The Difference Between Apostles and Prophets? (or, when prophets become wizards and apostles become sorcerers)
The prophetic movement is in shambles today. The apostolic movement has diminished almost to extinction, with mostly pretenders to the office asserting themselves in unwholesome ways over the people of God, yet possessing none of the power or maturity this important office requires. This is not only the apostle’s responsibility but also the prophet’s. Scripture tells us, “first apostles, then prophets.” One of the primary tasks of a prophet is to make room for the apostles, the way John the Baptist made room for Jesus. Instead, however, the prophets just promote themselves to be apostles because of the high value they put on control and refusal to defer to any ministry beyond themselves.
We need to understand the nature of these office gifts and how God uses them and deploys them in the earth and among His people. Prophets have rooms, apostles have measures. When apostles and prophets don’t understand this, they become a problem. The nature and operation of their giftings are distinct from each other. Prophets operate by influence wherever God takes them. They are prophets wherever they go. Prophets always choose and would rather have influence than position. House prophets would be wise to remember that. When a prophet moves from influence to seeking a position, that prophet has become a wizard. How can you tell? When a prophet not only gives you a word but insists that you receive and act on it the way they think you should – that is a prophet moving as a wizard.
Apostles operate from God’s positioning over specific jurisdictions. They can be apostles in one jurisdiction but not apostles in a different jurisdiction. Paul said he would not “boast himself beyond his measure.” Boasting and pride are an apostle’s Achilles’ heel. An apostle with unchecked pride becomes a sorcerer. The prerogative of the saints is to try those who say they are apostles and find them liars. One particular issue today is those who demand apostolic deference but, in the long run, do not demonstrate apostolic power. They are baby apostles, with all the bluster and pretensions to authority but none of the power. This is a HUGE problem today.
Paul’s jurisdiction was one thing and Peter’s was another. You don’t ever want to encroach on an apostle’s jurisdiction and conversely, when apostles conflict with one another the cause of Christ is diminished. Both apostles and prophets function to bring forth the full measure of Christ in the earth. We make room for the prophet and honor the measure of the apostle. Understanding these offices helps us know how to connect to them and relate to them according to God’s design.
The prophetic move is in deep peril in our day for these reasons and many others. The emerging apostolic move has already become an abortion, and only God himself can bring it to resurrection in purity and power. It’s time to stop drinking the Kool-Aid of the latest pretender to these offices and seek God for that which is authentic beyond all expectations. They are out there, but they aren’t beating a drum to bring people to them. Open your mind and your heart and let God apply these things in your life to your benefit.
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