The Enduring Standard: Qualifications of an Apostle and the Question of Modern-Day Claims

The Enduring Standard: Qualifications of an Apostle and the Question of Modern-Day Claims:

Does your pastor apply the title “apostle” to his ministry? On what basis? Titles are important, and they mean something. Unfortunately, titles have been set aside as being immature or unnecessary because men and women in leadership in New Testament times frequently and almost universally used titles to delineate their calling. To reject titles is to make oneself more spiritual than God Himself and more authoritative than the Bible inspired by Him. What about apostles? The apostolic office, established by our Lord Jesus Christ, holds a position of profound significance within the Christian church. It is a foundation upon which the ground state of the faith is built, a cornerstone laid by those who witnessed the earthly ministry of our Savior. Consequently, the qualifications for this office are not arbitrary but divinely ordained and clearly articulated within the Holy Scriptures. This post examines these qualifications and reflects upon the contentious question of modern-day apostles.

In the church today, among Charismatics, Pentecostals, and certain ethnic, cultural, and religious settings, the title of “apostle” is common. One of the difficulties arising from this is those who claim apostolic authority and become strutting little Napoleons, demanding others to submit to their “covering.” Failing that, they militate against those who don’t defer to their demands and generate strife and sectarian attitudes that diminish the testimony of Christ among the nations. This is not to say these are false, but their authenticity nonetheless is in question, and the suffering of their followers can be profound, as I have personally witnessed in my traveling ministry, particularly on the East Coast. Are these not apostles, or are they false apostles? I would suggest rather that they are “baby apostles” lacking apostolic power and testimony yet nonetheless demanding apostolic deference to all they meet. This is problematic. We must not reject the idea of modern apostles, but neither should we yield or subject our families to the dictatorial, condemning, controlling influence that often accompanies those claiming these titles. 

What are the signs of an apostle? The primary and indispensable qualification, as evidenced by the selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, is direct eyewitness testimony to the resurrected Christ.

“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22 KJV)

This passage underscores the necessity of a personal, tangible experience of Christ’s resurrection. The apostles were not merely recipients of theological information; they were eyewitnesses to the central event of the Christian faith.

Furthermore, Jesus Christ directly commissioned the apostles, and they received authority and power to perform signs and wonders as confirmation of their divine appointment.

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out³ devils:” (Mark 3:14-15 KJV)

This commissioning was not a mere human appointment but a direct act of Christ’s sovereign will. The ability to perform miracles served as a divine seal upon their ministry, authenticating their message. Does this mean that only Jesus alone and in a singular manner can appoint apostles? No, because the 11 apostles (led by the Holy Spirit) chose Matthias. Jesus was not excluded from the choosing, but He worked through the 11 to designate Matthias. Likewise, Paul was a prophet and teacher until the church in Antioch (the leaders in Antioch) laid hands on them and “sent” them out. That is what an apostle is – as SENT ONE. One cannot send themselves or appoint themselves; there must be either the Holy Spirit sending through designated leaders inspired by the Holy Spirit or sent out by a direct, personal, perhaps even physical visitation of Jesus such as Paul experienced on the road to Damascus. 

Paul, though not among the original twelve, received a unique and direct commission from the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. His experience, though different in circumstance, adhered to the core principle of direct encounter with the resurrected Lord.

“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1⁴ KJV)

Paul’s rhetorical questions emphasize the irrefutable nature of his encounter with Christ and his subsequent divinely authorized ministry, establishing his apostolic credentials.

Review and Reflection

Given these scriptural prerequisites, the claim of modern-day apostles requires careful scrutiny. If you are in ministry, you might have apostolic tendencies, but that doesn’t make you an apostle. The insistence on direct eyewitness testimony to the resurrected Christ, coupled with direct commissioning by Him, presents a significant challenge. While the Holy Spirit continues to gift the Church with various ministries, including those of evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), the unique office of apostle, as established in the New Testament, appears to be tied to 1.) a specific historical context, 2.) or, an undeniable, profound, visitation of the risen Christ.

While the emphasis on signs and wonders is not absent in the modern Church, it should not be the sole determinant of apostolic authority. The danger of self-proclaimed apostles lacking the foundational qualifications is a historical and contemporary concern. Discernment, grounded in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, is essential.

It is vital to recognize that the apostles’ foundational work, as recorded in Scripture, remains authoritative and sufficient for the Church today. We are built upon their teachings, not upon the claims of those who might seek to replicate their unique office.

Call to Action

1. Study Scripture diligently. Deepen your understanding of the apostles’ qualifications and roles as outlined in the New Testament.
2. Exercise discernment: Evaluate claims of modern-day apostles in light of the clear scriptural criteria.
3. Embrace the sufficiency of Scripture: Recognize that the foundation laid by the original apostles is complete and authoritative.
4. Pray for spiritual leaders: Intercede for those who serve in various ministries within the Church, asking for wisdom and faithfulness.
5. Focus on the Great Commission: Engage in spreading the Gospel, fulfilling the mandate given to all believers.