The role of apostles was crucial in the early church, but what about today? Are there modern-day apostles, and what does the Bible say about their role in spreading the gospel? Let’s explore the Scriptures to understand the function of apostleship and how it applies to today’s Christian world.
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What Does The Bible Say About Modern-Day Apostles
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
This verse reveals that the purpose of apostles in the modern-day is to equip and build up the body of Christ, enabling believers to serve and fulfill their calling.
1 Corinthians 12:28
“And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”
Here, apostles are recognized as an important part of the spiritual leadership within the church, playing a foundational role in God’s divine order.
2 Corinthians 12:12
“I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders, and miracles.”
This verse emphasizes that modern-day apostles should exhibit the same signs, wonders, and miracles that were evident in the apostles of the early church, validating their apostolic authority.
Acts 1:21-22
“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.”
The criteria for choosing an apostle in the early church still holds true today – they should have a consistent and intimate relationship with Jesus, witnessing His ministry from the beginning.
1 Corinthians 9:1
“Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?”
Apostles should be able to demonstrate that they have encountered and been commissioned by Jesus, bearing the fruits of their apostolic ministry.
Galatians 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”
This verse highlights that true apostles are not chosen or appointed by men, but rather by Jesus Christ and God the Father, indicating a divine calling and commissioning.
Matthew 10:2
“These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John”
Jesus selected twelve apostles in the New Testament, signifying that there is a specific number of apostles ordained to carry out His purposes in the world.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Apostles are commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to follow all of Jesus’ teachings, with the assurance of His eternal presence.
Acts 9:15-16
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man [Paul] is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'”
Similar to the apostle Paul, modern-day apostles may be called to endure suffering for the sake of spreading the Gospel and proclaiming the name of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 11:13
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.”
This verse warns against false apostles who disguise themselves as legitimate messengers of Christ, emphasizing the need to discern and test the authenticity of apostolic ministries.
Acts 14:14
“But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting.”
Modern-day apostles, like Barnabas and Paul, should have a fervent passion for the truth and be willing to boldly confront falsehood and deception.
1 Timothy 1:1
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope”
Paul’s apostleship was not self-imposed but a result of the direct command of God our Savior and Jesus Christ, indicating that true apostles are appointed by divine authority.
Galatians 1:17
“I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.”
This verse highlights that apostles can receive their commission directly from Jesus, without the need for endorsement or approval from other existing apostolic ministries.
Philippians 2:25
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.”
This verse reveals that apostles often work alongside fellow believers, serving not only as ministers but also as co-workers and partners in advancing the kingdom of God.
Romans 16:7
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.”
Andronicus and Junia are mentioned as apostles in this verse, highlighting that the role of apostles extends beyond the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:5-9
“…that he [Jesus] appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God.”
Paul acknowledges that he is the least of the apostles since he initially persecuted the church. This verse recognizes that apostles can come from various backgrounds and experiences, highlighting God’s sovereignty in choosing His messengers.
Galatians 2:9
“James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.”
Apostles can work together collaboratively, recognizing and affirming the unique spheres of influence and assignments that each one has been given.
Acts 15:22
“Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.”
The decision-making process within the early church involved the participation and input of both apostles and elders, demonstrating the importance of shared leadership and accountability for apostolic ministry.
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Jesus instructs His apostles to operate in supernatural power, performing miracles and demonstrating God’s kingdom, emphasizing that modern-day apostles should continue to release the power and authority of God.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
This verse highlights that apostles act as ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and delivering His message of reconciliation to humanity.
2 Corinthians 12:11
“I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the ‘super-apostles,’ even though I am nothing.”
Paul refers to the existence of “super-apostles” in his time, implying that there can be different levels or ranks of apostolic authority and gifting.
2 Corinthians 10:13-15
“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand.”
Apostles recognize the sphere of service assigned to them by God and do not boast or expand their influence beyond the limits set by Him. However, they anticipate growth and increased impact as the faith of believers expands.
Galatians 1:19
“I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.”
James, the brother of Jesus, is referred to as an apostle in this verse, suggesting that apostles can also be those who have a significant familial connection to Jesus.
Acts 15:6-7
“The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them.”
This verse highlights the importance of apostles in participating in decision-making processes within the church, providing apostolic wisdom and guidance.
Ephesians 2:20
“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
Here, apostles are recognized as part of the foundation of the church, being instrumental in establishing and grounding believers in the truth of Christ.
1 Peter 1:1
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”
Peter introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, indicating that apostles are chosen and sent by Jesus Himself to specific regions and people.
Revelation 21:14
“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
In the New Jerusalem, the names of the twelve apostles are inscribed on the foundations of the city, symbolizing their eternal significance and role in the kingdom of God.
These Bible verses provide insight into the role and characteristics of modern-day apostles. It is important to note that while there may be varying interpretations and understandings of apostolic ministry, these verses shed light on key principles and qualities that can be observed in individuals carrying out apostolic work today.
Modern-day apostles are called and commissioned by Christ Himself, demonstrating a personal encounter with Jesus and a deep commitment to His teachings. They are foundational leaders within the body of Christ, equipping and building up believers to fulfill their calling and purpose. Apostles operate in supernatural power, performing signs, wonders, and miracles, just as the apostles in the early church did.
Furthermore, apostles may face opposition, persecution, and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. They work collaboratively with other believers, recognizing shared leadership and the need for accountability. Apostolic ministry involves discerning and testing the authenticity of apostolic individuals and ministries to ensure their alignment with the truth of God’s Word.
All believers, whether they are apostles or not, are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and proclaiming the Gospel message. While the role of apostles encompasses various responsibilities and spheres of influence, their ultimate purpose is to advance the kingdom of God, making disciples of all nations.
It is essential to approach the concept of modern-day apostles with discernment, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and aligning our understanding with the teachings of Scripture. By studying these verses, we can gain a clearer understanding of the biblical foundation for apostolic ministry and how it relates to the church and God’s redemptive plan for the world.