Zone: Yes, they have always been in place, but not necessarily recognized as such. They are the foundation of the Church and if they foundation had been removed, the church would have fallen.
SL: Revelation 2:2) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: So you lump them all together without judging the fruit? Really?? Some are, some are not and are wannabe's ...but they want the TITLE without the call or responsibility.
(Revelation 21:14) And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Yeah, so? That does NOT say that they did not carry forth the COMMAND to go forth and multiply. that command is not just in reproducing humans, it is about multiplicity FOR the Kingom and for the stability of the church. There has always been and always will be, until Christ returns, people stepping into the offices that those who become old, vacate. Why do you think Paul mentored Timothy?
Theres only twelve. NOT