In Christianity, the term “apostle” holds significant weight and carries deep implications. Rooted deeply in Biblical narrative, apostleship is not merely a title but a divine calling with stringent qualifications. However, the modern Christian landscape is cluttered with self-proclaimed apostles whose legitimacy often remains dubious. This week we will dissect the fallacy of modern apostles by examining their claims of legitimacy in light of Biblical standards, ultimately revealing their inadequacy and challenging their credibility.
Historical Sources and References
Drawing from scholarly research into the governmental structures of the Roman Empire, including works by scholars such as Tacitus and Josephus, the word “apostle” originates from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “one who is sent forth” or “messenger.” In the Roman government of Jesus’ time, the term was commonly used to refer to individuals appointed by the emperor to carry out specific duties or represent imperial authority in various regions. For instance, Roman governors, such as Pontius Pilate, were appointed as “apostles” of Caesar to administer justice and maintain order in the provinces. Additionally, Roman military commanders, like the “apostle” Paulus Fabius Maximus, were tasked with leading military campaigns and enforcing Roman rule in conquered territories. These Roman “apostles” held significant privileges, including the authority to levy taxes, adjudicate legal disputes, and enforce imperial decrees. Their duties encompassed governance, military command, and diplomatic representation, making them key figures in the Roman administration.
Categories of Apostles in the Bible
A Biblical apostle refers to a select group of individuals chosen by Jesus Christ during His ministry (before and after His resurrection) to serve as his closest companions, witnesses to his teachings, and agents for spreading the message of Christianity. The term also pertains to individuals commissioned by established churches to execute a designated mandate in a distant region.
It is first crucial to understand the two distinct categories of apostles portrayed in the Bible: foundational apostles and apostles of the churches (missionaries).
- Foundational Apostles
Foundational Apostles fall into two categories:
Category 1: Apostles by Jesus Christ
The first category are those known as the “12 apostles of the lamb,” Jesus Christ’s closest followers, who played key roles in the inception and leadership of the early Christian movement. These apostles were the cornerstone upon which the early church was built. The names of the foundational apostles are listed in various passages, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16–19, and Luke 6:13–16. They include Peter (Simon), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’ brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Jude (Thaddeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas Iscariot. This type of apostle was empowered by Christ to perform extraordinary miracles and was also entrusted with shaping doctrine for the emerging church, establishing the fundamental beliefs and practices that would guide Christianity for centuries to come.
While Matthias is technically considered one of the Twelve, he is often not included in lists due to being appointed after Judas Iscariot’s death and not being directly called into the group by Jesus.
Category 2: Apostles by The Holy Spirit
Apostles commissioned by the Holy Spirit constitute another category. They were not part of the original Twelve but were chosen and empowered by the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension for significant missions. Notable figures among them include Barnabas and Saul. Acts 13:2–3 highlights the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul) by the Holy Spirit for their missionary work: “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.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” This type of apostle was also empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform extraordinary miracles and was also entrusted with shaping doctrine for the emerging church, contributing to the theological foundation of Christianity as they spread the gospel to different regions and communities.
- Apostles of the Churches (Missionaries)
Apostles of the Churches, commonly referred to as missionaries, continue the apostolic mission of spreading the gospel to various regions and communities. Unlike the Foundational Apostles, the apostles in this group are not endowed with the ability to perform miracles. They also do not have the mandate to shape doctrine, as is the case with the Foundational Apostles. Instead, they can only teach the doctrine as it has been laid out by the Foundational Apostles, focusing primarily on the transmission and application of established Christian teachings as they work to expand the faith globally. Examples of Apostles of the Churches in the Bible include:
Silas
Also known as Silvanus, Silas accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys and assisted in the establishment and encouragement of churches. Acts 15:40–41 records Paul’s decision to choose Silas as his traveling companion: “Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”
Timothy
Timothy was a disciple and traveling companion of Paul, involved in missionary work and ministry among various congregations. Paul often sent Timothy to churches to provide guidance and instruction. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Paul writes, “So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.“
While the Foundational Apostles had the ability to perform miracles, the Apostles of the Churches (missionaries) primarily focused on spreading the gospel message, relying on faith and perseverance rather than extraordinary signs and wonders.
The apostolic work of missionaries is ongoing as they tirelessly preach the gospel, establish churches, and nurture believers worldwide. While their names may not be as prominently recorded in the Bible, their contributions to the growth and endurance of Christianity are immeasurable.
Purpose of miraculous signs in the lives of Foundational Apostles
Miraculous signs served the purpose of validating the message of the Foundational Apostles and their authority as messengers of God. These signs, including healings, exorcisms, and even raising the dead, demonstrated the power of God at work through them. As mentioned in Mark 16:20, “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” These signs authenticated the apostles’ teachings, reinforcing the truth of the gospel they proclaimed. For instance, in Acts 3:1–10, Peter and John heal a lame beggar at the temple, drawing attention to their message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Similarly, in Acts 9:36–42, Peter raises Tabitha from the dead, leading to many conversions in the area. Miraculous signs also served to establish the early church, as seen in Acts 2:43, where “many wonders and signs were done by the apostles,” nurturing faith and community among believers.
Additionally, these signs fulfilled prophecies, such as Joel 2:28–32, which foretold of God pouring out His Spirit and performing wonders in the last days. Therefore, as persons tasked with laying the doctrinal foundation of the emerging Church, miraculous signs in the lives of the Foundational Apostles were instrumental in confirming their divine commission and the authenticity of the gospel message they preached.
Apostles versus Pastors: Clarifying Roles
Based on the preceding information, it is evident that a sitting pastor overseeing a congregation cannot be considered an apostle, whether foundational or missionary. This assertion stems from the distinction that apostles are individuals specifically commissioned and sent to propagate the gospel in regions and communities where its message has yet to be disseminated. It’s noteworthy that the apostles we see in Scripture were always venturing into new regions to spread the gospel, a characteristic not typically observed among modern apostles, who are often confined to established congregations or ministries. Pastors hold roles within the church, focusing on pastoral care, teaching, and spiritual leadership within their established congregations. Their responsibilities do not align with the apostolic mandate of pioneering new territories for gospel proclamation. Therefore, according to the biblical model, a sitting pastor does not meet the criteria for apostleship.
Distinctive Characteristics of Foundational Apostles
Foundational Apostles stood out in two crucial areas that underlined their unique authority and significance within the early Christian community. Firstly, they possessed the extraordinary ability to perform signs, wonders, and miracles, demonstrating the divine power vested in their apostleship. Jesus Himself affirmed this aspect of their ministry when He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Furthermore, the Book of Acts records numerous instances where the Apostles performed miraculous deeds, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons, thereby validating their authority as emissaries of Christ (Acts 5:12; Acts 9:32–35; Acts 16:16–18).
Secondly, these were entrusted with the solemn responsibility of imparting Jesus’ teachings and shaping the doctrinal foundation of the emerging Church. Jesus Himself commissioned them to teach and baptize, commanding them to “teach all nations” and to observe “all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Additionally, the Apostle Paul emphasized the authoritative nature of their teachings, declaring, “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). Thus, through their miraculous demonstrations of power and their authoritative proclamation of Christ’s teachings, this category of apostles played an indispensable role in shaping the early Church and establishing its doctrinal framework.
Biblical Qualifications for a Foundational Apostle
The Bible provides explicit criteria for Foundational Apostles, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of those who bear this esteemed title. These qualifications serve as a litmus test against which modern apostles must be evaluated.
- Direct Commission by Christ: Such an apostle must have been directly chosen, called, or commissioned by Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit Himself (Luke 6:13; Acts 1:24–26; Acts 13:2-3).
- Witness of Christ’s Resurrection: Such an apostle must have witnessed the resurrected Christ, as this firsthand experience validated his authority and message (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Corinthians 9:1).
- Authentic Signs and Wonders: Such an apostle must be empowered by God to perform authentic signs, wonders, and miracles, validating his apostolic authority (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12).
- Doctrinal Soundness and Teaching Authority: Such an apostle is entrusted with the task of transmitting accurate doctrine and sound teaching, safeguarding the purity of the gospel message (Ephesians 2:20).
The Fallacy of Modern Apostles
In contrast to the stringent Biblical criteria outlined for Foundational Apostles, modern apostles often fall short in meeting these standards, thus exposing their invalidity.
- Absence of Direct Commission by Christ: Unlike Biblical Foundational Apostles, modern apostles show no proof of a direct commission by Jesus Christ Himself. Their self-proclaimed titles are devoid of divine validation (Matthew 10:1-4; Acts 9:1–19).
- Lack of Witness to Christ’s Resurrection: True Foundational Apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ’s resurrection, a foundational aspect of their authority. This requirement poses quite the dilemma for modern apostles, for to meet this qualification, they would have to possess an impressive age exceeding 2,000 years. Indeed, it seems implausible for anyone to claim first-hand experience of an event that transpired millennia ago. As Acts 1:22 and 1 Corinthians 15:7-9 affirm, the authenticity of apostolic authority hinges upon this direct encounter with the risen Christ, a privilege reserved for those who walked the earth during His earthly ministry and post-resurrection appearances. Thus, the notion of modern apostles laying claim to such a credential becomes a rather comical paradox, exposing the absurdity of their claims and the glaring disparity between Biblical standards and contemporary realities.
- Questionable Signs and Wonders: While Foundational Apostles demonstrated authentic signs and wonders as evidence of their divine calling, modern apostles often resort to sensationalism and manipulation, lacking the genuine manifestation of God’s power (Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:13–15).
- Divergence from Apostolic Doctrine: Apostolic authority was inseparable from doctrinal soundness and fidelity to the teachings of Christ. Modern apostles, however, frequently espouse divergent doctrines and propagate teachings contrary to the Bible, leading believers astray (Galatians 1:6–9; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).
Modern-day individuals claiming the title of apostles also do not meet the qualifications for apostles of the churches (missionaries). Unlike missionaries who are commissioned to spread the gospel to regions where it has not yet reached, modern-day apostles typically operate within the confines of one geographical location, overseeing stationary congregations or ministries. Their scope of influence and activity does not align with the pioneering mission characteristic of missionaries. Hence, according to the biblical model, these individuals do not fulfill the criteria for apostleship as defined by the early Church.
The End of an Era: The Conclusion of Apostolic Authority
The era of apostleship authority (Foundational Apostles) has drawn to a close. Ephesians 2:20 says that the church has been “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” With the establishment of the Church and the completion of the canon, the need for apostolic authority to inaugurate and affirm foundational doctrines has been fulfilled. Revelation 21:14 indicates that the twelve foundations of the heavenly Jerusalem bear the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, showing the permanence and completeness of their role in the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Thus, the age of the Foundational Apostles has reached its zenith. As stated before, these apostles were entrusted with the monumental task of shaping the doctrine of the emerging Church, laying down the foundational teachings upon which subsequent generations would build. Now, with the completion of the Bible, the full revelation of God has been made available to humanity. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 affirms, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The comprehensive nature of the Scriptures provides believers with all they need for faith and practice, rendering the continuation of apostolic authority unnecessary. Thus, the apostolic era has ceased, making way for the sufficiency of God’s Word as a guiding tool for God’s people throughout the ages.
The claim of modern apostleship stands on shaky ground when subjected to the scrutiny of Biblical standards. The stringent qualifications outlined in Scripture highlight the authenticity and authority of the apostles commissioned by Christ and the early Church. Conversely, modern apostles fail to meet these criteria, exposing their charlatanism and casting doubt on their legitimacy. As discerning believers, it is important to uphold the integrity of apostolic authority as defined by the Word of God, challenging the fallacy of modern apostles and adhering steadfastly to the teachings of the Foundational Apostles of old.
