By Dr. Jack Cottrell
QUERY: One of the “spiritual gifts” is the gift of “apostles” (1 Cor. 12:28-29close1 Corinthians 12:28-29 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:28-29close1 Corinthians 12:28-29 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (ESV) 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (ESV) ; Eph. 4:11closeEphesians 4:11 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV) closeEphesians 4:11closeEphesians 4:11 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV) ). Some believe this gift continues today. How do you understand this gift?
ANSWER: Most of the following material comes from my book, “Power from on High: What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit” (College Press, 500pp.), pp. 406-407.
Apostles are named in two of Paul’s four lists of spiritual gifts: in Eph. 4:11closeEphesians 4:11 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV) closeEphesians 4:11closeEphesians 4:11 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV) , and twice in 1 Cor. 12:28-30close1 Corinthians 12:28-30 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:28-30close1 Corinthians 12:28-30 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV) 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV) . They are named first in each list. The word “apostle” (Greek, “apostolos”) comes from a common Greek verb, “apostello,” which means “to send, to send out, to send on a mission.” In a generic sense an apostle is anyone sent on a mission, such as the three men (Titus and two others) whom Paul sent to Corinth to facilitate the offering he was collecting for the poor in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:23close2 Corinthians 8:23 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 8:23close2 Corinthians 8:23 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. (ESV) 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. (ESV) ); also Epaphroditus, sent by the church at Philippi to minister to Paul’s needs (Phil. 2:25closePhilippians 2:25 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, (ESV) closePhilippians 2:25closePhilippians 2:25 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, (ESV) 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, (ESV) ); and Jesus himself, sent from heaven to be our Savior (Heb. 3:1closeHebrews 3:1 Jesus Greater Than Moses 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, (ESV) closeHebrews 3:1closeHebrews 3:1 Jesus Greater Than Moses 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, (ESV) Jesus Greater Than Moses 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, (ESV) ).
The word “apostle” is linguistically equivalent to our word “missionary,” and is probably used in that sense of “Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 13:2-4closeActs 13:2-4 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (ESV) closeActs 13:2-4closeActs 13:2-4 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (ESV) 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (ESV) ) in Acts 14:4, 14closeActs 14:4 4 But the people of the city were spanided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. Acts 14:14 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, (ESV) closeActs 14:4closeActs 14:4 4 But the people of the city were spanided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. (ESV) 4 But the people of the city were spanided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. Acts 14:14closeActs 14:14 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, (ESV) 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, (ESV) , and of Andronicus and Junias in Rom 16:7closeRomans 16:7 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. (ESV) closeRomans 16:7closeRomans 16:7 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. (ESV) 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. (ESV) . Some think that the spiritual gift of apostleship today refers to anyone thus “sent forth to preach the message of the cross,” or “church-planting missionaries.” This is possible, but highly unlikely. This function is more likely included in the gift of evangelists.
It is almost certain that the gift of apostles refers to the office of apostle, i.e., to the men chosen by Jesus Christ to be his personal representatives in establishing the church following his ascension. These are “the twelve apostles” (Matt. 10:2), commonly referred to simply as “the twelve” (with Judas being replaced by Matthias, Acts 1:26closeActs 1:26 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (ESV) closeActs 1:26closeActs 1:26 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (ESV) 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (ESV) ), to which was added the apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:11-12close2 Corinthians 12:11-12 Concern for the Corinthian Church 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 12:11-12close2 Corinthians 12:11-12 Concern for the Corinthian Church 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (ESV) Concern for the Corinthian Church 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (ESV) ; Gal. 1:1, 17closeGalatians 1:1 Greeting 1:1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— Galatians 1:17 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (ESV) closeGalatians 1:1closeGalatians 1:1 Greeting 1:1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— (ESV) Greeting 1:1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— Galatians 1:17closeGalatians 1:17 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (ESV) 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (ESV) ). When Paul says in 1 Cor. 12:28close1 Corinthians 12:28 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (ESV) close1 Corinthians 12:28close1 Corinthians 12:28 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (ESV) 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. (ESV) that “God has appointed in the church, first apostles,” he is saying that this gift is of first importance. It is also the most comprehensive gift, since apostles seem to have been given other gifts as a part of their calling, e.g., prophecy, teaching, administrations (involving their general authoritative leadership), tongues, and miracles (2 Cor. 12:12close2 Corinthians 12:12 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (ESV) close2 Corinthians 12:12close2 Corinthians 12:12 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (ESV) 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (ESV) ).
It is also quite clear that the gift of apostles was a temporary gift, intended only for the foundational era of the church universal (Eph 2:20closeEphesians 2:20 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (ESV) closeEphesians 2:20closeEphesians 2:20 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (ESV) 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (ESV) ). The existence of this gift is limited by the conditions laid down for the choosing of Judas’ successor in Acts 1:21-26closeActs 1:21-26 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (ESV) closeActs 1:21-26closeActs 1:21-26 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (ESV) 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (ESV) , i.e., it was necessary for an apostle to have been a direct witness of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ (or at least to have witnessed the risen Christ, as did Paul, Acts 9:1-6closeActs 9:1-6 The Conversion of Saul 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV) closeActs 9:1-6closeActs 9:1-6 The Conversion of Saul 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV) The Conversion of Saul 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV) ). Some argue that all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the NT are still given today, but this inherent limitation upon those who are qualified to be apostles shows that we are justified in distinguishing between temporary and permanent gifts (see Thomas Edgar, “Satisfied by the Promise of the Spirit” [Kregel 1996], 53-63).
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