
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
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#24
Why do some people say that apostles and prophets are no longer relevant or legitimate functions or ministries in churches today?
The apostles and prophets are indeed very relevant. And what they had to reveal is already within the New Testament. There are only twelve apostles of the lamb, and the last genuine apostle-prophet was John. After he finished writing Revelation, he indicated that there would be no more prophecies to add to that book. Hence no more apostles or prophets. So exactly what are you expecting now?
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,236
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#25
The apostles and prophets are indeed very relevant. And what they had to reveal is already within the New Testament. There are only twelve apostles of the lamb, and the last genuine apostle-prophet was John. After he finished writing Revelation, he indicated that there would be no more prophecies to add to that book. Hence no more apostles or prophets. So exactly what are you expecting now?
Yes and the case of the likes of Stephen, who could do the works of an apostle.. they were specially associated with the apostles and therefore the exception rather than the rule.

'Given the right hand of fellowship' as they call it :)
 

Amanuensis

Well-known member
Jun 12, 2021
1,457
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#26
Yes and the case of the likes of Stephen, who could do the works of an apostle.. they were specially associated with the apostles and therefore the exception rather than the rule.

'Given the right hand of fellowship' as they call it :)
Luke 9:
49“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”

50“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

They said that this guy was not one of the apostles, and John thought that was a good reason why he should not be allowed to cast out devils in Jesus name. Jesus did not agree with that reasoning at all.

Of course after this Jesus sends out 70 others to cast out devils and heal the sick to demonstrate that it was Gods plan to empower others besides just the 12.

It's ironic that he gives this example of this unknown guy that the apostle said was not one of us, to combat the false reasoning that people still stick to about the 12 except they extend it only to the 70 as though they were special and cannot grasp that Jesus is making it clear that God has a plan to empower more than the 12 and more than the 70. And on the day of Pentecost when we see all 120 plus women empowered it should then be made clear that Gods plan is that all believers be empowered to witness his resurrection world wide with signs and wonders confirming the Word of the Gospel preached boldly even if the face of persecution and death.
 
Apr 15, 2022
337
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#27
The apostles and prophets are indeed very relevant. And what they had to reveal is already within the New Testament. There are only twelve apostles of the lamb, and the last genuine apostle-prophet was John. After he finished writing Revelation, he indicated that there would be no more prophecies to add to that book. Hence no more apostles or prophets. So exactly what are you expecting now?
I'm not expecting anything because I don't have a preference either way-- for apostles and prophets to be relevant today or for them to have passed away with John's or Paul's death. However, I do believe strongly in integrity, and the Bible hints from OT to NT that the apostolic ministry (even before it was bestowed on people in the NT) was already in operation in the OT, and Ephesians 4 plainly states that the apostolic and prophetic ministries will remain relevant till the end of time (ie. till believers and all things are made perfect) just as the pastoral, evangelical, and teaching ministries will. There is no distinction made between or among the five ministries listed in Ephesians 4:11-16 when it mentions them all being relevant until the Body of Christ is perfected. The Body of Christ is not yet perfected. Furthermore, you can't separate or divide where the Bible has not done so, and there is no distinction or mention of ministries remaining vs. ministries passing away in Ephesians 4.
 

Amanuensis

Well-known member
Jun 12, 2021
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#28
Yes and the case of the likes of Stephen, who could do the works of an apostle.. they were specially associated with the apostles and therefore the exception rather than the rule.

'Given the right hand of fellowship' as they call it :)
They were full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,704
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#29
There were only 12 Apostles chosen and set apart by Face and Command of the LORD.
You mean thirteen, right? I am quite certian that the Apostle Paul was "chosen and set apart by face and command of Jesus our Lord. I know this because Scripture says so.

As for disciples today? Any true believer who devotes their lives to following the Gospel of Jesus is a "disciple" of Jesus, and there is no reason why some of todays disciples could not be considered Apostles.

King James Dictionary:

apostle
APOS'TLE, n. L. apostalus; Gr. to send away, to sent.
A person deputed to execute some important business; but appropriately, a disciple of Christ commissioned to preach the gospel. Twelve persons were selected by Christ for this purpose; and Judas, one of the number, proving an apostate, his place was supplied by Matthias. Acts 1.

There are numerous peoples today who have been "sent" by Jesus to preach the Gospel in far and distant lands. Anointed by God and led by the Holy Spirit. No reason one or more of these are not Apostles......

Jesus proved that He will choose and anoint who He will to take His Gospel to the world. He did this with His selection of the Apostle Paul. He is the same today!
 
Aug 2, 2021
7,317
2,048
113
#30
You mean thirteen, right? I am quite certian that the Apostle Paul was "chosen and set apart by face and command of Jesus our Lord. I know this because Scripture says so.

As for disciples today? Any true believer who devotes their lives to following the Gospel of Jesus is a "disciple" of Jesus, and there is no reason why some of todays disciples could not be considered Apostles.

King James Dictionary:

apostle
APOS'TLE, n. L. apostalus; Gr. to send away, to sent.
A person deputed to execute some important business; but appropriately, a disciple of Christ commissioned to preach the gospel. Twelve persons were selected by Christ for this purpose; and Judas, one of the number, proving an apostate, his place was supplied by Matthias. Acts 1.

There are numerous peoples today who have been "sent" by Jesus to preach the Gospel in far and distant lands. Anointed by God and led by the Holy Spirit. No reason one or more of these are not Apostles......

Jesus proved that He will choose and anoint who He will to take His Gospel to the world. He did this with His selection of the Apostle Paul. He is the same today!
True in part/application as you described.

However, there are only 12 original Direct Hand Picked Apostles by the LORD at the Beginning of His New Covenant Congregation.

Matthias was chosen by casting lots and is who the Lord replaced Judas as HE did with Saul/Paul.

This does not defer Matthias and Matthias does not defer/alter the LORD's Direct Choosing of Saul/Paul.

Mark 10:35-40
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.”
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

Shalom Malakim
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
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#31
Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever isn't a reference to spiritual gifts, but the certainty of His promises and unchanging nature. It's also about the certainty of His 2nd coming

Also God works in different ways and with different covenants over time. God no longer uses the OT system of sacrifices, mosaic and levitical for service to Him.

God no longer will flood the world. As promised and symbolized the promise by the rainbow.

God no longer uses the synagogue as a source of teaching, but moved to the New Testament church.

God moved from the Jews to include the Gentiles in His promises.
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
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#32
There were only 12 Apostles of the Lamb. All these men are with the Lord now. Paul was not one of them as he did not meet the requirement of a "witness" to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. There are other apostles mentioned in the scriptures: Barnabas, Timothy, Silvanus, etc. who are NOT Apostles of the Lamb but, nevertheless, had the grace of an apostle and were apostles (small "a"). These were revealed by the Holy Spirit to men. The Spirit only speaks what He hears from the Lord so the Lord chose these me, too, and empowered them to carry out their calling. How is anyone empowered except by the same Spirit who does only what the Lord tells Him?

Today, apostles have a clear understanding of the foundation of the church. The church is unsteady and sick and fractured largely because many have rejected the ministry of the apostolic, which is used to edify and build up the body of Christ with the other doma gifts: prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. All these gifts function "until" we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

The rejection of the apostolic came about because of abuse of the title primarily from the Roman Church (big surprise). But so what: many people reject men because of the abuse from their fathers. Nevertheless, we still have fathers and their function in the family is necessary. Much of the rejection of the apostolic also comes from people in the U.S. This is because of the influence of a democratic mindset whereby everyone does what is right in his/her own eyes. Authority from the Lord is often rejected wholesale because it infringes upon a person rights.

Because of this, if I am sent to someone in the U.S. the Lord will often give me knowledge about them I would not otherwise know. I will share this knowledge. This is so they might believe that the Lord knows them intimately. The counsel I give, then, is typically that of foundation repair: setting them back on their feet so that they might be built up in Christ. Repentance is usually involved although not just for sin, also for faulty mindsets. Many of the people to whom I have been sent remain my friends today, some of them closer than others.

"Faith comes by hearing (not "reading") and hearing by the word of God."

But

"And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?"

The "word" is the correct word in the season. Even Satan can recite the scriptures but he cannot preach the word because he is twisted and evil. Apostles and prophets know the word in the season. Not extra-biblical words, but the word the Lord is speaking at the current time. When the people hear it they can believe and have faith.

Aaron56

PS I live by these principles. These things are not simply doctrines derived by study. I actually walk these things out in my own life. I have been for over 20 years. Of the 100s of people I've been sent to, one actually asked me if I was an apostle. It caught me off guard because I never announced myself in that way nor have I used that title. I simply go to whom the Lord sends me. If you are sent or if you have been sent then you, too, are operating in the grace of the apostolic.

 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
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#33
See Ephesians 2:20: "So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,"

The apostles and prophets laid the foundation; once a foundation is laid you can't lay another. This is one of the main passages used by those who say apostles and prophets are no more. But let's look at this.

For one thing, the apostles haven't vanished; they still speak to us through the New Testament. My only objection is to those who say we now have modern-day apostles who speak with the same authority as the original apostles. In the New Testament there are apostles (lower case) and Apostles (upper case). The word apostle means "one who is sent." The Apostles were special messengers of Jesus Himself; they spoke with authority and wrote scripture. The other apostles we simply messengers sent back and forth between people and congregations.

Ephesians 2:20 also says the foundation was laid by the prophets. The same logic can be applied as was applied to apostles. The foundation has been laid and you can't lay another. I'm a little less dogmatic about saying there no longer remain modern-day prophets, but those who laid the foundation seem to be a special category of prophets. I'm cautious about giving modern-day prophets the same authority and status as those early prophets. There are a lot of so-called prophets out there today who aren't prophets at all but speak from their own imaginations.
this is a well written and expressed post thanks for sharing I couldn’t agree more

the apostles are a foundation all built upon Christ and the church is built upon the apostles witness of him when we see the kingdom revealed we see that there are exactly twelve foundations d each has a name of The apostles of Jesus Christ ( Judas being removed and Paul grafted in by Jesus himself)

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

like the ot and the twelve tribes the apostles are a foundation and thier writinfs and words still witness Christ and the gospel thy same as they have always

just a great post I enjoyed the read and way you explained that
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,236
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#34
The until part of of Ephesians 4..

Is indicative of a point at which afterward Christians continue to grow in Christ.

It is also.. a measure.. that gives maturity... that allows Christians to no longer be carried about by every wind of doctrine.

Doesn't look like the second coming here, but something Christians can look back to grow from.
 

Amanuensis

Well-known member
Jun 12, 2021
1,457
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#35
There were only 12 Apostles of the Lamb. All these men are with the Lord now. Paul was not one of them as he did not meet the requirement of a "witness" to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. There are other apostles mentioned in the scriptures: Barnabas, Timothy, Silvanus, etc. who are NOT Apostles of the Lamb but, nevertheless, had the grace of an apostle and were apostles (small "a"). These were revealed by the Holy Spirit to men. The Spirit only speaks what He hears from the Lord so the Lord chose these me, too, and empowered them to carry out their calling. How is anyone empowered except by the same Spirit who does only what the Lord tells Him?

Today, apostles have a clear understanding of the foundation of the church. The church is unsteady and sick and fractured largely because many have rejected the ministry of the apostolic, which is used to edify and build up the body of Christ with the other doma gifts: prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. All these gifts function "until" we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

The rejection of the apostolic came about because of abuse of the title primarily from the Roman Church (big surprise). But so what: many people reject men because of the abuse from their fathers. Nevertheless, we still have fathers and their function in the family is necessary. Much of the rejection of the apostolic also comes from people in the U.S. This is because of the influence of a democratic mindset whereby everyone does what is right in his/her own eyes. Authority from the Lord is often rejected wholesale because it infringes upon a person rights.

Because of this, if I am sent to someone in the U.S. the Lord will often give me knowledge about them I would not otherwise know. I will share this knowledge. This is so they might believe that the Lord knows them intimately. The counsel I give, then, is typically that of foundation repair: setting them back on their feet so that they might be built up in Christ. Repentance is usually involved although not just for sin, also for faulty mindsets. Many of the people to whom I have been sent remain my friends today, some of them closer than others.

"Faith comes by hearing (not "reading") and hearing by the word of God."

But

"And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?"

The "word" is the correct word in the season. Even Satan can recite the scriptures but he cannot preach the word because he is twisted and evil. Apostles and prophets know the word in the season. Not extra-biblical words, but the word the Lord is speaking at the current time. When the people hear it they can believe and have faith.

Aaron56

PS I live by these principles. These things are not simply doctrines derived by study. I actually walk these things out in my own life. I have been for over 20 years. Of the 100s of people I've been sent to, one actually asked me if I was an apostle. It caught me off guard because I never announced myself in that way nor have I used that title. I simply go to whom the Lord sends me. If you are sent or if you have been sent then you, too, are operating in the grace of the apostolic.
What you are describing is being lead by the Holy Spirit to speak a word in season to someone and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. All believers should be living this way. Of course only those who are fully committed to the life of the Spiritual gifts will do so.

1 Cor 2:14 Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (NRSV)

This link is a great article on Apostles and Prophets. https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Apostles-and-Prophets

https://ag.org/-/media/AGORG/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Apostles-and-Prophets.pdf
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,186
5,727
113
#36
There were only 12 Apostles of the Lamb. All these men are with the Lord now. Paul was not one of them as he did not meet the requirement of a "witness" to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. There are other apostles mentioned in the scriptures: Barnabas, Timothy, Silvanus, etc. who are NOT Apostles of the Lamb but, nevertheless, had the grace of an apostle and were apostles (small "a"). These were revealed by the Holy Spirit to men. The Spirit only speaks what He hears from the Lord so the Lord chose these me, too, and empowered them to carry out their calling. How is anyone empowered except by the same Spirit who does only what the Lord tells Him?

Today, apostles have a clear understanding of the foundation of the church. The church is unsteady and sick and fractured largely because many have rejected the ministry of the apostolic, which is used to edify and build up the body of Christ with the other doma gifts: prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. All these gifts function "until" we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

The rejection of the apostolic came about because of abuse of the title primarily from the Roman Church (big surprise). But so what: many people reject men because of the abuse from their fathers. Nevertheless, we still have fathers and their function in the family is necessary. Much of the rejection of the apostolic also comes from people in the U.S. This is because of the influence of a democratic mindset whereby everyone does what is right in his/her own eyes. Authority from the Lord is often rejected wholesale because it infringes upon a person rights.

Because of this, if I am sent to someone in the U.S. the Lord will often give me knowledge about them I would not otherwise know. I will share this knowledge. This is so they might believe that the Lord knows them intimately. The counsel I give, then, is typically that of foundation repair: setting them back on their feet so that they might be built up in Christ. Repentance is usually involved although not just for sin, also for faulty mindsets. Many of the people to whom I have been sent remain my friends today, some of them closer than others.

"Faith comes by hearing (not "reading") and hearing by the word of God."

But

"And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?"

The "word" is the correct word in the season. Even Satan can recite the scriptures but he cannot preach the word because he is twisted and evil. Apostles and prophets know the word in the season. Not extra-biblical words, but the word the Lord is speaking at the current time. When the people hear it they can believe and have faith.

Aaron56

PS I live by these principles. These things are not simply doctrines derived by study. I actually walk these things out in my own life. I have been for over 20 years. Of the 100s of people I've been sent to, one actually asked me if I was an apostle. It caught me off guard because I never announced myself in that way nor have I used that title. I simply go to whom the Lord sends me. If you are sent or if you have been sent then you, too, are operating in the grace of the apostolic.
I won't listen to any preacher who goes by a title "Apostle" so and so. Nor will I listen to any preacher that uses the title Dr. and they did not earn that degree by doing the necessary scholarly work. I suspect these kinds of people to be false, loving the praise of men.
amen the apostles are specific chosen witnesses that established what we know as the New Testament scripture the new testsment is thier living witness still spreading the true gospel

an apostle shares a few traits and experiences they have to be chosen in person by Jesus and equipped fornthier role or given “ revelation “ they all saw personally the risen lord Jesus and the risen lord Jesus in person chose and appointed them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth

people now days are claiming to be an apostle but they aren’t having the apostle experience hat Peter , John , James , and even Paul experienced afterwards as he says “ one born out of time “

there are twelve apostles of Christ and then there are what many call apostles or call themselves apostles , there is the distinction Jesus chose his apostles and empowered hen to accomplish thier role in witnessing the gospel

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:44-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and Paul

“And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:15-20, 22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

an apostle has an encounter with Jesus Christ and is called to be an apostle his annointed witnesses the twelve men he personally named he personally removed Judas as was written of him and he personally chose Paul

Matthias also didn’t have this experience nor was he chosen by Christ as an apostle , but Peter cast lots before he received the holy spirit and named Matthias among the twelve but this is not how apostles are formed and chosen there are twelve men in scriotire that shared this experience chosen and appointed by Christ in person after he rose from the dead to witness thy gospel to all people

and still today thier words ring loud , clear and true to all who hear and believe
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
2,901
1,692
113
#37
amen the apostles are specific chosen witnesses that established what we know as the New Testament scripture the new testsment is thier living witness still spreading the true gospel

an apostle shares a few traits and experiences they have to be chosen in person by Jesus and equipped fornthier role or given “ revelation “ they all saw personally the risen lord Jesus and the risen lord Jesus in person chose and appointed them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth

people now days are claiming to be an apostle but they aren’t having the apostle experience hat Peter , John , James , and even Paul experienced afterwards as he says “ one born out of time “

there are twelve apostles of Christ and then there are what many call apostles or call themselves apostles , there is the distinction Jesus chose his apostles and empowered hen to accomplish thier role in witnessing the gospel

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:44-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and Paul

“And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:15-20, 22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

an apostle has an encounter with Jesus Christ and is called to be an apostle his annointed witnesses the twelve men he personally named he personally removed Judas as was written of him and he personally chose Paul

Matthias also didn’t have this experience nor was he chosen by Christ as an apostle , but Peter cast lots before he received the holy spirit and named Matthias among the twelve but this is not how apostles are formed and chosen there are twelve men in scriotire that shared this experience chosen and appointed by Christ in person after he rose from the dead to witness thy gospel to all people

and still today thier words ring loud , clear and true to all who hear and believe
I love you bro.

The 12 Apostles of the Lamb were witness to His life, death, and resurrection. This was a legal requirement for the Jewish Beth Din, the law of the day. When 12 grown men gave the same witnesses (3 observers, 3 detractors, 3 local, and 3 general) to events, those events were legally determined "true". This is why those audience was "cut to the heart".

"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?

"Men and brethren" denotes their understanding of the weight of their testimony: They were Jewish men claiming that Jesus was the Christ... and the people killed Him.

Even Paul recognized "the twelve" by name. Most apostles wrote nothing in the New Testament. Paul uses his experience as his qualification not as general ones for apostles today.

Nevertheless, all believers should function with all doma gifts as all gifts are freely given to the Body for their benefit. When one uses their gift as a demarcation of exclusivity then you know they are not in the right Spirit. Apostles prophets evangelists pastors and teachers are given to the Body. They, themselves, are not the ministry. It is Christ, the Head of the Body, who deploys them.

The weak and sick church distributes tracts of information. The Living God distributes sons who are tasked with building up the believers. When He sends them out they are apostles.. just like Barnabas, Silvanus, Timothy, etc. There is no need to "pass on" the office of the apostle. That's a Roman Church myth, that somehow there is a succession of apostles. No. Men, in their day, will be raised up as experts in foundational things. In our day, many are experts in foundational repair.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
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#38
Ephesians 4:11-16 says that there are five ministries that Jesus set in the churches which are to remain in the churches until the end of time. Why do some people say that apostles and prophets are no longer relevant or legitimate functions or ministries in churches today?
I guess people say prophets are no longer relevant because there’s the perception that because the Bible exists that God has nothing left to tell humanity.

There are new revelations from God all the time, but I don’t think the church is ready for all of them yet.

Do you know what people would say if a true prophet uttered a new revelation from God? They would be relentlessly attacked like all of the other prophets before them.

I think the church would find prophecies they can measure with dates, numbers, and tests to be more palpable than newly-revealed knowledge from the Lord. Just my experience anyway.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,186
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#39
I love you bro.

.
Amen and respect to all you’ve said there , love and respect you also brother very much

“The 12 Apostles of the Lamb were witness to His life, death, and resurrection.”

the apostles witness is the gospel of the kingdom this doctrine found i. All the epistles the death and resurrection of Christ has been witnessed throughout the law and prophets the apostles are called to establish the doctrine Jesus taught them those are the requirements not for Jews but for mankind

They witnessed this to all
People it is our faith and the will of God

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬

of course they witnessed his death and resurrection I agree but they witnessed his doctrine because it’s the new covenant he told hen to teach the same things he taught them to everyone that is the gospel as much as the death and resurrection it’s why we have the accounts of Jesus ministry the things he taught still today that’s matthews witness of the gospel it includes his death and resurrection indeed but it doesn’t exclude or omit his word it’s the word of the covenant and blood of ten covenant that makes a covenant valid

the things Jesus taught echoe through the epistles because he told them to witness the gospel of the kingdom to all
People so

“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭28:30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

they didn’t just witness Jesus died and rose but the whole counsel of God is what the gospel includes the death and resurrection indeed but every word that Jesus spoke as well taken together

“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:25-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬


If we read the epistles we can see that the subject of Jesus death and resurrection permeates almost every subject in some way it’s essential . The things Jesus taught are as Essential because it’s what changes our mind and heart from bad judgement to Gods judgement it brings us to repentance and righteousness if we follow his word and pursue the goals he’s set for us in his doctrine

the gospel Jesus taught mankind is essential and holds all
Of the good news about eternal
Life and is where he makes all his promises of faith

the apostles are specifically the twelve men the risen lord appeared to anc chose to establish the scriptire think about it , other than James , Luke ( marks account bekng peters of course ) and Jude , the apostles Jesus chose and appointed wrote the entire New Testament we all have in the Bible

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭

the twelve apostles have become part of the gospel story for us now in the end times they are integrated into the gospel because Jesus personally set these thkngs in order John , Peter , Paul Matthew

Note also how lets say Jude introduced his letter

“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:”
‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

his letter is specifically written to all Christians but notice he doesn’t say “ called to be an apostle “

The apostle Peter

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

wrotten to those sanctified by Jesus blood but he says Peter an apostle , Paul says Paul an apostle Jude says “ a servant and brother “

James says

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

James is written to the twelve tribes who were converting to Christianity but it still applies to all Christian as far a its doctrine but note James doesn’t say “
An apostle “ James was Jesus brother but James the apostle was dead already being beheaded or “ killed with the sword “ by Herod

my point is those same twelve apostles have thier names written forever on the foundations of the kingdom because the y have actually become part of our hilt scriptures they have actually become our spiritual big brethren and heroes of our faith who inspire us with the records we read of them and encourage us with thier testomonies and edify us with thier doctrines and teachings thier words give us hope and remember what he said to them whos words would become our Bibles New Testament ?

Jesus addressed the apostles and those who would later hear thier words about him and believe forst of the apostles he says

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:14, 17-18, 20‬ ‭


and it’s not a coincidence that thoer words comprise the New Testament or that there are twelve names written in heaven known as the twelve apostles of Christ

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

it’s not a coincidence that there are twelve thrones next to Christ

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:28‬ ‭

or that there are twelve tribes of Israel

Ot

“and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:12‬ ‭

nt

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

the apostles served a vital Role in our salvation enduring persecutions to spread the word of God , thoer writings make up our faith the Holy Spirit speaking through these men has established our hilt bibles New Testament just as the same established the Old Testament through the twelve tribes of Israel

later on even though there is a removal of a tribe and grafting in of another there’s only ever going to be twelve tribes of Israel recognized by God in eternity just as there are the twelve apostles recognized by God for eternity as they are a foundational part of Gods plan God furthered the gospel through those chosen witnesses so far as thier wotness still reaches the ears of New Testament Bible believers in every nation on earth

we base our faith on thier witness which is this bekng fulfilled

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Every time a Christian preacher shares the message in the New Testament that’s bekng fulfilled more and more the twelve apostles witnesses are already written throughout the earth
 

Dirtman

Well-known member
Jul 19, 2022
1,151
441
83
#40
Ephesians 4:11-16 says that there are five ministries that Jesus set in the churches which are to remain in the churches until the end of time. Why do some people say that apostles and prophets are no longer relevant or legitimate functions or ministries in churches today?
I would like to see a prophet of today. See or hear or read his prophesying