Found here. Our comments in bold.
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In this blog we have commented on several articles by Mr. Becker. At times he provides valuable insight. But mostly we have seen errant presentations based on false assumptions and faulty reasoning. Today's article is more of the latter than the former.
We should note that Mr. Becker is obligated to provide the biblical case for his beliefs. Though he does quote Scripture, he's more focused on the practices of the "NAR." However, we will not accept the relevance of his critiques of contemporary persons, because these do not demonstrate the biblical case. We have noted where this happens in red typeface.
This is a long and somewhat scattered article. He not only discusses apostles as promised in the title, he also deals with prophets.
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The proliferation of contemporary “apostles and prophets” is the result of a narrative that’s been pushed for decades – the restoration of the offices of apostle and prophet to the church. (The "NAR" stands for "New Apostolic Reformation." Reformation is not restoration.)
If this were true, then God has failed his church by depriving it of two essential forms of ministry. (No, we would say the Church has not obeyed the apostles' teaching and Paul's instruction regarding these offices. God has not failed, the Church has.)
Furthermore, if God has restored the office of apostle, then contemporary apostles who claim to hold the office should meet the biblical qualifications, if they don’t, they’re self-appointed false apostles. (The possibility of false apostles certainly exists. But since Mr. Becker will get the qualifications wrong, his conclusions will be errant as well.)
First we note that the betrayer Judas Iscariot committed suicide and was replaced by Mathias (#13). Then according to the below verses, there were others who were called apostles:
• The office of Apostle based on texts in Ephesians.
• The biblical qualifications to hold the office.
• The contemporary movement promulgating the restoration of the offices of apostle and prophet.
• Clarification that they are indeed referring to the office of apostle.
• How modern-day apostles deal with (or ignore) the biblical qualifications for the office.
• The crucial role modern-day apostles play in the movement.
• The attraction – why is this a coveted position?
• Conclusion
Extra content – a brief look at the office of a prophet for those who wonder if it still exists – since the office of Apostle has ceased.
THE OFFICE OF APOSTLE – TEXTS IN EPHESIANS.
Three important passages in the book of Ephesians:
• In the first occurrence, Paul describes the foundational role of apostles and prophets: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” (Eph 2:19-20).
This foundational role of the Apostles was so unique that their names will be on the walls of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14, see also Matthew 19:27-28). (Let's quote the verses:
The Apostle Peter considered Paul’s teaching to be the equivalent of scripture: “as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16).
Peter considers the teachings of the Apostles to be as authoritative as the Old Testament prophets when he writes: “This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:1-2).
The “word of God” that the Apostles preached has been preserved by God, and still speaks to us today! With the penning of the gospels and Epistles, infallible revelation ended, it is complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (Sigh. Let's quote the verse:
Once again the Apostle’s role in receiving revelation and establishing the doctrines that are in scripture is unsurpassable. The mystery of the Gentiles being included in the faith was foretold by the Old Testament prophets (Acts 26:22-23; 3:24-26), but not fully understood (1 Peter 1:10-11), and fulfilled in the Apostolic era (Acts 11:15-18).
The great chasm between Jew and Gentile under the law had given way to a new dispensation – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:27-28).
• In the third occurrence, a favourite proof text for the restoration of the “five-fold ministry,” Paul writes: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11-12).
At this stage in his epistle, Paul has already described the unique function of “Christ’s Apostles” (All apostles are "Christ's apostles." If they're not Christ's, they're false apostles [2Co. 11:13].)
It’s the foundation – “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) that anchors us amid a visible church littered with false apostles peddling a different gospel. It’s the faithful elders/overseers who shepherd and equip their flocks, and lead them into maturity because they have a sure foundation – Apostolic doctrine. (Still avoiding...)
It’s impossible to use any of these verses as proof texts for the restoration of the office of an Apostle without claiming to be in the same class as the Apostles of Christ. (As we have seen, this is false.)
BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS TO HOLD THE OFFICE. (Ah, finally. We get to the "biblical" qualifications.)
Let me begin by pointing out the obvious, yet often overlooked or intentionally ignored – God only chose men to hold the office. The biblical requirements to hold the office of Apostle: (Mr. Becker will list three, called directly by Christ, a witness to the resurrection, and being authenticated by performing miracles. None of these will be biblical qualifications for apostleship.)
1. Called directly by Jesus Christ.
Apostles were called directly by Christ, and sent out by Christ to complete their unique task.
“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:13-15).
“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen” (Acts 1:1-2).
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you” (Acts 26:16).
“Paul, an apostle – not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead – and all the brothers who are with me” (Galatians 1:1-2).
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (Eph 1:1).
There were very specific qualifications when the original Apostles replaced Judas, in the words of Peter: “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’ So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection” (Acts 1:20-22, see also Acts 10:39-43). (This Scripture does not say that an apostle must have witnessed Jesus' resurrection! Look carefully. Acts 1:22 says, For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. It does not say, For one of these must like us have seen him after his resurrection. This is clearly not a qualification, it is a duty of the new apostle. The new apostle was to join with them and testify with them of the resurrection.
“…and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:5-9).
“Last of all” means that Paul was the last person to qualify for the office! (No, it doesn't. Unless the 500 brothers were also apostles.)
3. Their ministry and their message confirmed by signs and wonders. The main reason for signs and wonders in the early church was to confirm the identity and message of Jesus, and his Apostles.(There isn't a single Bible verse that tells us an apostle must do signs and wonders, or that their message was by confirmed by signs and wonders, or that someone requested an apostle do a miracle to prove his apostleship.
The Apostles were delegated special authority to perform miracles to confirm their apostleship:
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction” (Matthew 10:1).
“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico” (Acts 5:12).
“And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43).
“The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works” (2 Cor 12:12).
“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them” (Acts 19:11-12).
(Not a single one of these Scriptures tell us that the apostles uniquely did signs and wonders. Stephen wasn't an apostle, yet did signs and wonders [Ac. 6:8]. Ananias did a miracle [Ac. 9:17]. And what about the unidentified man in Mk. 9:38?
The Apostles appointed leaders to equip the saints by building on the foundation. They are referred to as elders, shepherds, overseers, or pastors.
“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23).
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5).
Apostles were appointed directly by God, elders are appointed by qualified leaders in the church. The qualifications are listed in verse Titus 1: 6-9 (see also 1 Timothy 3:1-7).
“Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him…Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:18;28).
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you” (1 Peter 5:1-2).
Peter, knowing his time was short, did not scramble to appoint a replacement to his office, but instead, he endeavored to make sure his teachings would not be forgotten – “I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things” (2 Peter 1:13-15).
Likewise, Paul instructed Timothy as follows: “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
That “good deposit” is the Apostle’s doctrine. When we build on the foundation of God’s word, when we rightly divide the scripture and proclaim the gospel the Apostles proclaimed, then we are an “apostolic” church. We don’t need self-appointed modern-day apostles to fool us into thinking that they have any special authority or revelation, or that we need to be under their “apostolic covering.” (But Mr. Becker has not proven the idea that there isn't the possibility of modern day apostles. He's simply inferred that only the first century apostles satisfied these qualifications based on his presupposition that only the first century apostles satisfied these qualifications. Another tautology.)
THE CONTEMPORARY MOVEMENT PROPAGATING THE RESTORATION OF THE OFFICES OF APOSTLE AND PROPHET – THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION (NAR).
Peter Wagner (not some bitter discernment blogger with a religious spirit) coined the term New Apostolic Reformation “My term for the new wineskin that God has provided for these churches is the “New Apostolic Reformation.”1
CONCLUSION
Modern-day apostles do not meet the biblical requirements to hold the office. (Remember the requirements he listed [observed the resurrection, chosen personally by Jesus, and performed signs and wonders]? None of them were correct.)
WHAT ABOUT THE MODERN-DAY PROPHETS WHO CLAIM TO HOLD THE OFFICE?
We’ll look at the same three texts in Ephesians:
• “…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph 2:20).
The Old Testament prophets had prophesied about salvation for people from all nations which encompassed the promise of the “gospel of God” (Romans 1:1-2), in that sense, and including the fact that their words were scripture, they have a foundational role. However, some commentators believe these are New Testament prophets due to the order (apostles and prophets), the reference to the “household of God,” and the fact that Eph 3:5 and 4:11 are referring to prophets in the New Testament church (Acts 11:27-29; 15:32). Like the Apostles, their role was foundational during this unique time in history.
• “…it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Eph 3:5).
This text is referring to New Testament prophets, the revelation that they received along with the Apostles was an essential component of the gospel – the inclusion of the Gentiles. What other mysteries has God left out of scripture that will be progressively revealed by modern-day prophets? What needs to be added to the foundation? (A better question is, why does Paul tell describe the gift of prophecy, which must happen [1Co. 14:26]?)
• “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” Eph 4:11-12.
At this point in Paul’s letter, this is the third instance where “prophets” are connected to “apostles” and mentioned in the same order. They were instrumental in laying the foundation, they received revelation, and as with the apostles once their task was completed, the evangelists, shepherds and teachers would build on that foundation. (Now Mr. Becker is just making things up.)
“In the New Testament, there’s nowhere that says getting a false prophetic word makes you a false prophet. It’s all about the heart!” – Chapter, verse? (Vallotton said "nowhere," which means there isn't a verse. So how can he provide "chapter, verse?")
Vallotton uses Agabus, a New Testament prophet as an example of a prophet that gave a false prophecy. However, Vallotton is wrong about Agabus. (The issue of prophecy does not depend on Agabus, but rather the counsel of Scripture.
Despite the claims of Mr. Becker, Agabus didn't get that prophecy 100% correct. We know that cessationists dispute this and try to explain it away, but Agabus didn't get every detail correct. Here's his prophecy about what would happen to Paul:
More importantly, despite a detail being incorrect, Agabus was not called a false prophet. He was not stoned to death. He wasn't mocked by the doctrinal police.
Further, Agabus' prophecy did not have the same effect on Paul as the OT prophetic words did on their hearers. Paul was not dissuaded from doing what he planned:
Is there a difference between OT and NT prophecy? Clearly, yes. NT Prophecy is to be weighed, judged, and evaluated:
1) Prophecy was very narrowly bestowed in the OT, but it is widely distributed in the NT:
Why would God “restore” an office by downgrading it (infallible -> fallible utterances) and appointing “prophets” that can’t even get a 50/50 prediction correct? (This is not a biblical question. It's not even a theological question. The fact of the matter is there is no "downgrade," because the OT prophets were rare while the gift of prophecy permeates [or ought to permeate] the entire church. We view this as an upgrade, though our statement is no more a biblical argument than the Mr. Becker's.)
One of the excuses the NAR & Co use for the pathetic performance of their prophets is that Paul instructed the Thessalonians to “not despise prophecies” and “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). They reason that “test all things” infers that “prophecies” contain a mixture of truth and error. Paul wasn’t warning the Thessalonians about a downgraded version of the prophetic that deceived people more than anything else – he was warning them about false prophets active in the early church. (Again we call "chapter, verse." There isn't a single mention of false teachers or false prophets in the entire epistle.)
Furthermore, apart from their false prophecies, every single NAR prophet, like any false teacher, will have serious errors in their doctrine, as well as their character.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon gives the following definition of the word apostle in scripture (ἀπόστολος): “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. Specially applied to the twelve disciples whom Christ selected…In a broader sense the name is transferred to other eminent Christian teachers; as Barnabas”
Barnabas and other apostles mentioned in the New Testament, apart from the original apostles (including Matthias and Paul) did not hold the office of Apostle (How does Mr. Becker know this? Chapter, verse?)
(capitalized when referring to the office). The office of an Apostle was unique and restricted. (That's actually Mr. Becker's premise, which he needs to establish. So he's making a distinction between the office and the title, and that is what his entire case rests upon. Again, chapter, verse?)
Their commission was extraordinary, and they alone had been delegated special authority and had to meet specific requirements to hold the office. (Mr. Becker dismisses other named apostles with a wave of the hand. He never discusses them or explains anything about them. Yet they were called apostles, though apart from the "special/extraordinary" status he assigns to the 12.
This is a huge hole in his argument. There are other named apostles in the Bible, which Mr. Becker claims are not "special/extraordinary" ones. Logically, this means there can also be apostles today, just not "special/extraordinary" ones.
Let's do an apostolic inventory:
Acts 14:14 But when the apostles (apostolos) Barnabas (#14) and Paul (#15) heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: "Men, why are you doing this?"
Romans 16:7 Greet Andranicus #16) and Junias (#17), my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles (apostolos), and they were in Christ before I was."
Ph. 2:25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus (#18), my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, who is also your messenger (apostolos), whom you sent to take care of my needs.
And there may have been more apostles than those who were named. The Bible doesn't tell us, so we shall not argue from silence.
So if there were a variety of kinds of apostles in the first century, it would negate Mr. Becker's belief that there can be no apostles today.)
This article examines the claim that the office of apostle has been restored.
Contents of this article:
Contents of this article:
• The office of Apostle based on texts in Ephesians.
• The biblical qualifications to hold the office.
• The contemporary movement promulgating the restoration of the offices of apostle and prophet.
• Clarification that they are indeed referring to the office of apostle.
• How modern-day apostles deal with (or ignore) the biblical qualifications for the office.
• The crucial role modern-day apostles play in the movement.
• The attraction – why is this a coveted position?
• Conclusion
Extra content – a brief look at the office of a prophet for those who wonder if it still exists – since the office of Apostle has ceased.
THE OFFICE OF APOSTLE – TEXTS IN EPHESIANS.
Three important passages in the book of Ephesians:
• In the first occurrence, Paul describes the foundational role of apostles and prophets: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” (Eph 2:19-20).
This foundational role of the Apostles was so unique that their names will be on the walls of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14, see also Matthew 19:27-28). (Let's quote the verses:
Re. 21:14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Mt. 19:27-28 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Ok, so these are the "special/extraordinary" apostles [Mr. Becker will explain his criteria below]. These were the 12 unique apostles with unique qualifications who will occupy unique positions in heaven. They also did unique things in their day that do not apply to our day.
This is important: Which names are the 12 names? There's the original 12, including Judas the betrayer, plus there's Mathias and Paul. This means there are actually 14 apostles who are "special/extraordinary," but only 12 of them make the cut. Only 12 are written on the pillars in heaven, yet 14 qualify as foundational.
So why not include Barnabas and make it 15? Why not exclude Mathias, since he's never mentioned again?
Mr. Becker needs to explain this.)
The Apostles played a role in laying the foundation – which is the teachings they received from God, divine revelation that’s contained in scripture. The authority that Christ gave his Apostles was so exclusive that their words were received as the word of God: “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
The Apostle Peter considered Paul’s teaching to be the equivalent of scripture: “as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16).
Peter considers the teachings of the Apostles to be as authoritative as the Old Testament prophets when he writes: “This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:1-2).
The “word of God” that the Apostles preached has been preserved by God, and still speaks to us today! With the penning of the gospels and Epistles, infallible revelation ended, it is complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (Sigh. Let's quote the verse:
2Ti. 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...
As the reader can see, there is nothing here about revelation ending.)
Modern-day apostles who believe the foundation needs to be laid again, (Which "modern day apostles" believe the foundation needs to be laid again? Why does the existence of "modern day apostles" require them to lay any sort of foundation? Chapter, verse?)
need to add to the teachings of the Apostles since the original foundation is rendered incomplete. (Sigh again. Why, Mr. Becker? Why would the foundation be incomplete? Why must "Modern day" apostles be like the foundational 12 [or 14] and not like Barnabas? Will you please explain?)
• In the second occurrence, Paul writes – “When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph 3:4-7).
• In the second occurrence, Paul writes – “When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph 3:4-7).
Once again the Apostle’s role in receiving revelation and establishing the doctrines that are in scripture is unsurpassable. The mystery of the Gentiles being included in the faith was foretold by the Old Testament prophets (Acts 26:22-23; 3:24-26), but not fully understood (1 Peter 1:10-11), and fulfilled in the Apostolic era (Acts 11:15-18).
The great chasm between Jew and Gentile under the law had given way to a new dispensation – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:27-28).
• In the third occurrence, a favourite proof text for the restoration of the “five-fold ministry,” Paul writes: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11-12).
At this stage in his epistle, Paul has already described the unique function of “Christ’s Apostles” (All apostles are "Christ's apostles." If they're not Christ's, they're false apostles [2Co. 11:13].)
– a descriptive term for those in the office (Galatians 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1). (All apostles occupy the office of apostle. However, not all are foundational apostles.)
They alone qualified for the office and fulfilled a foundational role (Mr. Becker creates a category and proclaims all who are outside the category are outside the category. This is a tautology: "Only the foundational apostles are the foundational apostles.")
– their ministry contributed to a foundation that does not need to be laid over and over again. (Mr. Becker repeats his point. But the possibility of modern day apostles does not demand a new foundation be built.)
Paul doesn’t make any distinction between the “apostles and prophets” in the previous texts and this text (4:11), which leads us to believe that 4:11 is referring to Christ’s Apostles – the original (including Matthias and Paul). (Mr. Becker has not demonstrated that there is anything other than Christ's apostles.
And, he again glosses over the 12 vs. the 14.)
With scripture complete, that foundational role ceased, (Chapter and verse?
Sigh. Mark, Luke, Jude, the author of Hebrews, and James were not identified as apostles, yet they wrote Scripture. )
yet the foundation is still serving its purpose, and in that sense, the foundational role of the apostles and prophets is still active. Evangelists, shepherds, and teachers build up the body of Christ on the foundation that has been laid. (Why are these three, mentioned in the five-fold, also not ceased? They were all given by God for the same foundational purpose.)
Some modern-day apostles claim that all the offices mentioned in Eph 4:11 are still functional because the church has not attained “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood” (Eph 4:13). (Mr. Becker will completely avoid the implications of this Scripture, pivoting instead to reciting the NAR's problems regarding it.)
Some modern-day apostles claim that all the offices mentioned in Eph 4:11 are still functional because the church has not attained “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood” (Eph 4:13). (Mr. Becker will completely avoid the implications of this Scripture, pivoting instead to reciting the NAR's problems regarding it.)
But their form of unity is not based on the foundational truths of the faith, it’s based on their aberrant teachings and practices. (Mr. Becker dodges the entire issue by bringing up NAR missteps.)
Their form of unity looks like a packed stadium from various denominations, with celebrity speakers declaring a breakthrough, revelations, revival, or claims that God is doing a new thing (again). And it’s because they wander off from the foundational truths and teachings of Christ and his Apostles that their followers are “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Eph 4:14). It’s these false apostles who are calling for unity at the expense of sound doctrine that are creating division – “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” (Romans 16:17).
It’s the foundation – “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) that anchors us amid a visible church littered with false apostles peddling a different gospel. It’s the faithful elders/overseers who shepherd and equip their flocks, and lead them into maturity because they have a sure foundation – Apostolic doctrine. (Still avoiding...)
It’s impossible to use any of these verses as proof texts for the restoration of the office of an Apostle without claiming to be in the same class as the Apostles of Christ. (As we have seen, this is false.)
Modern-day apostles who claim to hold the office should be receiving direct and infallible revelation, (Why? Chapter, verse?)
contributing to scripture, (Why? Chapter, verse?)
and performing the same quality of miracles as the Apostles. (Why? Chapter, verse?)
BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS TO HOLD THE OFFICE. (Ah, finally. We get to the "biblical" qualifications.)
Let me begin by pointing out the obvious, yet often overlooked or intentionally ignored – God only chose men to hold the office. The biblical requirements to hold the office of Apostle: (Mr. Becker will list three, called directly by Christ, a witness to the resurrection, and being authenticated by performing miracles. None of these will be biblical qualifications for apostleship.)
1. Called directly by Jesus Christ.
Apostles were called directly by Christ, and sent out by Christ to complete their unique task.
“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:13-15).
“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen” (Acts 1:1-2).
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you” (Acts 26:16).
“Paul, an apostle – not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead – and all the brothers who are with me” (Galatians 1:1-2).
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (Eph 1:1).
(None of these Scriptures tell us that an apostle must be directly chosen by Jesus, only that they were chosen.)
2. A witness to his resurrection.
2. A witness to his resurrection.
There were very specific qualifications when the original Apostles replaced Judas, in the words of Peter: “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’ So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection” (Acts 1:20-22, see also Acts 10:39-43). (This Scripture does not say that an apostle must have witnessed Jesus' resurrection! Look carefully. Acts 1:22 says, For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. It does not say, For one of these must like us have seen him after his resurrection. This is clearly not a qualification, it is a duty of the new apostle. The new apostle was to join with them and testify with them of the resurrection.
Mr. Becker is in serious error.)
Paul’s calling as an Apostle was unique, yet indisputable: “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?” (1 Cor 9:1, see also Acts 9:1-28). (Paul asks four rhetorical questions. Are all four questions claims to apostleship? Nope, only one. Mr. Becker wants it to be two [am I not an apostle and seeing Jesus], but he will not explain what the other two [being free and Paul's work in this church] have to do with apostleship.
Indeed, Paul went on to mention a right to food and drink, to take a believing wife, and to receive support. Are these claims to apostleship? Nope.
This means that Paul was not claiming that seeing the Lord was an apostolic qualification.)
“…and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:5-9).
“Last of all” means that Paul was the last person to qualify for the office! (No, it doesn't. Unless the 500 brothers were also apostles.)
3. Their ministry and their message confirmed by signs and wonders. The main reason for signs and wonders in the early church was to confirm the identity and message of Jesus, and his Apostles.(There isn't a single Bible verse that tells us an apostle must do signs and wonders, or that their message was by confirmed by signs and wonders, or that someone requested an apostle do a miracle to prove his apostleship.
Nor is there a single Scripture that tells us an apostle did a miracle to prove who he was. Nor is there a Scripture where a sign or wonder was done specifically because someone doubted an apostle's position. Not one. So it it incorrect to claim that an apostle must do signs and wonders, or that an apostle was the only one who could do them. The suggestion is preposterous and unbiblical.)
The Apostles were delegated special authority to perform miracles to confirm their apostleship:
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction” (Matthew 10:1).
“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico” (Acts 5:12).
“And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43).
“The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works” (2 Cor 12:12).
“And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them” (Acts 19:11-12).
(Not a single one of these Scriptures tell us that the apostles uniquely did signs and wonders. Stephen wasn't an apostle, yet did signs and wonders [Ac. 6:8]. Ananias did a miracle [Ac. 9:17]. And what about the unidentified man in Mk. 9:38?
Further, 1Co. 12:28 tells us that God appointed miracle workers in the church, then he mentions several things with a rhetorical question "Are all...?"
1Co. 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
Implicit in this line of questioning is the idea that a person may be one thing but it doesn't mean they're another. So a prophet might not speak in tongues. A teacher might not be gifted in healing. And, a miracle worker might not be an apostle.
After all this, Mr. Becker ignores the single qualification articulated by the eleven apostles in Acts chapter one: The new apostle was to have been with them the whole time. This means Paul does not qualify. But since Paul was certainly an apostle, the only conclusion we can come to is that the eleven were only choosing this one replacement apostle.
Which renders Mr. Becker's entire explanation moot.)
There was no Apostolic succession!
The Apostles appointed leaders to equip the saints by building on the foundation. They are referred to as elders, shepherds, overseers, or pastors.
“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23).
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5).
Apostles were appointed directly by God, elders are appointed by qualified leaders in the church. The qualifications are listed in verse Titus 1: 6-9 (see also 1 Timothy 3:1-7).
“Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him…Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:18;28).
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you” (1 Peter 5:1-2).
Peter, knowing his time was short, did not scramble to appoint a replacement to his office, but instead, he endeavored to make sure his teachings would not be forgotten – “I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things” (2 Peter 1:13-15).
Likewise, Paul instructed Timothy as follows: “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
That “good deposit” is the Apostle’s doctrine. When we build on the foundation of God’s word, when we rightly divide the scripture and proclaim the gospel the Apostles proclaimed, then we are an “apostolic” church. We don’t need self-appointed modern-day apostles to fool us into thinking that they have any special authority or revelation, or that we need to be under their “apostolic covering.” (But Mr. Becker has not proven the idea that there isn't the possibility of modern day apostles. He's simply inferred that only the first century apostles satisfied these qualifications based on his presupposition that only the first century apostles satisfied these qualifications. Another tautology.)
THE CONTEMPORARY MOVEMENT PROPAGATING THE RESTORATION OF THE OFFICES OF APOSTLE AND PROPHET – THE NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION (NAR).
Peter Wagner (not some bitter discernment blogger with a religious spirit) coined the term New Apostolic Reformation “My term for the new wineskin that God has provided for these churches is the “New Apostolic Reformation.”1
(...)
(We redacted a large section, because it was exclusively about modern day practices. We did so because what people do or don't do today is irrelevant to proving one's position from the Bible.)
CONCLUSION
Modern-day apostles do not meet the biblical requirements to hold the office. (Remember the requirements he listed [observed the resurrection, chosen personally by Jesus, and performed signs and wonders]? None of them were correct.)
The sheer arrogance of anyone who claims to hold the same office as the original Apostles is mind-boggling and indicative of their biblical ignorance and deception. (Irony alert.)
But that’s not all, their false teachings disqualify them from holding any position in the church! Not only do they distort the original foundation, but they also distort the cornerstone – their man-centered doctrines render Christ’s work unfinished. Most modern-day apostles will claim that they’re not on the same level as the original Apostles. By saying this, they’re conceding that original were in a class of their own (But, but... Mr. Becker made this very concession!)
– which means the “restoration of the office” is not the restoration of the office, but a false apostleship – a resurgence of the same kind of super-apostles that plagued the early church (2 Corinthians 11). While this article is referring to the office of apostle, be aware that some who view themselves as modern-day apostles might not claim to be operating in the office. They may even distance themselves from movements that emphasize the restoration of the office. They may simply claim the title of apostle (red flag). That being said, if they function in the same manner, believe in the same special authority to govern, receive special revelation, and claim to operate in the miraculous – mark and avoid them all the same.
WHAT ABOUT THE MODERN-DAY PROPHETS WHO CLAIM TO HOLD THE OFFICE?
We’ll look at the same three texts in Ephesians:
• “…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph 2:20).
The Old Testament prophets had prophesied about salvation for people from all nations which encompassed the promise of the “gospel of God” (Romans 1:1-2), in that sense, and including the fact that their words were scripture, they have a foundational role. However, some commentators believe these are New Testament prophets due to the order (apostles and prophets), the reference to the “household of God,” and the fact that Eph 3:5 and 4:11 are referring to prophets in the New Testament church (Acts 11:27-29; 15:32). Like the Apostles, their role was foundational during this unique time in history.
• “…it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Eph 3:5).
This text is referring to New Testament prophets, the revelation that they received along with the Apostles was an essential component of the gospel – the inclusion of the Gentiles. What other mysteries has God left out of scripture that will be progressively revealed by modern-day prophets? What needs to be added to the foundation? (A better question is, why does Paul tell describe the gift of prophecy, which must happen [1Co. 14:26]?)
• “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” Eph 4:11-12.
At this point in Paul’s letter, this is the third instance where “prophets” are connected to “apostles” and mentioned in the same order. They were instrumental in laying the foundation, they received revelation, and as with the apostles once their task was completed, the evangelists, shepherds and teachers would build on that foundation. (Now Mr. Becker is just making things up.)
It’s clear that new testament prophets shared a foundational role alongside the Apostles, and both offices are closed. (Bare assertion.)
God did not change his standard for his mouthpieces when the early church was established. If the office of a prophet has been restored, then we can expect that same standard from the prophets in scripture – 100% accuracy (Deuteronomy 18:20-2). (Let's quote it, since Mr. Becker can't be bothered:
God did not change his standard for his mouthpieces when the early church was established. If the office of a prophet has been restored, then we can expect that same standard from the prophets in scripture – 100% accuracy (Deuteronomy 18:20-2). (Let's quote it, since Mr. Becker can't be bothered:
De. 18:20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.
If this is indeed the standard, what about the "put to death" part? Doesn't it apply as well? Mr. Becker does not get to pick and choose the scriptural standards he likes and ignore the rest. If a prophet speaks falsely he must be put to death. Explain this, Mr. Becker.)
In all of scripture, there are only two kinds of prophets – true prophets and false prophets. The modern prophetic movement that lays claim to the office or gift ignores the standard – they have to in order to excuse their failures. So they have created a category that does not exist – true prophets of God who prophesy falsely most of the time. If we accept the modern prophetic standards of prophecy (hit and mostly miss), what is the acceptable degree of accuracy, and where is this dumbing down of the prophetic taught in scripture? Bethel’s prophet Kris Vallotton sets the bar low, according to Vallotton it boils down to this –
“In the New Testament, there’s nowhere that says getting a false prophetic word makes you a false prophet. It’s all about the heart!” – Chapter, verse? (Vallotton said "nowhere," which means there isn't a verse. So how can he provide "chapter, verse?")
Vallotton uses Agabus, a New Testament prophet as an example of a prophet that gave a false prophecy. However, Vallotton is wrong about Agabus. (The issue of prophecy does not depend on Agabus, but rather the counsel of Scripture.
But let's go ahead and talk about Agabus. Scripture describes Agabus as a prophet. But we only have one quoted prophecy and one summarized prophecy from him. How is it possible such an influential man, a foundational prophet perhaps, only gets two mentions and one short quote? Why weren't many of his prophecies recorded as Scripture? That's Mr. Becker's standard, right?
Despite the claims of Mr. Becker, Agabus didn't get that prophecy 100% correct. We know that cessationists dispute this and try to explain it away, but Agabus didn't get every detail correct. Here's his prophecy about what would happen to Paul:
Ac. 21:10-11 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, `In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles."Here's what actually happened to Paul:
Ac. 21:33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.This may be a minor detail, but remember, we are talking about the supposed requirement for 100% accuracy. Agabus said Paul would be bound by the Jews, but he was bound by the Romans. That's the plain statement, one that either must be accepted or explained away. Mr. Becker tries to explain it away.
More importantly, despite a detail being incorrect, Agabus was not called a false prophet. He was not stoned to death. He wasn't mocked by the doctrinal police.
Further, Agabus' prophecy did not have the same effect on Paul as the OT prophetic words did on their hearers. Paul was not dissuaded from doing what he planned:
Ac. 21:12-14: When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”If Agabus was a prophet, and if it is true that NT prophets are of the same order as OT prophets, why did Paul ignore Agabus? Indeed, if Paul was teaching that NT prophecy was infallible and authoritative [which he nowhere did, by the way], why did he ignore his own advice?
Further, when Paul recounted the event he makes no mention of Agabus:
Ac. 28:17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.Clearly, neither Luke [the author of Acts] nor Paul had the same standard for prophets that Mr. Becker has.
But more importantly, we find several mentions of NT prophets [Ac. 11:27, Ac. 13:1,Ac. 15:32, Ac. 19:6, Ac. 21:9, 1Co. 12:28], but we also find the gift of prophecy [Ro. 12:6, 1Co. 11:4, 1Co. 12:10, 1Co. 13:2], which we are to "eagerly desire" [1Co. 14:1]. What might the difference be between the office and the gift, if any? Well, Mr. Becker doesn't explain or even differentiate.
Is there a difference between OT and NT prophecy? Clearly, yes. NT Prophecy is to be weighed, judged, and evaluated:
1Co. 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
"Weigh" is diakrinó, 'to separate throughout or wholly' (dia, 'asunder,' krinō, 'to judge,' from a root kri, meaning 'separation'), then, to distinguish, decide..." This means a prophecy subject to the spiritual discernment of the assembly to separate out the various elements. What is true and what is not? That's the job of the NT Church to weigh. And that leads us directly to the conclusion that some prophecy is discarded as not valid.
The reason we are commanded to judge prophecy is because NT prophecy is not infallible.
Further, Paul wrote that even he only knew in part and prophesied in part [1Co. 13:9]. Even his vision was partly obscured, and his knowledge was in part as well [1Co. 13:12].
This means that something about prophecy has changed. It's only partial revelation, not the kind of "thus sayeth the Lord" prophecy of Israel.
And, the early church had false teachers as well as false prophets, and they are mentioned together as if they are connected.
2Pe. 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.
We know the OT prophets not only prophesied, they taught Israel. Do we say that there is no teaching gift today because some teaching is not 100% accurate? No, of course not. Teachers are human, operating in their understanding and weakness.
Should a false teacher be put to death, since teachers are mentioned together with prophecy? No, of course not. Like prophets, their call is to instruct and build up the Body. They won't do it perfectly.
Should a false teacher be put to death, since teachers are mentioned together with prophecy? No, of course not. Like prophets, their call is to instruct and build up the Body. They won't do it perfectly.
In Summary:
1) Prophecy was very narrowly bestowed in the OT, but it is widely distributed in the NT:
He. 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
1Co. 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.2) Prophecy in the OT was mostly directed at nations and peoples, and often spoke of God's judgment, while the NT prophetic is primarily edifying:
1Co. 14:3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
1Co. 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
1Co. 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Ro. 1:11-12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.3) Prophecy in the OT was a full articulation of what God said, but NT prophecy is incomplete and imperfect.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part... 1 Cor. 13:94) Prophecy in the OT flawless, but NT prophecy is partly obscured:
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1Co. 13:125) We don't put false prophets to death, we ignore them or correct them:
1Co. 14:37-38 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
2Ti. 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.No one wants prophetic [or teaching] inaccuracy. but it was a reality in the early church and a reality today. That's why Scripture is adamant about weighing prophecy. The NT idea of prophecy has a different standard.)
Why would God “restore” an office by downgrading it (infallible -> fallible utterances) and appointing “prophets” that can’t even get a 50/50 prediction correct? (This is not a biblical question. It's not even a theological question. The fact of the matter is there is no "downgrade," because the OT prophets were rare while the gift of prophecy permeates [or ought to permeate] the entire church. We view this as an upgrade, though our statement is no more a biblical argument than the Mr. Becker's.)
NAR prophets rely on Google, general news, and seminar registration details for information. Even a common Octopus had a “success rate of approximately 85.7% when it came to predictions – putting every modern-day prophet to shame.
One of the excuses the NAR & Co use for the pathetic performance of their prophets is that Paul instructed the Thessalonians to “not despise prophecies” and “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). They reason that “test all things” infers that “prophecies” contain a mixture of truth and error. Paul wasn’t warning the Thessalonians about a downgraded version of the prophetic that deceived people more than anything else – he was warning them about false prophets active in the early church. (Again we call "chapter, verse." There isn't a single mention of false teachers or false prophets in the entire epistle.)
John warned that there would be many: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1. What’s overlooked is that Paul was instructing a church that existed when the foundational prophets were active. (Mr. Becker uses his presumption as evidence. Essentially he is saying there is no prophecy because there is no prophecy.)
Are we to believe that God used a lesser kind of prophet like the NAR prophets to lay the foundation? (The gift of prophecy is not for laying the foundation, it is for edification:
1Co. 14:3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
Doesn't Mr. Becker ever read these parts the of the Bible that disagree with his doctrine?)
Furthermore, apart from their false prophecies, every single NAR prophet, like any false teacher, will have serious errors in their doctrine, as well as their character.
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