i'm confused....why does the number of apostles matter as much as if God is still sending them or not?
the foundation is not only apostles but Jesus and the prophets. Jesus is referred to as an Apostle. I think the key point should be made that Jesus only died once and the foundation is only laid once by the early church and now we are living stones built upon the foundation of Jesus, the Apostles (no matter what number you want to say they are) and the prophets.
to lay new foundation would make the whole building unsteady.
I advocate speaking about how the living stones are made to fit together to becoming a functioning body of Christ, but that could be just my bias.
What are the difference between these terms/offices: Apostle, prophet, evangelist, bishop, deacon, teacher, preacher, etc?
what is the difference between being blessed for a time with a spiritual gift and holding a spiritual office?
Acts 14:14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out
Hebrews 3:1
[ The Son Was Faithful ] Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
Galatians 1:19
But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.