First Apostles, the Prophets – The Cure for Excess, Control and Wildfire

Jesus, in the Gospel of Matthew, proclaimed that He would build His church, an institution destined to endure eternally, impervious to the assaults of the underworld. This profound declaration underscores the foundational nature of the church, a cornerstone of faith upon which the entire spiritual edifice rests.

Peter, whose name translates to “rock,” emerges as a pivotal figure, embodying this foundational principle. He served as an apostle, a foundational stone, providing unwavering stability and fostering interconnectedness among the “living stones” that comprise the body of Christ, as eloquently articulated in the first epistle of Peter, chapter two, verse five. This role extended beyond mere symbolism; Peter’s ministry actively established and strengthened the bonds between diverse Christian communities, vividly demonstrating the expansive jurisdictional authority inherent in the apostolic office.

• [Matthew 16:18], [1 Peter 2:5], [2 Peter 1:1], [Galatians 2:8]

Apostles: Foundation Layers:

Paul, a master builder divinely graced with wisdom, unequivocally affirmed the foundational role of apostles in the construction of the spiritual edifice. This truth resonates profoundly in the first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter three, verse ten. Furthermore, Jesus Himself laid the cornerstone upon which the church is erected, a foundation comprised of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself occupying the exalted position of the chief cornerstone, as eloquently articulated in the Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter two, verse twenty.

Jesus, the ultimate architect and builder, orchestrates the construction in harmonious collaboration with apostles and prophets. This divine partnership ensures the enduring stability and unwavering strength of the church, a testament to the profound wisdom and meticulous planning inherent in the divine blueprint.

• [1 Corinthians 3:10], [Ephesians 2:20]

The Necessity of the Fivefold Ministry:

Prior to His ascension, Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, bestowed upon the church five distinct and indispensable ministries: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as eloquently outlined in the Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter four, verses eleven and twelve. These ministries constitute the lifeblood of the church, nurturing spiritual growth, facilitating the work of ministry, and fostering the harmonious edification of the entire body of Christ.

Regrettably, a prevailing trend has emerged, characterized by the marginalization and fragmentation of these vital ministries. A hierarchical leadership structure that inadvertently overlooks or diminishes the significance of the full spectrum of God-ordained ministries can inadvertently impede the church’s spiritual progress and hinder its capacity to fulfill its divine mandate.

• [Ephesians 4:11-12]

Prioritizing Apostles and Prophets:

The sacred text, in the first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter twelve, verse twenty-eight, unequivocally establishes the divine order of ministry: “First apostles, second prophets.” This divinely ordained sequence is not arbitrary but rather reflects a profound understanding of the foundational principles upon which the church is built.

The manifestation of miracles, healings, and other extraordinary spiritual phenomena often follows the establishment of a robust apostolic and prophetic foundation. Conversely, attempting to construct the spiritual edifice without a secure and unwavering foundation, as Jesus Himself poignantly warned in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter seven, verses twenty-six and twenty-seven, inevitably leads to instability, vulnerability, and ultimately, catastrophic collapse.

• [1 Corinthians 12:28], [Matthew 7:26-27]

The Prophet’s Role: Revealing and Announcing:

John the Baptist, a prophetic voice heralding the arrival of the Messiah, exemplifies the essential role of prophets in revealing and announcing the coming of the Lord. As eloquently articulated in the Gospel of John, chapter one, verses twenty-nine to thirty-three, John’s primary mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would ultimately bear the sins of the world.

Similarly, prophets today serve as divine messengers, declaring and making way for the manifestation of apostolic ministry. Their role is paramount in ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the church, facilitating the harmonious interplay between the various ministries and enabling the church to fulfill its divine mandate.

• [John 1:29-33], [John 3:30], [Hebrews 3:1]

The Profitability of Prophetic Ministry:

While apostles bring necessary correction and establish divine order, as clearly outlined in the second epistle to Timothy, chapter four, verse two, prophets inspire and unleash human potential, enabling believers to flourish and thrive. This truth is eloquently affirmed in the second book of Chronicles, chapter twenty, verse twenty, where the sacred text emphasizes the importance of heeding the prophetic voice as a catalyst for prosperity and success.

It is crucial to dispel any misconceptions regarding the prophetic office. Prophets are not instruments of condemnation or agents of fear. Their primary purpose is to edify, empower, and equip believers for the challenges that lie ahead, enabling them to fulfill their God-given destinies.

• [2 Timothy 4:2], [2 Chronicles 20:20]

Conclusion: Embracing Apostolic Fatherhood:

Apostles, through their ministry, bring the Fatherhood of God into tangible reality, providing the necessary correction and guidance that enables believers to walk in the fullness of their divine inheritance. This truth is eloquently articulated in the first epistle to the Thessalonians, chapter three, verses ten and thirteen, and further emphasized in the Epistle to the Hebrews, chapter twelve, verse eight.

Without the valid and authentic ministry of apostles, believers risk spiritual orphanhood, hindering their ability to fully realize their God-given potential and enter into the abundant life that Christ has promised. Recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of both apostolic and prophetic ministries is paramount for the ongoing health, vitality, and flourishing of the church.

• [1 Thessalonians 3:10, 13], [Hebrews 12:8], [Deuteronomy 23:2]