Today I have been reflecting about all of that has been discussed of late re the possible new organization and the idea of apostles and such.
I have heard some folks (not Apostolic) say that they do not believe in modern day apostles...that this died off with the first apostles.
Others leave it to an organizational body to appoint men to an Apostles Board (COOLJC for example).
But what does the Bible say about it?!
Is it a position one aspires to or is it thrust upon them?!
Do we have apostles among us today?!
What is the office of apostle for...what is his role in the scructure of the Church?!
First, let us understand that Ephesian 2:20 states that we "
are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone."
My thinking is that if the Church was built on something, that foundation is still there, that being apostles and prophets...seems elementary to me.
Second,
Ephesians 4:11-16 states...
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
So if the 'Five-fold Ministry' was given for the perfecting and edifying of the Saints and for the work of the ministry, it is my humbled opinion that apostles are operating today.
If I am correct in my thinking, it seems in order to set up a church or organization with that in mind.
As I may not be articulating my thoughts and questions as well as I ought (these long days are beginning to catch up with me), I'll let the great minds here make sense of this and explain the role of apostles in the Church.
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