(An Introduction)

By: K. B. Napier

Are apostles with us today? Charismatics claim that they are with us today, re-discovered by themselves, or re-instituted by God, to lead the Church triumphantly toward the end of the age.  But others say the apostolate finished with Christ's chosen Twelve. (Some who believe this also say that the gifts died at the same time).  Who is correct? As is our custom, we shall go back to scripture to find the answers.  For some, they will not be the answers they want to hear - but they are the answers given by God in His word and are binding!

Both the singular and the plural are the same word in scripture - apostolos. The singular form is used 18 times; the plural form is used 69 times. The word is found only in the New Testament, although it is possible to find Old Testament parallels. With a few exceptions, the word bears the same essential meaning in every case, with possibly one or two minor differences.

It is worth repeating that the interpretation of a word depends not just on the meaning given to it in the original language (in scripture most words have a wide variety of possible meanings, plus additional meanings provided by root words, on which the word in question is based.

Often, root words have their own root words, and so on, so the final interpretation can rest on a very large number of possible meanings), but also on its context.  In many instances the only way to interpret a word is to rely on context, and not just on the word's meaning.

Because the plural form of apostolos is the form most used, and this is an introduction to the subject, we shall concentrate on its use.  The first time it is used is in Romans 1:1, where we find the words:

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called (to be) an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God."

Here we see four vital elements - the name of the office is 'apostle'; the apostle is a servant (of Jesus Christ, Who sends the apostle); the apostle is separated to a task; the task is to preach the gospel.  You will remember that Paul was not one of the original 12 men chosen by Christ, but he was nevertheless personally chosen by Him on the road to Damascus, after His death and resurrection.  Paul was then personally taught by the risen Jesus Christ, and so Paul was just as much an 'original' apostle as were the 12.

What is the basic meaning of the word apostle/apostles (apostolos)? There are three fundamental classes of meaning:

It is likely that many Christians have read these passages, but have not really noticed the word being applied to men other than the 12. Of course, if the word can apply to men other than the 12, it opens up the possibility of modern men also being apostles, as charismatics insist.  We cannot escape this possibility, no matter what our theological position is.

These three basic classes of meaning are supplemented by the root word of apostolos, which is apostello.  This confirms the general meaning of 'apostle/s'. It means to send forth/send away/send out; to order someone to go to a predetermined place; to dismiss someone; to allow someone to go free; or even to drive away.  Clearly, Paul was not driven away, but he was sent forth by Jesus Christ, in order to proclaim the gospel.  Thus he was sent to appointed places as a messenger, delegated by Jesus Christ to the task. He was, by reason of his task, an ‘apostle’.

Note: There are very similar parallel words in the Old Testament. The word 'messenger' does not really have a similar meaning. However, the unused root meaning of the Hebrew mal’ak is very close - to send off a deputy (i.e. with delegated authority). An example is in Job 33:23. The idea of "a faithful messenger" is found in, for example, Proverbs 25:13.  The word is tsiyr, meaning an envoy or messenger.  Both the above examples are very similar to the word 'apostle'.

Because Paul's apostolate was his life's work, his apostleship was an 'office', just as the pastorate is an office.  But the word apostello suggests that an 'apostle' may be sent out for just a single act, to deliver a one-time message.  Thus, the carrier of the message can be an 'apostle' for a very brief duration.  If we substitute the word 'messenger' for 'apostle', then this becomes easier to understand - a man (or woman) can be sent on a message, but once the message has been delivered, he or she is no longer a messenger.

We may legitimately ask, then, if the apostolate is still with us if the gospel has already been delivered to the world by the original 12?  A counter-argument could be that the gospel must be preached in every age to every people, and if there is no end to gospel preaching, there is no end to the apostolate!

"Paul, called (to be) an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God."

1 Corinthians 1:1

This qualifying statement tells us that the apostle is called by the will of God.  The will of God is the cause, the prompt.  Without it, there can be no apostle.  If we conjecture that we can have apostles today – then who is deemed to be great as a preacher/teacher?

The leading proponents of modern apostleship are the charismatics.  They claim to have apostles amongst them - but who are they?  Do they preach and teach the truth? Evidently not, for they preach and teach heresy!  They are, then, not apostolos, but pseudapostolos.  This word is used only once in the New Testament, but its meaning applies to all known similar situations.  It means 'false apostle'; one who falsely claims to be Christ's ambassador.  The word is used in 2 Corinthians 11:5, at the beginning of the verse. Later in the same verse the word apostolos is used to describe true apostles.

Today, then, those who dare to refer to themselves as 'apostles', are actually false apostles, if they have neither the calling of God or the Truth within.  (Of course, the existence of false apostles does not mean there cannot be true apostles, just as the existence of false pastors does not invalidate the office of faithful pastors).

"Am I not an apostle?... have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?..."

1 Corinthians 9:1

Does this text contradict the idea that apostles are still with us?  We know that Paul actually saw and was in the real Presence of Jesus Christ. In this verse, Paul appeals to this authenticating seal of his ministry. He is saying, in effect - I have seen Jesus Christ, and He ordained me Himself to be an apostle.  Does this mean that the only men to be apostles are those who actually saw Jesus Christ and were called in-person and audibly by Him?

In this particular text, the answer is obviously yes. However, we must also bear in mind the fact that the Corinthians were a fickle people. They followed this or that preacher and gave their allegiances to them, rather than to the gospel and to Christ.  There were times when Paul had to remonstrate with Christians who questioned his origin and calling.  So, here Paul is telling his readers that he was called just as the 12 were called.

Does this mean no others were called to be apostles?  No it does not - as the case of Timothy etc., proves. If the term 'apostle' can apply to other preachers of eminence (eminent by reason of their proven spiritual power and ability), then is it necessary that they should have seen Jesus in the flesh?  We are not told that these 'other' apostles actually saw Jesus or were called by Him before His death.  But they were still referred to as apostles and were treated with the same respect.

I conclude from this that there were two origins of office for apostles (not counting those 'apostles' who were merely messengers of an ordinary kind). The first type of office belongs to the man who was called in-person by Christ; the second type of office belongs to the saved man whose preaching is made powerful by the Holy Spirit, resulting in equally powerful responses to the gospel.  Paul and the original 12, for example, belong to the first type of office. Barnabas, for example, belongs to the second type.

But what of later times?  Can you honestly recollect any preacher who comes close to being so powerful as to effect the salvation of countless numbers?  Some might point to a man like Billy Graham - but this cannot be good evidence, given the dubious nature of the supposed 'conversions' etc.  What of charismatic 'apostles'? I have never heard of any of them conforming to the New Testament definition! I suppose that if anyone could be called 'apostles' it would have to be men like Spurgeon (a name chosen randomly!), etc.  These men are known in church history to have affected many thousands. The same cannot be said for self-elected 'apostles' we have today!

We know that the salvation of others authenticates an apostle's calling, for in 1 Corinthians 9:2, Paul says: "...the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord."  He also says, in 2 Corinthians 12:12:

"Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."

Today, charismatics falsely interpret what is meant by 'signs and wonders' etc. In no way are present day charismatic works anything like the signs and wonders spoken of by Paul.  Nevertheless, another authenticating mark of an apostle is that his work is accompanied by signs, wonders and mighty deeds.

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ..."

1 Timothy 1:1

Notice that Paul refers to 'God our Saviour'.  This equates God and Jesus Christ. Both are God.  Note also that Paul is an apostle by 'commandment' of God.  A commandment of God is to be obeyed.  This links with 1 Corinthians 1:1, where Paul is said to be called...through the will of God.  Both the will and the command of God carry the same weight, for the command is the result, the expression of, His will.

The fact that an apostle is called only by God is evidenced in, say, 1 Timothy 2:7, which states:  "...I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle...".  To be ordained is not just to be called - it also means to be elected in eternity to do something.

So the call to the apostolate is an act of God's supreme sovereignty...something charismatics and others reject in favour of humanistic means.  That is why they say, for instance, that all Christians can 'try' or ‘have a go at’ the various offices!  That a man is elected to the apostolate is found in such texts as Titus 1:1, which says:

"...an apostle...according to the faith of God's elect..."

Thus, a man is as much chosen and predestined to be an apostle as he is to be saved.  Indeed, when a man has been called to any church office, he has been predestined to it.

"...consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus..."

Hebrews 3:1

Even Jesus Christ is called an apostle!  This is because he has been sent by His Father, as an envoy, to carry a message of hope and salvation to predestined men.

Other Notes

We see in Romans 1:1 that Paul was 'separated' to be an apostle. He was separated to preach the gospel.  The word for separate is aphorizo which reinforces the claim that an apostle is especially called by God, for it means separated for a purpose, or to appoint.  This is further strengthened by its root, horizo, meaning determined, ordained, or decreed.

Thus there is no room for the modern idea of 'trying out' preaching or any other function in the church!  The very meaning of the word denies the validity of countless students who enter Bible schools and who 'choose' a role to play in the churches, such as pastor or missionary!  He is either ordained and called, or he is not.

This is again strengthened by the 'will' of God, in, say, 1 Corinthians 1:1.  This 'will', thelema, is the purpose of God worked through men, to bless them.  It is a reference to His commands, or precepts; His royal choice and pleasure. That is, His gracious act.

The 'seal' Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 9:2, sphragis, means to be authenticated by the inscription of God's/Christ's Name, which is proof of the calling.  The seal is on the 'apostleship', which includes the meaning of the dignity of the office. As we look at so-called modern 'apostles' we wonder where the dignity is, especially in the devilish antics of the Toronto Blessing (et al)!

The Signs

The 'signs' - semeion - of an apostle are NOT what are seen today.  Crawling on the floor, roaring like a lion, shaking. None of these things is a 'sign' in the Biblical sense.  The 'sign' is a token or mark distinguishing one from another. It is, then, a proof.  Often that sign is found in the salvation of many at one time. Or, it can be something visually unusual and above what is found in nature. Nothing in the Toronto Blessing, for example, is therefore a 'sign' of anything except man's foolishness and pride. The reason is very simple - what we see happening has an alternative natural meaning or cause. Therefore, by definition, it is not something above and beyond nature or the natural order of things.

A 'sign' can also mean a miracle, whose purpose is to authenticate the one sent. But mainly the 'sign' is a thing that points the way to something in the future.  The word 'wonders' (teras) also means a portent or miracle.  And the 'mighty deeds'?  These are dunamis, meaning power: a mighty work; the power to perform miracles; moral power and excellence of soul. Really, the character of the apostle is being highlighted here - his life and person are out of the ordinary in their integrity and manner.  They have obvious outward expression.  This is very different from the irreverence shown by modern-day 'apostles'.

Conclusion

We have seen that scripture speaks of three main classes or types of 'apostle'. One type is simply any messenger, for any purpose (not necessarily religious/Christian). The second type is the one we are all familiar with - the 12 chosen by Christ.  The third type is the man whose preaching and character are obviously powerful and full of authority, whose words and acts display a supernatural origin.

We have suggested that no-one at this time – apart, possibly, from true Revival preachers for example - can meet the standard required by scripture.  This leads to the tentative conclusion that it might be possible for an apostle to be found in any period of the Church. The chosen 12 were unique in many ways, but they were not the only apostles ordained by God. It is perfectly feasible, then, that other apostles may be elected by God to fulfil similar functions, at any time.  This, of course, is an opinion - but it is based on what scripture says.

Also read A-00079, 'Christian Power'.

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