Apostles/Apostolic Ministry

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And
you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.
(Revelation 2:2)
This passage tells us: 1) there were true apostles at the time of the writing, and 2) and there
were false apostles (we should discern the difference)

Three positions on Apostles

1) Cessationist
2) Open but cautious (sometimes these are functional cessationists)
3) Believe the gifts are fully operational in the church today

We can distinguish three different types of apostles

* The twelve are the “Apostles of the Lamb” — Revelation 21:14 (they walked with Jesus
and their names will be in the gates in the New Jerusalem. There are no more of these. Was
Paul an Apostle of the Lamb? Or a prototype of present-day apostles (an example to be
repeated)? Or a hybrid (see below)
* Present day apostles - Ephesians 4:11 - gifted men that are given to the church by Jesus in
order to equip the saints and bring the body of Christ to maturity (in cooperation with the other
fi ve-fold ministers). After the resurrection, after the ascension, Jesus gave these gifted men to
the church. Apostles are given to the church, the church is not given to the apostle. This was
an office recognized by the early church. (2 Cor 8 - the apostles of the churches - sent from
the churches)
* People who hold the title of “apostle” because of a particular hierarchical order in a
denomination (they may or may not function as of be called by God as an Apostle)

A Definition
When you translate and define the Greek word for apostle, you simply get, “one who is sent.”
Jesus was somehow distinguishing these twelve from the rest of the other followers of His by
the use of this term.
Biblical, apostolic ministry is a fathering ministry given to the church to assist people, leaders,
and individual local churches in coming to a place of maturity.
Apostolic ministry is also a serving ministry that stands along side of other ministries to lift and
encourage them in the fulfillment of their respective destinies. In other words, an apostle is to be
a fathering servant.

The word was also applied to a man or group of men who were sent out on an official expedition
that was authorized by the government for a particular purpose. It carried the idea of
authorization and commissioning by the higher power to act on the behalf of that power. The
focus of the word “apostle” was on two things: the purpose and the sender. As such, he
was to be the embodiment and true representation of the sender. The sent one was to be
absolutely faithful to the purposes and intentions of the sender.

In Greek society and culture, the apostle was a person who had a great deal of accountability
to the person who had commissioned him. The apostle is accountable to the sender. “But
who is the sender?” you may ask. “Is it God? Or is it a local church?” The truth is, it is both.
They were called by God, and sent by man. Paul knew that God had called him, but did not go
without the sanction and sending of the local church.

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Jesus, Our Model Apostle
“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High
Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who
appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.” (Hebrews 3:1-2)

Jesus Christ is the prototype for all apostolic ministry. Jesus was sent by the Father. He was
sent as a representative of the Father. He was sent as a faithful representation of the Father. He
spoke the words that were given to Him by the Father. He was sent out to establish a church.
He raised up leaders and delegated authority to them. After His mission was accomplished, He
returned to the Father.

The Function of an Apostle

As you study the life and ministry of those named apostles in the New Testament, it becomes
very apparent that no two apostles were exactly alike in their work and ministry. This is just like
God. Even though we have general categories of ministry, every person is quite different in their
expression of personality and function in that ministry.
Because of this, it is essential not to become too stereotypical in our discussion of any ministry.
There are some common threads that seem to run through the Scripture when attempting to
piece together a profile of this ministry. The work of an apostle includes, but is not limited to, the
following:

1. APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES ARE FATHERING, NURTURING MINISTRIES WITH A DEEP

HEART OF CARE FOR THE CHURCHES (1Cor 4:15; 1 Thess 2)
2. APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES WILL BE ZEALOUS TO LAY A STRONG FOUNDATION AND
ESTABLISH AND PRESERVE APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE.
3. APOSTOLIC MINISTRIES WILL BE A RESOURCE TO OTHER LOCAL CHURCHES AND
THEIR LEADERS AS THE NEED ARISES.

* Apostles usually have a vision beyond the local church. They gather, set in order and
establish; but they usually move on. They are pioneers and activators.
* A father is always a father, but he is not a father to everyone who is a son. He is a father to his
own sons and his own daughters. Just because I am a father, it does not give me authority in
my neighbor’s house with my neighbor’s children. There is no authority without relationship.
Paul had a special relationship with the churches that he established.

Heart of an Apostle
People, as a rule, want a king. Many times ambitious men are glad to oblige.

Today we may see three models of apostolic ministry: 1) Corporate executives (CEO mentality,
running the church like a business), 2) worse, Tyrants (Usurping absolute authority over the
churches), or, 3) biblical model of a servant/fathering model (the Apostle Paul).

Unfortunately, when Constantine rescued the Church from Roman persecution at the beginning
of the fourth century, the hierarchical model of oversight became the rule in the churches (it
continues to this day in the Catholic, Orthodox and many evangelical systems.) It was the
model of the Empire and seemed natural to them. This is the world’s way (or as Jesus said it,
the “Gentile” way), but not the way of the Kingdom of God.

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A New Testament apostle was not a ruler, but a servant among the people. Relationships do
not rest on authority, but rather, authority rests on relationships. When the true heart of an
apostle is properly modeled, individuals and churches should have no problem receiving or
working with such individuals.

Godly Lifestyle - They are to be mature believers (KNOW, BE, DO). “You have known my
doctrine, manner of life…” (2 Tim. 3:10-11). It is interesting that the early church had drawn up
a written code of conduct called the Didache, by which churches could identify a true apostle or
prophet (one of the first issues it dealt with was the area of finances).

There is never any room for personal agenda (“all things are for your sakes”). See 2
Corinthians 2-7.

Wisdom - Paul saw himself as a “wise master-builder” ( 1 Cor. 3:9-10). Through wisdom a
house is built (Prov. 24:3-4). A man who is a called apostle must exhibit consistent and unusual
wisdom.

The Marks of the Apostle

Their attitude toward the Word of God - they should have a good grasp on right doctrine and an
ability to teach and establish the church on this foundation (not just gifted preachers; not just
evangelists).

Signs and Wonders - Acts 5:12; Acts 2:43 - This does not necessarily mean signs every day
(there are many years represented in the chapters of Acts), but there are signs and wonders.

They Impart Gifts to local leaders - Acts 8:18 (Simon); 2 Timothy 1:6 (Timothy).

Apostles bring joy and confidence to the churches - Acts 13: 51-52 - Joy was the result of their
visit to Iconium. Confidence in God first (2 Thess. 3:4-5), and in the saints as well (2 Cor. 7:16).

The Authority of an Apostle

All authority is from God (Rom 13:1). Apostolic authority is delegated authority from Christ and is
for the purpose of building up the church (2 Cor. 10:8). To flow properly and to be effective, this
authority must be funneled through solid relationships. True submission to authority must come
from the heart, so a solid relationship of trustworthiness and friendship has to be in place.

A spiritual father should be an organic relationship, not just a”boss”. But this relationship gives
the right to correct and give guidance. Throughout scripture there are blessings on those who
esteem their fathers and curses on those who do not. David honored his earthly father, Jesse
and his spiritual father, Saul. In turn, God honored David. It is much easier for sons to honor
fathers when fathers act in an honorable way.

Authority is not unlimited, but it has a sphere - 2 Cor. 10:13-15 - Apostles have a specific, God-
given sphere of influence (not to be exceeded). Seeking authority beyond one’s measure
(given by the Lord) is always an attempt at self-glorification and control. Paul saw himself as a
fellow-worker with those he oversaw (2 Cor. 1:24)

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Moving Landmarks - Deuteronomy 27:17 Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor’s
landmark. Some people will try to take part of your inheritance if they can. There are two legal
ways to increase your inheritance: 1) Like Jabez, ask the lord to increase your borders, and 2)
marriage, or entering into a new relationship where two inheritances are combined.

Apostles are both first (1 Cor. 12:28), and last (1 Cor 4:9-16) - They are first governmentally and
in servant leadership; they are last by being first in humility and suffering and laying their lives
down for the church. They are willing to endure hardship for the gospel. They put people first,
not their own desires and comfort.

Devilish Ambition - Jeremiah 45:5 - There is good and bad ambition. The question is, what is,
“Where is our ambition aimed? It is for Christ and His kingdom of for our own personal
advancement?” We run into trouble when we find our own identity by seeking approval from
others.

An Apostle’s influence comes from being “among you” - They mentor others, hands on, they
influence people by being “among” them and by remaining connected to them. Paul’s influence
is through the teaching, signs and wonders and way of life that he exhibited while he was
“among” the brothers.

Note: In churches they have planted their authority seems to be inherent, in churched they have
adopted, this authority must be given.

Paul’s Model
Characteristics of Paul’s Apostolic Work
1. HE MINISTERED IN TEAMS. Paul was never intentionally alone in his apostolic work. Just
as Jesus sent out the twelve and the seventy two-by- two, Paul tried to function within this
principle.
2. HE FOCUSED ON CHIEF CITIES. Paul focused on the places where the Holy Spirit
seemed to be moving. Again he followed the instructions Jesus gave His disciples to not
focus on places where they were rejected, but to preach where they were welcomed…
Where is the Holy Spirit moving? Where are converts coming to the Lord in numbers?
Where does the Spirit of the Lord seem to be stirring the waters? (This does not mean that
you would never send apostolic ministry to hard areas. Hard areas would come under the
guidance of a direct word from the Lord. Paul followed the direct leading of the Holy Spirit.)

3. HE PREACHED OPENLY TO ALL.

4. HE GATHERED A NUCLEUS.
5. HE TAUGHT INTENSELY.
6. HE TRAINED LEADERS.
7. HE SET IN A PROVISIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM.
8. HE LEFT THEM FOR A SEASON
9. HE RETURNED TO BRING ADJUSTMENT.
10. HE SET IN ELDERS.
11. HE LEFT AGAIN.
12. HE FOLLOWED UP ON THEM.

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Apostolic ministry and the need for help - There are many lone churches in the kingdom
whose leadership have come to realize that they need help. An unhealthy independent attitude
can be harmful to the church and its people. Scripture gives an example of the importance of
working with others and the dangers of remaining alone in Judges 18:27-28: So they… went to
Laish, to a people quiet and sincere: and they struck them with edge of the sword and burned
the city with fire. There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon , and they had no ties
with anyone.
1Cor. 12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the
feet, “I have no need of you.” The members of the body need each other. This is not only for
the local church, but between churches in different locations.

Back to the people off Laish - Judges 18:7 says, So the five men departed and went to Laish.
they saw the people who were there, how they dwelt safely, in the manner of the Sidonians,
quiet and secure. There were no rulers in the land who might put them to shame for anything.
They were far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone. There were no rulers to
which they were accountable. They had no outside relationships. This made them easy prey.
One of God’s provisions today for churches so that we might avoid being like the men of Laish
is the emergence of apostolic networks; groupings of churches that work together under
apostolic leadership and covering.
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Appendix A
Why Paul may have been a link between the twelve and the present-day apostolic
ministry:
Ephesians 3:1-13 — Paul was conscious of a unique call on his life - to lead churches;
to write scriptures (“according to my gospel”)

1) Paul is in a different league with respect to present-day apostles

2) Present day apostles are playing the same game
3) The only way to distinguish which league is through exegetical study (several uses
of the word ‘apostle’ in the New Testament)
4) The Church needs apostolic ministry (Eph 4 - “to the end of the age”)

Paul had a unique grace as an apostle that present-day apostles do not have
* Paul was called from birth (Gal 1:15)
* Paul wrote scripture
* Paul had uncommon authority
* Paul took a trip to the third heaven
* Paul saw Christ (as did the twelve)
* Paul saw himself as having unique insight - special disclosure - understanding of the
mystery of Jews and Gentiles coming together as one new man - Eph 3:3-4

* Not all apostles wrote scripture: No epistle of Philip, Bartholomew, Barnabas. And not
all scripture writers were apostles (Jude, Mark, etc.)

** Present-day apostles should not assume common ground with the Apostle Paul.

The bridge between Paul and present-day apostles

* A common motive: to divest myself of my rights and authority and instead become a
servant of the church of Jesus Christ (Eph 3:1a prisoner of Jesus Christ)
* A common message: ministers of the gospel of grace (1 Cor 15:1-4)
* A common missiology: it is apostles that go; local churches are local, apostles are
mobile; The apostles start it, the churches finish it — apostles help the local churches
have a larger picture of what is going on in the greater kingdom of God on earth (keep
your eyes on the harvest). We do not stand alone.
* A common ministry of care: they carry people in their hearts (Jesus died for people);
there is a pastor dimension to the apostolic ministry;

4,000 churches are started every year 7000 close

1500 pastors leave the ministry every month
10% of pastors last in ministry until 65 years

What difference would apostolic ministry have made in these men and their families?

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Appendix B
How many apostles are explicitly mentioned in the pages of the New Testament?
A common misconception pervades many minds these days: “There were 12 apostles
—the twelve who followed Jesus. Judas dropped out and was replaced by Paul.”

However, as strange as it may seem to some, there are as many as 25 apostles

explicitly mentioned in the pages of the New Testament.

How Many Apostles?

Let’s start counting. Yes, there were the twelve chosen by Jesus. Eleven are named in
Acts 1:13, “Peter and John, and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew
and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of
James. “ Judas Iscariot, one of the original twelve, the one who betrayed Jesus, is not
named in that list. That’s the original twelve. Then add Matthias who replaced Judas
Iscariot to become one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Acts 1:26). “And the wall of
the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the
Lamb” (Revelation 21:14). When we include both Judas and Matthias the total is now
thirteen.

An investigation of the Scripture reveals several individuals in addition to the original

twelve who are explicitly referred to as apostles. We might call them “apostles of the
throne“, “apostles of the Lamb” or “ascension-gift apostles.”

A complete listing of New Testament apostles follows.

* James, the half brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church—Galatians 1:19
* Barnabas–Acts 14:14
* Paul–Acts 14:14 and many other references
* Apollos– Corinthians 4:6-9
* Timothy and Silvanus– I Thessalonians 1:1 and 2:6
* Epaphroditus–Philippians 2:25. While the King James Version translates the word as
“messenger”, the Greek word (apostolon) is actually “apostle”.
* Two unnamed apostles–Second Corinthians 8:23. A brother of fame among the
churches, and a brother tested–“As for our brethren, they are messengers of the
churches, a glory to Christ.” Again, the Greek word is “apostoloi” but is translated here
as “messengers”.
* These nine now make a total of 22 (13 + 9 = 22).
* Andronicus and Junia–Romans 16:7 “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and
my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ
before me.” Were these genuine apostles or were they, as some (Charles Ryrie and
others) translate, “well-known to the apostles”? If we count Andronicus and Junia, the
total jumps to 24.
* Finally, Hebrews 3:1 designates Jesus Christ the “Apostle and High Priest of our
profession.” That makes 25 apostles in the New Testament!

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Appendix C
Common Questions Concerning Apostolic Ministry
The Bible often speaks of apostles and prophets together, do these ministries have a
special relationship to each other?
By nature of their call, prophets must be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
They are often dramatic in their revelations, and strong in exhortation and vision. This is
very important in apostolic ministry and church planting.
Apostles, on the other hand, will tend to be more practical, more matter of fact, more cut
and dried and strategic in how they approach things.

Paul talks about the signs of an apostle. He mentions signs and wonders. Do all
apostles function in signs and wonders?
The presence of the supernatural is one of the things that should distinguish the church
from other charitable and social organizations.
The fact is that all believers are to operate in signs and wonders (see Mark 16:17). Paul
did function in signs, wonders, and mighty deeds (see Romans 15:18-20). Peter had
signs and wonders follow him (see Acts 5:12-16). Philip, the evangelist, was used in
sign and wonders in Samaria (see Acts 8:6). Stephen, one of the seven deacons,
operated in signs and wonders as well (see Acts 6:8).
There is no question that God-anointed ministries should function in the power and
authority of the Holy Spirit. All ministries should desire to be used of God to break
spiritual bondage, set captives free, and bring healing, deliverance, and strength to
those who sit in the chains of darkness.
There are two possible ways in which this verse (2 Corinthians 12:12) can be translated.
One way suggests that the signs and wonders were part of Paul’s verification or proof of
apostleship. This way is best exemplified in the New International Version, which says,
“The things that mark an apostle – sighs, wonders, and miracles – were done among
you with great perseverance.”
There is another way to translate this verse that suggests that the signs of an apostle
were worked in their midst and these signs were accompanied by patience and a
display of the miraculous. This way of translating the verse is best exemplified in the
New English Bible where it says, “The marks of a true apostle were there, in the work
that I did among you, which called for such constant fortitude, and was attended by
signs marvels, and miracles.”

I have heard of some apostolic ministries that seem to exercise a lot of control over
churches that are under them – almost to the point of smothering the local leadership.
What do you think about this? Does the Bible shed any light on this?
Some people do seem to take their apostolic ministry too seriously. Raising up a church
is a lot like raising a family. When the children are small, they need a lot of attention and
supervision. But as they get older and respond to your teaching, you are able to give
them more and more freedom until you are almost unnecessary. Hopefully, you will
always have a good relationship with them and they will always have a desire for your
counsel; but if you have done your job well, they will be able to make their own decision
most of the time.

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Will everyone have an apostolic relationship in his or her life? Should they? What does
that look like in practical function?
If the church were functioning the way God designed it, everyone would have spiritual
fathers and mothers.
But for centuries the church has not been functioning the way God originally designed it.
There is a hunger for relationship, not control. There is a desire for spiritual covering
without sacrificing the autonomy of the church.

How do we recognize apostolic ministry in our lives?

This is a little like asking, “How do I recognize my father.” Your father is a natural
relationship that you actually had no choice about. Some have fathers and some do not.
In all of these situations there is a desire for fathers who genuinely love, really care, and
who can be trusted to have the best interests at heart.
Usually, we can spot spiritual fathers and mothers because of a natural relationship.

The Bible indicates that in the last days there will be false apostles and false prophets.
How can we identity and guard against these ministries?
Right Apostolic Spirit:
• In truth
• Blameless
• As a nursing mother
• As God-pleasers
• In gentleness
• In love and affection
• As a father to his children
• Not burdensome

False ministries prey on new converts (see Amos 6:4), the weak and immature (see 2
Peter 2:14), the gullible (see 2 Timothy 3:6), and the wounded and vulnerable (see
Jeremiah 6:14). They are fueled by people who are discontented, unhappy, and weak in
the faith.

False ministries are motivated by selfish ambition (see Philippians 1:16), covetousness
(see Philippians 3:19), pride (see 1 Timothy 6:4), and the desire for a following (see Acts
20:30). They care more about themselves than they do the sheep (see Romans 16:18;
Ezekiel 34:2-3,8). They speak smooth, persuasive, and flattering words (see Romans
16:18; Colossians 2:4).

Every leader has the potential to become a false ministry. To keep this from happening
we must be willing to do five things:
1. Examine our own hearts
2. Focus on the basics or biblical doctrine
3. Be humble and accountable to others
4. Be willing to judge ministries
5. Cultivate first love

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How would you define an apostle?
He is fathering the fathers, and that would almost certainly require age. There would
have to be some longevity in his ministry, a proven track record that would give him the
respect and credentials needed to function as an apostle.
I also think of an apostle as someone having a heart beyond his won immediate circle of
fellowship. They give their strength, not just to their own family, but also to other
families.

Would you say that a person is to be recognized as an apostle because he has real
relationships with people he is “apostling” and not just because he has some kind of
word that he is one?
Working with leaders is very interesting. Lots of people don’t understand that leaders
are very hard to work with. Because they are leaders they’re very strong and have this
instinct to go out ahead of others. So if you haven’t earned their respect and if they don’t
trust you, if you haven’t proven over the years that you love them and are there to serve
them, they won’t follow your “fatherly” advice just because you showed up.

Would you say apostolic ministry is really in some ways a certain kind of relationship?
A father-son relationship. This level of relationship is not just for information. You are
now “walking together in the Gospel.” As a father to a son, you want him to succeed,
and as he succeeds, it is like your son succeeding. His success is your reward, that’s
your paycheck, that’s what makes you rejoice.

Would you say apostolic authority functions voluntarily?

Absolutely! To me, that is the spirit of an apostle, “I’m not taking dominion over your life,
I’m a helper.” Everything is relational. It’s in the spirit realm, in the natural – everything
is about relationships.
So whenever you try to define an apostolic relationship in terms of a hierarchy, things
will break down very fast. It’s hard to respond to people because you have to.

Could you describe how apostolic relationships work for you today?
It humbles you and you find yourself praying, “God help me now. Help me to be able to
help them through this situation, and not to give them wrong advice.”
I walk in fear and trembling. I would rather not even get involved in a situation unless it
is clearly the leading of the Lord for me to do so. In other words, I’m not looking for
authority or responsibility. It has to come to me. I have such a great respect for the
pastor and leadership team in the local church. I just want to help them. I don’t want to
be a burden to them.

In my experience 95%, and maybe higher, of local church problems are in leadership.
Does the nature of your apostolic relationships with other leaders grow and change over
time?
In the case of a new church plant, I make more of an effort to speak into that church in
its embryo stage. But then as the church grows, the nature of our relationship changes.
It’s kind of like raising a child. Once a son has his own children, his own family, then it is
abnormal for someone to come in and tell them how to raise their family.

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