Continuing in our study of Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
What is an apostle? What are the qualifications to become one? Some say that it is an office for today, other say that time has passed. Let's see what the Bible has to say. This is a murky subject in most churches, but let's put our own biases and traditions aside an look at what the Bible has to say.
How are they chosen?
Acts 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
First of all, like any other ministry, apostles are people chosen specifically by God for his purposes.
What are the qualifications?
Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
This verse of scripture refers to the apostle Judas. So an apostle holds the office of bishop. We should look at requirements for bishop.
1 Timothy 3:2-5 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
It says here that a bishop has to be a married with children. Using deductive reasoning, we must assume the word "bishoprick" means office. Although Peter was married, none of the other big 13 were married. In fact Paul specifically claims virginity.
Peter was married?
That's right.
Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
If they had meant another Peter the Bible would say so, but it doesn't. So at the very least Peter was married. But why don't you ever hear about her?
Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
So in order to become a disciple of Jesus, you had to leave your family behind.
What does an apostle do?
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
An apostle is an office of the Church. He is a missionary. His ministry is accompanied by verifiable miracles.
What about the requirement that they be with Jesus throughout His ministry?
Acts 1:3,21 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Of the original apostles, they all saw Jesus before and after His death. There is however no such requirement listed. Quite the opposite is said in Romans.
Romans 1:5,6 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Grace and apostleship come from the same place, not of works of the flesh but by God.
Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Jesus is also listed as an apostle, so that is not a requirement.
Are there apostles today?
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
We can say for sure that there are still evangelists, pastors and teachers, but can we be sure of apostles and prophets? Before you raise someone up to these offices, or allow someone to claim them over you, you should be sure of signs of a true apostle and prophet.
We will deal with prophets later. For now let's deal with apostles.
Acts 5:14-16 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Not only can a apostle heal, but he can heal every one. We're not talking about one healed now and again, but every one!
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
An apostle is a teacher, missionary and disciple maker. Not just some guy that starts churches. I've never met an apostle and I likely never will. I've met several people who claim the office but never could match up the the Biblical definition.
2 Corinthians 11:12-14 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
A true apostle is truly a man of humility. He will not build himself up.
Heavenly Father, help us to recognize false apostles. Set us free from those who would put us into bondage. In Jesus name, amen.
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