I agree that the Thessalonian scriptures makes the point that all three were considered apostles.
I don't, however, see
@Pilgrimshope twisting the other scriptures. I also was not convinced that all of the scriptures you referenced pointed specifically to apostles. But that is not actually a problem in establishing whether there were more apostles than just the original 12. We know that correct understanding of concepts requires 2-3 scriptures confirming a belief. As such, Barnabas, Salvanus, and Timothy meet the requirement. Along with what is conveyed in Ephesians as you pointed out.
“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
consider why did Jesus specifically choose 12 ?
“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 KJV
“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 KJV
The twelve apostles all were chosen in the same way , all by the risen and glorified Christ appointed to a specific purpose.
“And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and
found the eleven (apostles )gathered together,
and them that were with them, ( disciples )
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 24:33, 44-48 KJV
then you have Paul’s witness the only other man to personally see and be chosen by Jesus for e same purpose in the rest of e New Testament
“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; ( opened his understanding like thiers )
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 26:15-16, 22-23 KJV
for one to be an apostle one would have to be chosen as the other 12 we’re. And then we would have to ask why Jesus only recognizes the 12 men he chose as apostles in his kingdom
I heard some people explaining “ the apostles of Jesus are different than other apostles in the church “ but where is that found anywhere in scripture ?
my belief is there are 12 apostles I think whether someone agrees or not I’ve given legitimate reason why I believe there are 12.
could be there are thousands but I personally don’t see it I think the acts okay though that we sometimes have different thoughts no one can come together in thinking if we don’t allow for differences to be discussed
