An Apostle?
Recently I came across a man, who makes the claim of being an apostle. I want to be clear that I have not spoken to him about this claim, because I wanted to better understand what it means to be an apostle and what is the proof or process to make that claim.
Some will claim that Ephesian 4:11 or I Corinthians 12:28 justifies the office of apostle.
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eph 4:11–14.
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.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Co 12:28.
Any person can go online and take a spiritual gift test and get a list of potential gifts based on the test. Did you get that, “any person” whether they believe in the Gospel or not -anyone can take the same test and get a list of potential spiritual gifts.
So how do you determine if it is a real spiritual gift or not? We see that a teacher is on the list of gifts and yet how many great teachers are there in the world today? How do you discern if a teacher has a spiritual gift or is just a naturally gifted teacher? Is there a difference?
As you can see it’s not that easy to figure out the truth.
More Confusion: A New Movement?
C. Peter Wagner (who died in 2016) of Global Harvest Ministries considered the year 2001 to be the beginning of the second apostolic age, who claims that the lost offices of prophet and apostle were restored in that year.
It must be noted that there is no clear understanding of how and why 2001 was determined as the restoration year.
A National Symposium on the Post-Denominational Church was convened by Dr. C. Peter Wagner at Fuller Seminary, May 21-23, 1996. Bill Hamon said that “this was a historical occasion in God's annals of Church history. It was prophetically orchestrated by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's progressive purposes of bringing His church to its ultimate destiny... the consensus of the panelists was that there are still apostles and prophets in the Church, and there is an emerging Apostolic Movement that will revolutionize the 21st Century Church” (Streams, Rivers, Floods, Avalanches, cited by Jewel van der Merwe, Discernment Ministries Newsletter, http://www.discernment-ministries.com/Articles/streams.htm)
Wagner states “I believe that the government of the church is finally coming into place and that is the, the scripture teaches in Eph. 2 that the foundation of the church is apostles and prophets” (CBN interview Jan.3, 2000).
According to Wagner, God’s people can only ever return to pure Christianity, as seen in the early church, if they “recognize, accept, receive, and minister in all the spiritual gifts, including the gift of apostle.”
In C Peter Wagner’s book Dominion! (page 33), he described a modern apostle as the following,
“An apostle is a Christian leader gifted, taught, commissioned and sent by God with the authority to establish the foundational government of the church within an assigned sphere of ministry by hearing what the Spirit is saying to the churches and by setting things in order accordingly for the expansion of the Kingdom of God.”
“Here is a list of the things that any apostle will do, according to C Peter Wagner:
An apostle will receive revelation (directly and from prophets).
An apostle will cast new vision for the church (based on the revelation the apostle has received).
An apostle will govern within the church.
An apostle will “birth” new ministries.
An apostle will lead the church in spiritual warfare.
An apostle will teach.
An apostle will impart God’s blessings in others (including spiritual gifts).
An apostle will initiate and carry out projects by strategizing and fundraising.
An apostle will complete projects by bringing them to desired conclusions.
An apostle will equip others for ministry.
An apostle will send out others who are equipped to fulfill roles in expanding the kingdom of God.
An apostle will raise up future leadership.
As described in A New Apostolic Reformation: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement written by R Dougal Geivett and Holly Pivec (pages 45-46)
The International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders
The International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders (ICAL) is a Christian missional movement. Their mission: “The mission of ICAL is to provide our members ACCESS to other Apostolic Leaders worldwide, EXPOSURE to Kingdom ideas, strategies and procedures successfully implemented by other Apostolic Leaders around the world, and DIALOGUE with other members in a global conversation.”
Who is considered an apostle according to ICAL: “It must be understood that ICAL membership does not confer ordination or commissioning on a given apostle.
ICAL does not “make” an individual an apostle. Only those who have previously been recognized as having the gift and office of apostle are accepted as members, and this recognition comes through and is maintained by the particular ecclesiastical network or apostolic ministry conferring the ordination or commissioning.”
According to the ICAL website, the aspiring apostle must be nominated by two existing apostles who can show that he meets the ICAL’s criteria and pays the proper fee.
The ICAL charges an annual $450 fee to be an apostle. There’s also a couple’s rate of $650, just in case your wife also happens to be an apostle. (In fact Bill Hamon promotes the husband and wife team concept of apostleship, And you want to stay on top of your dues, because failure to renew your membership on time results in a “deactivated” apostleship—a deactivated apostle can be reactivated for an extra $50.)
An apostle is defined by ICAL: “A Christian leader gifted, taught, commissioned, and sent by God with the authority to establish foundational government within an assigned sphere by hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying and one who sets things in order accordingly for the growth and maturity.”
ICAL like Wagner believe in a Five Fold Ministry.
What is the five-fold ministry? Most claim that the five-fold ministry is found in Ephesians 4:11, and it refers to the five roles that God has called Christians to fill. These roles are (1) apostles, (2) prophets, (3) evangelists, (4) pastors, and (5) teachers.
New Apostolic Reformation
Got Questions.org states that the “The New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, is an unbiblical religious movement that emphasizes experience over Scripture, mysticism over doctrine, and modern-day “apostles” over the plain text of the Bible. Of particular distinction in the New Apostolic Reformation are the role and power of spiritual leaders and miracle-workers, the reception of “new” revelations from God, an over-emphasis on spiritual warfare, and a pursuit of cultural and political control in society. The seeking of signs and wonders in the NAR is always accompanied by blatantly false doctrine.
Though it uses the word new, the New Apostolic Reformation is actually a reworking of a very common, very old approach. Since the beginning of Christianity, various groups have claimed to have a “new revelation” from God to correct all of the errors of the present world. These movements contend that “real” spirituality or maturity or truth is found only by those who listen to their leadership. Some of these sects, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism, endure and become religions in their own right. Others fade away.
Much of what the New Apostolic Reformation teaches has at least some basis in Scripture, albeit carried much further than the Bible intends. That, however, still makes those doctrines unbiblical, and Christians should flatly reject the New Apostolic Reformation’s teachings and those who choose to be associated with it.”
It must be noted that most “apostles” like Bill Johnson, Todd Bentley etc all deny the existence of a unified or real NAR organization.
So are there modern day Apostles?
In this discussion we are omitting the “apostles” of the Latter Day Saints and only considering what the evangelical church would consider as an apostle.
We will also set aside the catholic and eastern orthodox views that bishops are considered apostles in todays sense.
It’s safe to say that almost exclusively, only the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements lay claim to the modern day office of apostles.
Some churches and para church organizations would re-define the role of the modern apostle primarily as a church planter. That makes sense since it simply means that they are sent out, however that ignores the apostolic authority of governance and supernatural works that were marks of the original apostles.
In the early church apostles proclaimed the gospel message with accompanying signs and wonders, which gave authority and validated their message.
Reformed cessationists hold to what is called a "cascade" theology of spiritual gifts and offices. They argue that if the apostolic office is no longer around then the other gifts and offices should not be either, i.e.prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, but, is that what the scripture really says or means?
We should also acknowledge that there are also false apostles as well! So how do we make sense of this situation?
In 2 Cor 12:12 we read: The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
I ask what are the documented and verifiable signs and wonders of the post scripture apostles?
In the New Testament who were considered to be an Apostle?
Definition: an apostle is a messenger or ambassador who is sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent out.”
12 Disciples
Mark 3:13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. 16 He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 3:13–19.
Judas’ Replacement
Acts1: 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.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 1:21–26.
Criteria for his selection:
Been with Jesus since his baptism by John until his death on the cross.
Witness of Jesus’ resurrection.
Paul
I Corinthians 15: 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Co 15:5–9.
Signs and Wonders
Acts 2:43
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Acts 4:33
And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 5:12
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.
2 Cor 12:12
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
People mentioned as Apostles in the Bible
There are at least nineteen people who may be considered apostles in the New Testament:
Simon Peter
Andrew (Peter’s Brother)
James (son of Zebedee)
John (James’ Brother)
Phillip
Bartholomew
Thomas
Matthew (Tax Collector)
James (son of Alphaeus)
Thaddeus
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot
***All previous named were considered as the original 12 disciples Jesus selected.
Matthias (Judas’ replacement)
James (Jesus’ Brother) Gal 1:19 -But I saw none of the apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
Paul (Romans 1:1- Apostle to the Gentiles)
Barnabas (Acts 14:14) -But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
Silvanus or Silas (1 Thes 1:1, 2:6)
Timothy (1 Thes 1:1, 2:6)
Jesus the apostle and high priest of our confession (Heb 3:1)
However, when talking about the New Jerusalem in Revelations 21:14 “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” NOTE: The scriptures are not clear so we do not know who these twelve apostles are or why others may have been omitted.
It is also unclear when and how James, Jesus’ brother was selected as an apostle. Barnabas, Silas and Timothy were all Paul’s disciples or assistants and we do have any details of their selection either.
Use of term in the four Gospels:
I am listing every mention of the word so that you may see the context of the use of the word apostle or apostles.
In the Gospel narratives (In the first four books of the New Testament - Matthew , Mark, Luke and John) we see the exclusive use of the word apostle in the plural form, in every instance it is referring to the twelve chosen from among his many disciples to be designated as apostles (Mark 3:14).
Matt 10:2
The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Mark 3:14
And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
Mark 6:30
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.
Luke 6:13
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:
Luke 9:10
On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.
Luke 11:49
Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’
Luke 17:5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
Luke 22:14
And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.
Luke 24:10
Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
Use of term in the Epistles:
The epistles refers to the letters of Paul, Peter, James and unknown authors of the rest of the books in the New Testament.
Once agin the plural use of the word apostle in almost all cases refers to the 12 apostles as mentioned in the gospels, with the addition of Matthias.
Acts 1:2
until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
Acts 1:26
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:43
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Acts 4:33
And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:35
and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Acts 4:36
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
Acts 4:37
sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:2
and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:12
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.
Acts 5:18
they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:40
and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Acts 6:6
These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 8:1
And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 8:14
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,
Acts 8:18
Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 11:1
Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
Acts 14:4
But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
Acts 14:14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
***NOTICE the following distinction between the offices of the apostle and elders of the church.
Acts 15:2
And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.
Acts 15:4
When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them.
Acts 15:6
The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
Acts 15:22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,
**NOTE: Does this mean Barsabbas (also called Joseph or Justus, who was one of the two final candidates to replace Judas Iscariot) and Silas were now considered Apostles since they were sent out?
Acts 15:23
with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.
Acts 16:4
As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.
**NOTE: How in the following, Paul presents his bona fides or proof that he is entitled to the claim as a true apostle.
Rom 1:1
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
Rom 11:13
Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
Rom 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
1 Cor 1:1
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
1 Cor 4:9
For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
1 Cor 9:1
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?
1 Cor 9:2
If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
1 Cor 9:5
Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
1 Cor 12:28
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.
1 Cor 12:29
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
1 Cor 15:7
Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
1 Cor 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
2 Cor 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
2 Cor 11:5
Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.
**NOTE: The existence of false apostles in contrast to true apostles.
2 Cor 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
2 Cor 12:11
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.
2 Cor 12:12
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
Gal 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—
Gal 1:17
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.
Gal 1:19
But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
NOTE: James the Lord’s brother mentioned as an an apostle.
Eph 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
Eph 3:5
which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
Eph 4:11
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
Col 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
1 Thess 2:6
Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
1 Tim 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
1 Tim 2:7
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
2 Tim 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 Tim 1:11
for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,
Heb 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,
1 Pet 1:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Pet 1:1
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2 Pet 3:2
that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
Jude 17
But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev 2:2
“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
Rev 18:20
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”
Rev 21:14
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
NOTE: We do not know the names of these twelve apostles. We also cannot infer that there were only twelve since that would possibly omit Paul who also claimed to be an apostle.
Continuation or Cessation?
While it is obvious that there is a precedence of the office of apostle, the two questions we need to figure out are “is it a real office for today?” If the answer is yes then how do we discern who is a true apostle? Then it’s obvious that if not true then they would be deemed a false apostle.
As mentioned earlier, reformed cessationists hold to what is called a "cascade" theology of spiritual gifts and offices. They argue that if the apostolic office is no longer around then the other gifts and offices should not be either, i.e.prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Some would also make a claim that there are still apostles but they now have a watered down office or power. Okay but how and when did this redefinition come about?
So in this view it is an all or nothing list of gifts/office! Perhaps the office of apostle was established and put in use but for a limited time and purpose. The scriptures are not absolutely clear on this issue. This specific understanding does not mean that all the rest or other individual offices in the list may or may not be in effect today. Is it really all or nothing?
The scriptures say that there are (or were) apostles so I cannot say for certain what the truth may be. However, I also know that there are currently false apostles or “super apostles” as Paul describes them.
Authority for modern usage
Anyone can make a claim of being an apostle, but I have every right, in fact I am obligated to validate the evidence of such claim. Questions I should consider:
Who determined that you are an apostle?
Are they reliable?
Are there more than one reliable confirmation?
Did you get this information in a dream?
Did you pay for a course, class or book on how to become an apostle?
Did you get some “impartation” and by whom?
Who sent you out?
What is your definition of an apostle?
Is it a church planter?
Is it compatible to the NT apostles?
Is it something else?
Are you a vertical apostolic leader?
Are you a horizontal apostolic leader?
Are you an ambassador, general-governor or patriarch?
What are the subsequent evidences of your claim?
What are any documented signs or wonders?
What is the evidence or fruit of the work of your office?
Do you get direct revelation from God that clears up questions about how to live out the gospel?
What is the nature of your character?
Conclusion
It’s obvious that anyone can make any claim they choose to, it’s up to you, the believer to discern if it is a true or false claim. God’s word makes it clear that there are false claims all the time. This is not only a personal warning it is also for the body of believers, we need to be careful of those we give deference to in our churches!
John’s First Epistle is full of warnings not to be deceived and we are told to test the spirits, because false prophets are in the world today!
Paul writes to the Church of Ephesus:
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 20:28–30.
NOTE: When using a compass a tiny deviation over the course of travel increases the effect of that error! So a “twisted thing” does not have to be that obvious or severe!
We are to “ Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock,” to be ready for the fierce wolves to attempt to destroy our faith, these threats will even arise from among the congregation! We have to be careful from the outside influences and even from those among us. We are not safe!
John writing in Revelation, emphases the diligence of the Church of Ephesus, the same church mentioned above, to test all those who claim to be apostles!
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Re 2:1–2.
Paul warns the Corinthians
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Co 11:13–15.
Paul warns us these (false) super-apostles teach one or a combination:
A different Jesus
A different spirit from the Holy Spirit
A different Gospel
Paul is clear that we should be able to discern a true apostle from a false one.
12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Co 12:12.
Todd Bentley, Bill Johnson, Che Ahn, Peter Wagner, John Arnott, and Rick Joyner and the hundreds of others listed on the The International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders website, and the thousands not listed that could not afford the yearly fees, are all false apostles or in their twisted delusion “super-apostles” (thinking super is good)!
Final Word
After making my claims in the preceding Conclusion, I am obligated to confront this apostle and test his office bona fides, I have no choice! Now I need to pray and ask God to show me how to do this difficult task in TRUTH and LOVE.
Well... you're not a "cessationist" (however broad or narrow the application). The 'nuances' of Christianity are more innumerable than simply quantifying it by denominations.
Is it your understanding that apostles can exist today?
By contrast, I certainly acknowledge the five offices, but my understanding is that an apostle had to have actually been a disciple under Jesus.
I've nothing to contradict that definition with and, at the risk of sounding defensive, nor do I think I need to be 'labeled' a cessationist for understanding this way.
Regardless, I think your line of questioning is apt.
Also, maybe I missed it but, I'm curious enough to ask what scenario arose causing you to feel the 'need', or that it's your responsibility, to personally question this individual?... I'm not questioning your 'right' or authority to do so, just genuinely inquisitive.
~ :- ]
Thanks in advance!
Also.... I don't know how I missed all these articles of yours! I look forward to eventually catching up!