Are there still apostles today?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jan 6, 2018
1,796
154
63
What he is talking about is trying to help us get ready for what is coming.

What he was saying is that he had to dumb it down because if he would have spoken to them spiritually they wouldn't have understood, Because they have been kept in infancy. And if they were open for it, the Holy spirit would reveal it to them. That's why Jesus spoke to them in parables. He made it earthy, because they could understand the spiritual.
That is just the opposite of what Paul is saying because they were rejecting Paul and the Gospel for "wisdom" teachings and teachers. Paul is speaking in irony. This "Apostle" with his "Bible secrets hidden for 2,000 years" is a fraud. There are no secrets that only he knows. He is committing the error of the Corinthians by rejecting the real Apostles of the NT and their simple message of "Jesus Christ and him crucified" for so called deep teachings and spiritual elitism.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
Any "proof" of this in scriptures?
Surely Jesus or his 13 apostles would have "mentioned" if there were to be "apostles" likened unto the 13 wouldn't you think?
Granted the term "apostles" for "missionary people", yes they are around but there are none like unto the 13 apostles that's what I stand by because they were "given power" to do more than anyone today can do.

Yes the proof is in defining the word without adding a new meaning and destroying the original intent. An Apostle is one given power of God, sent of God .God sends them out with the prophecy .

Apostles are those sent by God to declare the word of God they prophecy.

False apostles bring false prophecy

Abel was sent as a apostle to declare the gospel to his brother. Cain slew the first apostle .

Apostles are Prophets.

If any man is led by the Holy Spirit of God to declare the word of God that makes them an apostle.
 
Jan 6, 2018
1,796
154
63
One thing I have noticed in common with these modern day "apostles" is their message that Christians and the church have had all wrong for the past 2,000 years but God has given to them "new revelation" to lead the church with.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
Not on earth, there are only 12.
12 out of 13 is a remnant of the 25 that are listed in the New testament .12 are set aside for a particular function to be used in parables just as 12 our of 13 tribes are set aside in the old testament .Together they describe the bride of Christ the church . 12 representing the final authority of God throughout the scripture

The Greek word "apostle" simply means "sent one" . Add a new meaning destroy the purpose of setting aside 12 of 13 sent ones.

Why the paraphraser left that Greek word sent one not translated into English is a mystery .I suppose from my understanding it was for the Catholics who needed to change the meaning of the word to give them a false venerable authority used in the phrase Apostolical succession, taking away the authority of all things written in the law and the prophets making the word of God without effect .
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
One thing I have noticed in common with these modern day "apostles" is their message that Christians and the church have had all wrong for the past 2,000 years but God has given to them "new revelation" to lead the church with.
That would make them false apostles . True apostles know God is no longer adding to His word being sealed up till the end of time .They must go above that which is written
 
Oct 31, 2015
2,290
588
113
No actually that is the context of eph 4:11 and the context of The "A" Apostles which was stated with scripture some time ago

The twelve apostles were sent out long before the crucifition.


And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power overunclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.


5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to thelost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick,cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
Matthew 10:1-10



JPT
 

EarnestQ

Senior Member
Apr 28, 2016
2,588
310
83
Gal:1:19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. , Acts 14:14 , But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting. Roman 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
.
Good points. I hadn't noticed those passages before.
.
 
Jan 6, 2018
1,796
154
63
That would make them false apostles . True apostles know God is no longer adding to His word being sealed up till the end of time .They must go above that which is written
Bill Johnson, an "apostle", in his book Dreaming With God admits to take Bible verses out of context and the Holy Spirit will give the church new revelations it has never known but needs for today and the future. He explains that hermeneutical rules the church adopted have stopped the Holy Spirit for 2,000 years.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
Eph 4:11 speaks about God gifting men for service in the church. If God sends a man to do the work of an apostle it will be obvious and he will not take it upon himself to announce it. That being said God does not send apostles in these latter days as He did in the early church. If a man comes to you and declares himself an apostle sent from God I would advise you to leave his presence immediately.

This belief of present day apostles is much more common in the Pentecostal or charismatic groups because it is linked to the gifts of the Holy Spirit so they contend.

The Roman Catholic church considers the pope to be an apostle.

The church would be well advised to remain faithful in declaring the word of God and uplifting Christ before a lost and dying world. The church is so distracted by things that are chaff they lose sight of the central mission of the church. Make disciples and witness of the saving grace of God.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
Bill Johnson, an "apostle", in his book Dreaming With God admits to take Bible verses out of context and the Holy Spirit will give the church new revelations it has never known but needs for today and the future. He explains that hermeneutical rules the church adopted have stopped the Holy Spirit for 2,000 years.
I would agree .Why else would they use a Greek word not translated in English, which simply means sent ones, sent with the authority or the word of another other than to venerate those who some say are a long line of succession, as those who get puffed up or venerated above that which is written. It would seem God had already dealt with that issue of warning of venerating men above that which is written. One of the "think not" doctrine of God.

1 Corinthians 4:5-7 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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?
 
Oct 31, 2015
2,290
588
113
I never claimed the Bible contradicted itself. You are correct that people misunderstand what is written. But that is not something I need defend of my self.
The one that claims Jesus did not make Apostles as he said and when he said has the onus upon him to prove his words supplant Jesus' own.

The one who claims Jesus did not send out His twelve Apostles before His ascesion has the onu on them to prove it from the scriptures.


Since I have posted the scripture from Matthew 10, where the twelve apostles are both named and sent out, then there is no scripture to refute and this is a closed case.


And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick,cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. Matthew 10:1-10


again


Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.

4 “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. Luke 9:1-10






Later others were commissioned as Apostles and sent out.



Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant. Acts 13:1-5


again

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Acts 14:14-16


again


But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1:19





JPT
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
Eph 4:11 speaks about God gifting men for service in the church. If God sends a man to do the work of an apostle it will be obvious and he will not take it upon himself to announce it. That being said God does not send apostles in these latter days as He did in the early church. If a man comes to you and declares himself an apostle sent from God I would advise you to leave his presence immediately.

This belief of present day apostles is much more common in the Pentecostal or charismatic groups because it is linked to the gifts of the Holy Spirit so they contend.

The Roman Catholic church considers the pope to be an apostle.

The church would be well advised to remain faithful inror declaring the word of God and uplifting Christ before a lost and dying world. The church is so distracted by things that are chaff they lose sight of the central mission of the church. Make disciples and witness of the saving grace of God.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
The Pope is an apostle (false)

Pentecostal or charismatic groups that seek after signs and wonders before they will beleive as some sort of outward evidence they are being filled with the Holy Spirit follow the same manner of spirit that Jesus rebuked the apostles for.

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what "manner of spirit" ye are of.Luke 9:5

Not necessarily a salvation issues but more as tio ; How do we hear what the Spirt says to the churches as he gives us ears to hear Him not seen, our first love .
 
Oct 31, 2015
2,290
588
113
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what "manner of spirit" ye are of.Luke 9:5

5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
Luke 9:5
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
12 out of 13 is a remnant of the 25 that are listed in the New testament .12 are set aside for a particular function to be used in parables just as 12 our of 13 tribes are set aside in the old testament .Together they describe the bride of Christ the church . 12 representing the final authority of God throughout the scripture

The Greek word "apostle" simply means "sent one" . Add a new meaning destroy the purpose of setting aside 12 of 13 sent ones.

Why the paraphraser left that Greek word sent one not translated into English is a mystery .I suppose from my understanding it was for the Catholics who needed to change the meaning of the word to give them a false venerable authority used in the phrase Apostolical succession, taking away the authority of all things written in the law and the prophets making the word of God without effect .
Please show me in the bible where it lists 25 apostles. Book, chapter, and verse please.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
Luke 9:5
Yes and I would add.

Apostles as sent out ones are used to describe as metaphors the "pillars" of the heavenly city of Christ, as His bride.

Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Twelve is a number which speaks of the unseen authority of the Holy Spirit given to us to be used in various parables to hide the spiritual understanding from the lost.

Thirteen is used to describe those who fall back when hearing the word of God in judgment as in unbelief, no faith. Used of Judas in the new testament as a false pillar, or false prophet, false apostle .

John 18:5-7 (KJV) They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

An apostle in respect to the many lively stones that do make up the spiritual house of God, as the bride of Christ, again are used as pillars.

In the old testament the tribe of Dan, a name that meaning " Jehovah is Judge in respect to the written law that kills... is missing in the book of Revelation to represent the same as one who falls backward in judgement.

Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

Tribes in the description of the bride of Christ in Revelation 21 represent gates by which we enter into fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Together, pillars with gates they make up the one bride of Christ as the spiritual house of God made up of many lively stones.
 

calibob

Sinner saved by grace
May 29, 2018
8,268
5,510
113
Anaheim, Cali.
Cautious adjective, wary, prudent, watchful. It is not a sin.
suspicious adjective, having a feeling that something is wrong, distrustful. It is not a sin either.

These are the words that come to mind when someone tells me about a so called prophet or apostle. If they are self called, I bring a money belt and a switchblade. [they're legal in OK. Tommy] Self promoters are usually con men, not always, you should keep up your guard. If they appeal to your emotions they may see you as fish. Doctrine and philosophy are the bait. Just like wealth, prosparity etc. 'Send me $10 and the Lord will repay you $100. That's how they can afford Bentleys and jets.

The real apostles said things like 'silver and gold? We have none. But we'll give you what we do have, In the name of Jesus, get up and walk,' and they did. I've been saved about 40 years now and I have been involved, hands on, for many years and have seen and heard many things that were wrong. The Lord told us beware of false prophets. He won't get mad.

There is no true new doctrine or prophecy. That was settled in Revelations 22vs's 18 & 19
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
Please show me in the bible where it lists 25 apostles. Book, chapter, and verse please.
Jesus our high preset is a sent one(apostle) . Angels are sent ones (apostles) Moses was a sent one.



Fr0m a sect called Corner Stone as it reads below

James, the half brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church—Galatians 1:19


Barnabas–Acts 14:14


Paul–Acts 14:14 and many other references


Apollos– Corinthians 4:6-9


Timothy and Silvanus– I Thessalonians 1:1 and 2:6


Epaphroditus–Philippians 2:25. While the King James Version translates the word as “messenger”, the Greek word (apostolon) is actually “apostle”.


Two unnamed apostles–Second Corinthians 8:23. A brother of fame among the churches, and a brother tested–“As for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.” Again, the Greek word is “apostoloi” but is translated here as “messengers”.


These nine now make a total of 22 (13 + 9 = 22).


Andronicus and Junia–Romans 16:7 “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Were these genuine apostles or were they, as some (Charles Ryrie and others) translate, “well-known to the apostles”? If we count Andronicus and Junia, the total jumps to 24.

How Many Apostles?

Finally, Hebrews 3:1 designates Jesus Christ the “Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” That makes 25 apostles in the New Testament!
 
P

pjharrison

Guest
Not on earth, there are only 12.
Gal:1:19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. , Acts 14:14 , But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting. Roman 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. These are others, besides the twelve.
 
P

pjharrison

Guest
That is just the opposite of what Paul is saying because they were rejecting Paul and the Gospel for "wisdom" teachings and teachers. Paul is speaking in irony. This "Apostle" with his "Bible secrets hidden for 2,000 years" is a fraud. There are no secrets that only he knows. He is committing the error of the Corinthians by rejecting the real Apostles of the NT and their simple message of "Jesus Christ and him crucified" for so called deep teachings and spiritual elitism.
What hidden secrets are you talking about. Sam is trying to help the Body of Christ get ready for these last days. Read that passage again, your no understanding it right. 1 Cor: 2:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7: No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8: None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
 
Jan 6, 2018
1,796
154
63
What hidden secrets are you talking about. Sam is trying to help the Body of Christ get ready for these last days. Read that passage again, your no understanding it right. 1 Cor: 2:6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7: No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8: None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Paul's point is that there are no deep spiritual teachings in Christianity. It is the simple Gospel message of the cross that only has the power to change lives. The Corinthians were hijacking the Gospel just like the "apostles" of today.