… to God’s holy apostles …
Summary: God’s Word gives us a lot of information about apostles. Pulling it together paints an intriguing picture of what an apostle looks like.
Who are God’s “holy apostles?” How does someone know they are an apostle? If someone thinks they are an apostle, how do others know they are one?
We addressed these questions briefly back in our discussion of Ephesians 1:1 with “Spreading the Kingdom” and “God’s Coffee Mug.” Now, it comes up again because Paul is telling us that the “mystery of Christ” is revealed to “God’s holy apostles and prophets.”
Why?
Why does God do this? And how? How do we know who these people are?
This question is important because there are people today who are considered “apostle and prophets,” just as there were in Paul’s day. Can this be true?
How does one become an apostle? It seems clear from Scripture that Jesus personally appoints his apostles. He did this with the Twelve Apostles and he personally called Paul to be an apostle. However, there are apostles mentioned in Scripture who we know little about so we can’t be certain about this (Romans 16:7).
In Revelation 2:2, John mentions testing “those who claim to be apostles but are not.” Interesting! Why would someone do that? Are there special “perks” or benefits associated with being an apostle?
John doesn’t tell us how these “tests” were conducted, but Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, gives us some clues (See (1 Corinthians 4). He says that apostles are:
- faithful
- weak
- dishonored
- go hungry and thirsty
- wear rags
- are brutally treated
- homeless
- work hard
- bless when cursed
- endure persecution
- respond kindly to slander
- are considered “scum” and “garbage” by the world
That seems like a pretty good checklist. If anyone fails any of these tests, it seems fair to question whether they are an apostle or not.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul points to a few “marks of a true apostle.” (2 Corinthians 12:12) They include:
- signs
- wonders
- miracles
Jesus expands on this list in Matthew 10: 2-8 when he gives instructions to the twelve disciples he designated as apostles:
- proclaim the “kingdom of heaven has come near”
- heal the sick
- raise the dead
- cleanse the lepers
- drive out demons
- freely give
There is one more thing that is important to add: An apostle of Jesus proclaims Jesus. I mention this because God’s enemy is a master of deception. Paul describes Satan’s representatives this way:
“… such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
(2 Corinthians 11: 12-15)
This is why it is so important to be wary. As John writes in 1 John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Application: Be aware of what to look for in someone who claims to be an apostle.
Food for Thought: It seems clear from Romans 16:7 that contributing to Scripture is not a requirement for being an apostle. With that in mind, what would be the benefit of knowing a modern-day apostle?
what would be the benefit of knowing a modern-day apostle? You mentioned just a few already: signs, wonders, miracles, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. But if someone was able to communicate with God more than: prayer, knowing God’s word (bible), understanding God and having a relationship with Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit and follows Christ. Maybe that person could give us/others more wisdom knowledge and understanding to
Questions we might have.
Tim,
I think you have touched on an important point. Someone who walks in the footsteps of the apostles help the rest of us walk in Christ’s path as well.
It is my understanding that an apostle is so named because they personally witnessed the resurrected Christ. But then Judas Iscariot kinda throws a wrench into those works.
That is a bit of a red herring, so let me get back on track.
If i were to know someone who I believed is a modern-day apostle I certainly would want to learn from them. I have met men that the Spirit just pours out of them, and just listening them talk about the Bible, their faith, and their walk ignites a stronger desire in me to fully live in the presence of the Lord.
I don’t know if I answered the question. Maybe, kinda?
Thanks Chris!
The Judas question is an interesting one. He adds a very human failing to God’s divine mission for us. And yes, you did answer the question! 🙂
T and Chris are out in front!
05-10-2022, It seems clear from Romans 16:7 that contributing to Scripture is not a requirement for being an apostle.
“What would be the benefit of knowing a modern-day apostle?”
TRUE APOSTLES ARE SENT BY GOD!
Before His ascension, Jesus taught, HE WOULD SPEAK THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN. Acts 1:2
After His ascension, approximately 120 disciples gathered together and waited for the Holy Spirit to come. Before the Holy Spirit had come upon them, Peter stood and told them they must again become 12 to replace Judas and they cast lots to determine who between Justus, and Matthias should become disciple number 12 and the lot fell on Matthias, and after this, nothing regarding him is recorded in the Bible.
Acts 1:4-26
The Holy Spirit was given to us after THEY HAD CHOSEN the replacement for Judas by casting lots Acts 2:1-4
I have had the pleasure of attending the teachings by Billy Graham and Luis Palau, both in the Portland area. I have heard faith building sermons by many good preachers, but nothing compared to the words and there effect upon those listening like these two men.
When one gets an opportunity to hear a modern day apostle, make sure you have your bible to follow along, and if he is speaking truths, you will be taking notes.
At the same time, ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Deuteronomy 12:32, You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.
Revelation 22:18, For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.
Ron,
You remind us of our need to be very careful to know the Word of God personally so that we can avoid being led astray. So important!