APOSTLES AND PROPHETS TODAY - Let us Reason Ministries (part 1)

Found here. Part 2 is here. My comments in bold.
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This is a long and inelegantly constructed article, with muddled prose and many unsupported assertions and undeveloped ideas. The author rarely quotes Scripture, which is a typical, though perplexing tendency in the defenses of cessationism we have read.

Many of the points presented have been dealt with at length elsewhere in our blog, so for those we will simply provide links. Our article on the apostles in particular addresses most of these points.

Our criteria for the cessationism debate is that the argument must

1. be from the Bible
2. Not appeal to contemporary expressions of charismata
3. Not appeal to silence
4. Not appeal to events or practices of history

That is, any defense of cessationism must be Sola Scriptura.
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There are those who claim to be apostles and prophets by their own word. Others claim it by showing their signs, wonders and miracles. This so-called signs and wonders movement is part of an effort to restore what they understood to be the five-fold ministry described in Ephesians 4:11. The proliferators of the movement claim that these dynamics are what is necessary for the church to have power. In actuality, those who lay claim to this ministry today are operating under a misunderstanding of apostles and prophets of the Bible. (Appeals to contemporary expressions.)

The Lord confirmed His signs to the apostles' words to show a transition of authority from Israel and its priesthood to the apostles who were laying down the foundation for the church, a new entity. This unique anointing testified to Israel and to the gentiles a new order of leadership, the demonstration of spiritual authority was transferred to the church Christ body. (We hope the author demonstrates these undocumented assertions.)

Becoming aware of what the Bible says about these positions in the early church can help us guard against misleading teachings in the church today.

Validated by signs and miracles, the apostles deemed the faith for the whole Church and established the written word by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Once the scriptures were completed, the Church had all that was necessary in the area of revelational truth. (More undocumented assertions.)

The apostles' instructions were in words, then put to paper for all succeeding generations on how to live in obedience to the faith.

Once a foundation is laid down and a house is built, we don't rebuild the foundation.(Eph.2:20) Neither should we rip apart the house that the Lord has built.

A true apostle would point out the false ones. (More undocumented assertions.)

Yet today, not only do those who claim to be apostles fail to do so, but there are threats and manipulations for those who do not go along with what they are trying to portray. 'Jezebel,' 'Antichrist,' and 'Blasphemer of the Holy Spirit' are common terms used for those who speak against them.

Alarmingly, these impostor’s (sic) claim to be exclusively without error in their interpretations and teachings on these matters. They are to be questioned by no one. (The author continues to assert things as if they were self-evident.)

In reading the letter of Jude, we find him exhorting the believers to contend for their faith among apostates in the church. More specifically, verse 17 reminds the church of the apostles' warnings of mockers coming in the last days that are natural men not having the Spirit. Today we find those who claim to have more of it than others. (What is this "it?" The Holy Spirit is not an "it.")

Nowhere do we find the apostles preaching they are anointed (This is false. 

2Co. 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

"Anointed" is χρίω (chrió), which means to anoint by rubbing or pouring olive oil on someone to represent the flow (empowering) of the Holy Spirit. Anointing (literally) involved rubbing olive oil on the head, etc., especially to present someone as divinely-authorized (appointed by God) to serve as prophet, priest or king... Essentially, chosen. Which ironically is exactly what the author will assert later as being a unique characteristic of the twelve apostles.

And, we wonder what the point is about the apostles claiming or not claiming to be "anointed." To what is this relevant?)

and certainly did not imply they were more so than others.

Ac. 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 

2Co. 12:11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles”, even though I am nothing.

Though the author doesn't want the apostles to be important at this point, later he will make a claim of superiority about the Twelve.)

The danger of these mislead leaders is that they will cause divisions without realizing the harm they do, nor the judgment that they will eventually incur upon themselves. (More undocumented assertions.)

Most scholars agree there are at least 3 and possibly as many as 5 groupings of apostles in the NT. (This is true.)

First is Jesus who stands alone as the apostle in Heb.3:1-6 sent by God to be the Savior of the world. All other apostles derive their position under him. We find an apostle is 'one sent from'. There is a technical use and a general use in this term.

Scripturally we find that the apostles were all personally chosen by the Lord Jesus. (Undocumented assertion. Were all 5 "groupings" personally chosen by Jesus?)

Mt.10:1-4 and in Lk.6:12-16 names the 12 apostles, one of which was chosen for perdition. The 70 as well as the twelve were also trained and sent out. The position of the apostles were not permanently fixed number until after the resurrection (Matt. 19:28-30; Lk. 22:28-34; Jn. 21:15-18). The number 12 then becomes an eternally established number. (Let's quote the relevant excerpts from these citations to see if this is true:

Mt. 19:28 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.

Lk. 22:29-29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jn. 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Not permanently fixed? Nowhere in these verses or in the surrounding context does it say anything about the number of apostles being fluid in some manner. We know this is a minor point, but if we can't trust the writer accurately represent Scripture at this point, we cannot trust him elsewhere. 

What does Scripture actually tell us?

Mt. 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Mt. 11:1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

Mk. 3:14-15 He appointed twelve — designating them apostles — that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

Lk. 6:13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles...Jn. 6:70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”

Each Gospel records Jesus specifically selecting 12 men, which he called "apostles." There is no ambiguity about the original twelve.)

Matthew and Mark use the term “apostle” only once for the Twelve who were sent on a missionary journey (Matt. 10:2; Mk. 6:30). Luke uses the title the most frequently and almost exclusively calls the Twelve “apostles” (Lk. 6:13; 9:10; 17:5; 22:14; 24:10; Acts 1:26; 2:43; 4:35,37; 5:2,12,18; 8:1. )

One of the Biblical requirements for one to be rightly regarded as an apostle were those following Jesus from the time of John’s baptism. (Paul fails this "test.")

They also were to have seen the risen Lord be witnesses of his resurrection.  (This is incorrect. See our discussion here.)

When the closed group of twelve became eleven, they sought another to take Judas' office: Acts 1:21-22 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time the Lord Jesus went in and among us beginning from the baptism of John to that day he was taken up from us One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.' “

(...)

Other requirements were a part of this first qualification of being with Jesus from the time of John and a witness to the resurrection. An apostle must have been taught divine truth by Jesus personally (Galatians1:1,12; 1Corinthians15:3). (Let's again quote the references:

Ga. 1:1,12 Paul, an apostle — sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead... 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

1Co. 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures... 

 Does the reader see anywhere where it is required that an apostle must be directly taught by Jesus?)

Only 10 were commissioned together as Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit to signify their unity and authority to forgive sins as they proclaimed the Gospel (John 20:19-23). (Sigh. Let's again quote:

Jn. 20:20-23 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Do you see anything written here that indicates Jesus was signifying their unity? To the contrary, Jesus explicitly says what he is doing: As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Jesus was sending them, not signifying their unity.)

Thomas was not among them and neither was Matthias. The exception is Paul who was taught personally by Christ while he was in Arabia for 3 years. (Undocumented assertion.)

When he emerged he had the same teaching as the 12. (Jn.14:26, 16:13; 1 Cor.9:1:1 Tim.2:7) (This is becoming tiresome. Let's quote the references:

Jn. 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jn. 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

1Co. 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?

1Ti. 2:7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle — I am telling the truth, I am not lying — and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

We are not disputing that Paul had the same teaching, only that these Scriptures make no mention of the author's point about a requirement that to be an apostle one must have been directly taught by Jesus.)

So an apostle will agree with the already commissioned apostles in Scripture.

They were commissioned to communicate the very words of the Lord (1 Thess.2:13;1 Jn.4:6) They could speak words of judgment and the miraculous and have it immediately executed (Jn.20:23; Acts 5:3-11; 13:10, 1 Cor.5:3-5; 1 Tim.1:20). The Apostles exercised a position of authority as a community of elders over the church which was to be obeyed as if it was the Lord himself. (1 Cor.5:3-5; 2 Cor.10:6,8,11; 2 Thess.3:7-12,14). (Again, we do not wish to pick nits, but none of these verses mention apostles being elders.)

All these were in the nature of the office of an apostle. (The author continues to choose language that just doesn't bear out in Scripture. This obtuse verbiage leads us astray. Such is the case with the use of the word "office." The author uses the word as if it were a unique characteristic of the twelve apostles. The word does not appear in Scripture. 

In fact, when it comes to apostles, the word "appointed" is used. "Appointed" is τίθημι (tithémi), which means I put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. The word is used by Jesus in reference to Him choosing the apostles:

 Jn. 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

It is the same word used by Paul for the varieties of ministries that are to be in the church:

1Co. 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

Being appointed is not a unique characteristic of the original Twelve. Clearly in today's Church these ministries continue to be appointed by the Lord.)

Paul sometimes uses the term “apostle” in a broader sense for a messenger like a legate (A legate is an ecclesiastic delegated by the pope as his representative. The term is not found in Scripture.)

(2 Cor. 8:23; they are called apostles of the church),” (Let's quote the Scripture:

2Co. 8:23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.

a non technical term with a general meaning. (Hmm. "Representatives" is ἀπόστολος, ου, ὁ (apostolos), the very same word Jesus, Paul, and Peter use to describe the Twelve. There is nothing "non technical" about it.

We therefore do not accept the inference made by the author that these men were some sort of sub-apostle. There is nothing in this text or any other the suggests such a thing.)

There is a difference supported in scripture to be an apostle of the Lord, personally chosen and sent by him; and an apostle of the church, sent out by the body of believers. (There is? This is an unsupported assertion. We summarily reject it, absence evidence.)

This broader usage made it possible to include others who would be considered false apostles, messengers (2 Cor.11:14; Rev 2:2). Paul also uses the word for a group of witnesses who had seen the risen Lord before him and had received a specific call to an apostleship. This group was larger than the Twelve.

The book of Acts is recording a transitional period from when Christ left physically and sent the Holy Spirit to continue his ministry. The book of Acts traces the missions of two of the apostles specifically and others when they relate to their ministry. Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles.
When the apostles came and laid hands on people they received the Spirit in the dramatic way like Pentecost. The Bible never shows any regular Christian ("Regular Christian?" What is this?)

laying hands and their receiving the gift of the Spirit in this way. (Argument from Silence. But actually, the author overlooks 1Ti. 4:14: 

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

And why would the writer of Hebrews make a point about the elementary teachings, of which one is the laying on of hands, if this was outside the purview of "regular Christians?"

He. 6:1-2 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

A question often posed is, 'Can others do miracles like the apostles, since Mark 16:17-18 describes “and these signs will follow those who believe in my name they will cast out demons they will speak in other tongues and… will heal the sick.” (' Note: these particular verses are not found in the majority of the manuscripts, granted that they are...) The answer is found in a careful examination of the text. Where we find in the Mark 16:14 narrative that Jesus is speaking to the 11 and commissions them to preach the Gospel first then baptizing the believers. So we find that the Lord is in fact speaking directly to the apostles just before he is taken up into Heaven (verse 19). Afterward, the apostles went out and preached, and the Lord was working with them confirming His Word through accompanying signs. Therefore, there is no evidence that all believers can do what the apostles did.

What did occur is the word was first preached and the signs and wonders followed to validate the new leadership for the church. (This is false. Signs and wonders testify to "this salvation," not to the ministry of the apostles:

He. 2:3-4 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

In much the same way Jesus’ miracles were to validate his person and message. If these signs and wonders were to follow all who believe how could one tell who the apostles were? (We do not wish to dishonor the author, but this is just dumb.)

There would be no distinction in leadership. The very reason for the signs and miracles were to appoint the apostles as a governing leadership over Gods new entity the Church. (Unsupported assertion.)

If we look at the book of Acts who was it that took up a serpent? Paul an apostle. Who laid hands on the sick and they recovered? The apostles. This was never a normal occurrence for everyone who was a Christian. (Argument from Silence. 

Further, the book of Acts, as the author acknowledged above, has a general purpose: The book of Acts traces the missions of two of the apostles specifically and others when they relate to their ministry. Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles. The fact of this focus is enough to understand that what was recorded in Acts was in the context of Paul and Peter's ministry. So we should not be surprised that what we read there is focused on the activities of those men.

But that doesn't mean Acts was silent regarding non-apostolic miracle working:

Ac. 6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Ac. 9:17-18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized...

When Dorcas died the believers did not raise her but sent for Peter to raise her from the dead (9:36-42). This also shows that Mk.16:17 is not a promise that was being exercised to all believers. (No, it does not. Paul makes it clear that these things are ministries of the Body:

1Co. 12:7-11 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

“ Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.”(2 Cor. 12:12) The sign of an apostle was the miracles done, this distinguished them from the other believers. (This Scripture does not teach that only the apostles did these things.)

Unlike those who claim miraculous healings today the apostles healed totally and instantaneously. (Undocumented assertion, and an Argument from Silence.)

It was permanent (Undocumented assertion, and an Argument from Silence.)

not as some claim today that one must continue in faith or the devil will steal it away. (Argument from Contemporary Expressions.)

They were able to heal all such as Paul on the Island of Malta in Acts 28 healed Publius and the rest of the people who had diseases came to him. He was also able to be unaffected by a poisenous (sic) snake. They healed organic disease on those from birth. They raised the dead . Peter raised Dorcas Acts 9:36-42, Paul raised Eutyches back to life after he fell 3 stories Acts 20:6-12. Like Jesus it was by a word or a touch, as God approved their office it was immediate and permanent . (All of these assertions are based on things stated in Scripture, but Scripture does not record everything that happened. Thus to suggest that every supernatural healing was total, instantaneous, and permanent is speculation based on what is not written.

Further, we find this passage: 

Ac. 8:6-7 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.

("Many," not "all.")

Acts 2:43: “Then fear came upon every soul and many signs and wonders are done through the apostles. Acts 5:12 “And through he hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. Acts 14:3” Paul and Barnabas speak boldly in the Lord, who bears witness to His word of grace, granting signs sign and wonders to be done through their hands.”

All these and many more scriptures show that the apostles were special men commissioned for a unique role in a particular time period for the Church. (This all may be true, but does not establish that only the apostles did these things.)

(Ephesians 2:20) “Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…Notice past tense, been built. Once a foundation is laid it does not need to be laid down again, it is built upon “ It was upon these men the apostles and prophets that the foundation the church was built on, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. (No one is attempting to rebuild this Foundation.)

Those who claim apostolic authority today are attempting to rebuild the church whose foundation was already laid and built . (Unsupported assertion.)

(The author will now provide us with the very first argument we have ever seen regarding why apostles and prophets are no longer available to us, but pastors, teachers, and evangelists are. 

And may we say, it is a very poor argument.)

Later on in Eph.4:11 Paul writes, “and he himself gave some to be apostles and prophets, some evangelists and some pastors and teachers…” he does not say he keeps on giving apostles and prophets for the simple reason formerly stated they were the foundation of the church. Paul makes no distinction of what is continued or what is not in this passage. Anything mentioned in Eph.4:11 must be in light of the former statement in 2:20 of the apostles and prophets laying down the foundation in the past tense (foundation in the scriptures for us to come to the unity of the faith.) (So the author's first point is that apostles and prophets are part of the foundation of the church, and somehow that means that any further ministry from apostles and prophets is not needed since the foundation is already laid. Which means the ONLY purpose of prophets and apostles are to lay the foundation. There is no Scripture that says this.

 Let's quote both Scriptures, with additional text to establish context. First:

Ep. 2:18-22 For through him [Jesus] we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Paul tells us that because of the Holy Spirit we are part of God's household. God's household is built on the foundation of the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Himself. This building is joined and built up as a temple where God's Spirit dwells. Paul tells Timothy:

1Ti. 3:15 ...if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

The church is the foundation of the truth. The foundation is the truth. The church is the repository of the truth as the structure built upon the foundation of the Gospel.

So what is it about the apostles, prophets, and Jesus that make them the foundation? The truth of the Gospel! Just prior to the above passage Paul tells us this very fact:

Ep. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

So there's no magic in the foundation being made up of the apostles, prophets, and Jesus as persons. It's not them as literal blocks of stone. Paul is referring to the Gospel they laid as the foundation of the church, which was brought forth by the apostles, the prophets of old, and the ministry of Jesus.

The foundation is the solid, trustworthy, unmovable truth:

Mt. 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Paul tells us that his work was to lay the foundation, but others are building upon it. The foundation is built once for all time:

1Co. 3:10-11 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

None of this excludes other builders.) 

We do see Pastors and teachers continue as they are not supernatural offices (Unsupported assertion. Where do we see this continuance spelled out?)

or sign gifts (There is no such thing. But granting the author his pointfor the sake of argument, how does he know that the other three ministries do not display "sign gifts?")

but leaders and rulers over the congregations after the apostles were gone. (Unsupported assertion. We are seriously beginning to long for a single Scripture that backs up any of these assertions.)

The Apostles wrote down the teachings for the Church to follow. If their are apostles today in the sense of the Church’s beginnings there would have to be new revelation. (Unsupported assertion.)

This would have to be included as Scripture because apostolic revelation is authoritative and infallible. (Unsupported assertion.)

It would then be on the same level as our Bible. (Unsupported assertion.

And we note for the record that not only the apostles wrote the NT.)

This is what the Mormon church claims and many other cult groups. To say we have modern day apostles like Matthew and Paul is to say Scripture is continually being written which means rejecting the former revelation of the apostles given by Jesus. (This is incredible nonsense, undocumented, unsubstantiated, unscriptural, and illogical.)

As John writes in his 1st epistle 1:1-4 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”

The greatest men who influenced the church throughout history never claimed they were apostles or prophets. (Appeal to History.)

They never taught that these 2 offices continued. (Appeal to History.)

Athanasius, Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Finney, Great theologians like Charles Hodge , A.H Strong or Gill and all others were satisfied to build upon the foundation already laid by the original apostles.(Appeal to History.)

We find the only apostles mentioned in Church history after the bible was completed were false ones. (Appeal to History.)

The gift and office of apostleship was the first and most important gift given after Christ ascended, but it was a temporary gift and office that does not continue to our present time. For the simple reason people do not see Jesus Christ in His bodily resurrection. (This is not a requirement for apostleship.)

For this to be so he would have to leave the right hand of God and make a special appearance. We know from scripture the next time he comes is for everyone at the rapture, there are no secret comings. (Unsupported assertion.)

The apostles had completed their mission of laying the foundation of the Church and the doctrine was inscripturated. God's Word is complete no new revelation is needed.

While the Lord does speak to us today he does not give any new revelation or doctrine since it has been delivered and completed. (?????? Having denied over and over that there is no new revelation, the author now says the Lord does speak today???)

There were also apostolic legates (A phrase not found in Scripture.)

those directly commissioned by an apostle, their were no apostolic miracles done except in the presence of one or being commissioned by one. (An assertion the author has not documented by Scripture, and also an Appeal to Silence.)

Two examples are Stephen and Philip. Acts 6:5-8: “And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” (Read the passage carefully. Does it say the apostles specifically laid hands on Stephen? Nope. "They" did. Who are "they?"

Ac. 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

The "brothers" are "they." They selected the men who were to serve, they presented them to the apostles for approval, they prayed for them and laid hands on them.)

Stephen was directly appointed by an apostle approved into ministry. He was what is called an apostolic legate, (By whom, and where?)

one that is commissioned by an apostle. It is these legates like Philip who went to Samaria (Acts 8) ahead of the apostles to bring the gospel to new areas until Paul and Barnabas were sent. (Remember way back when the author said only the apostles did signs and wonders?)

Even in Acts 8 when Philip preached Christ and did miracles they believed and were baptized.

They sent for the apostles vs.14-15 and when they came and prayed it was then as they laid hands on them they received the Holy Spirit from on high. also in Acts 10, and 19. So all the miracles were in the presence of one of the apostles or one commissioned by one. (The author does not understand why this happened. Peter and John did not figure out for quite some time that salvation had come to the gentiles. These signs, like tongues, were signs for the apostles!)

(James the Lords brother was called an apostle Gal.1:19, James is included in Gal. 2:9 also Barnabas 1 Cor. 9:5-6) Paul became an apostle by seeing the resurrected Christ Acts 9 and 1 Cor.15:8. (These Scriptures do not say this!!!)

Paul was picked by Jesus. There are those today who claim that someone can see Jesus and be an apostle just like Paul. (One does not have to see Jesus to be an apostle.)

We have to look at this event carefully. Jesus appeared to choose him, he was an unbeliever at the time. It became his conversion. Jesus appeared to him in glory more in the manner of what John saw on the Isle of Patmos when he wrote the Revelation, not like the disciples saw him after his resurrection.

Acts 9:5 It is clear, from this event that there was a personal appearance as he states [I am Jesus of Nazareth] who was the object of his contempt. Jesus appeared in a manifestation “crowned with glory and honor.” As Paul states in Gal 1:16 I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood. Paul certainly understood what this shekinah glory was knowing the OT. as he did. Paul actually became blind from seeing the glory Acts 22:11.

In Acts 9:17, after the Lord speaks to Annanias in a vision he States to Paul “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came.”

And Barnabas states when he brought him before the apostles at Jerusalem, he declared to them how he had SEEN the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken unto him; and in Acts 22:14, “The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.” (We assent to all of this, but it does not speak to the the author's assertion that one must see Christ to be an apostle. That simply isn't true.)

Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead). He then became an apostle to the gentiles (as well as Barnabas Gal.2:9; Acts:13:2,7, 15:12) as Peter and the others was to the Jews. In 1 Cor. 9:1 Paul in defense of his position states “Am I not an apostle? Am I not free. Have I not seen Jesus Christ our lord? He then validates his position by their salvation. So he met the 2nd requirement, to be a witness of the resurrection Acts 1:22. (Acts 1:22 does not say this. It says, ...become a witness with us to the resurrection. It isn't a qualification to become an apostle, it is a requirement of an apostle going forward!)

Paul defended his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, using examples of signs and wonders. If these miracles and signs were common for everyone, how then could Paul use these as proof of his authority? (Why couldn't he? Let's look at the verse:

2Co. 12:12 The things that mark an apostle — signs, wonders and miracles — were done among you with great perseverance.

But consider: If Paul claimed to be an apostle but couldn't do signs and wonders, he would be rejected. Therefore, this isn't a claim that only apostles could do signs and wonders.)

Even when the apostles were alive, all Christians could not do signs and wonders (No one has claimed that all Christians in the NT could do signs and wonders.)

so they certainly cannot do them today. (Undocumented assertion.)

Some of these were unusual miracle uncommon occurrences such as healing from his handkerchiefs Acts 19:12. Again, God used these miracles as witnesses to confirm His gospel as truth, and to identify His new leadership it was these men who penned down the words of the Holy Spirit that has become our New Testament. Once the scripture was completed we find no more apostles. (The author keeps repeating himself and never documents these assertions. It's becoming tiresome.)

How can we know this for sure? Because Paul states unequivocally in 1 Cor.15: after going through the witnesses of the resurrection. Vs. 8 “Then LAST OF ALL seen by me also, as one born out of due time.” (*Heavy Sigh* Let's quote the passage.

1Co. 15:5-8 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he  appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

If this is evidence that Paul was the last apostle, then we must also accept there were more than 500 other apostles. But though the author keeps repeating it, seeing the risen Lord is not an apostolic requirement!)

Paul is appealing to his unusual appointment. He was the last on earth (Gr. last in time) to see the risen Christ (Thayers Gr. optanomai or optomai- to look at, to behold , to allow oneself to be seen, to appear ) and that his encounter was an abortion. “Paul resembled such a birth, in the suddenness of his new birth, in that he was not matured for the apostolic function, as the others were, who had personal converse with our Lord. He was called to the office when such conversation was not to be had, he was out of time for it. He had not known nor followed the Lord, nor been formed in his family, as the others were,” (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)

In the same sense neither are there any more apostles by abortion today. Since Paul was the LAST OF ALL. (Appearing to Paul last of all does not make Paul the last apostle. Indeed, we see at least 19 apostles, and probably more, in the NT.)

“Paul’s adverbs of time here is chronological: then (eita), then (epeita), then (epeita), then(eita), last of all (eschaton pantoôn)”. (A.T. Robertsons word Pictures)

This should settle the issue that just as the 12 became a closed group, so likewise Paul ended the Lord choosing others. The fact is there is (sic) no more apostles chosen after Paul.

The pastoral epistles give the principles and positions for church leadership throughout history, they mention elders, teachers and deacons. They never mention apostles. (Why does the author restrict the discussion to the pastoral epistles [1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus]? Because he gets to ignore everything else taught about apostles, particularly in Romans and 1 Corinthians.

Further, the lack of mention in the pastoral epistles is irrelevant. It's an Argument from Silence. Paul is writing about specific topics to Timothy and Titus. Not discussing something does not mean something doesn't exist. Paul is simply discussing what he needs to discuss.)

The only apostolic category that consists today is the one of being sent out as a missionary planting Churches. There are pastors, teachers and elders for Church government today also evangelists, as well as spiritual gifts being operational for the local body.

Jude said, “But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 17). Jude does not mention any continuance of apostles in the Church, he points back to them. (Jude is referencing the authority of what the apostles said, not the existence of apostles!)

When the apostles spoke, there was no debating. (This is false. Paul wrestled with the Corinthian church:

2Co. 12:11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles”, even though I am nothing.

And the Galatian church:

Ga. 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

In fact, the majority of Paul's letters are taken up with his corrections and rebukes and instructions in righteousness. If these churches were taking Paul's apostolic teaching as being beyond debate, there is precious little record of it in the NT. We deem the author's claim as false.)

(The author continues for a thousand more words, repeating himself and making the same points over and over, all without scriptural documentation. We have wearied of the onslaught and will cease commenting.)

They were already recognized as the leaders revealing Gods will for the Church .Whereas the prophets, whose words had to be judged as to their accuracy.

While there is no contest that at least some of the gifts of the Spirit are operating today (God still heals supernaturally and does miracles), but we must keep our views in healthy balance with the scriptures. The Biblical portrayal or definition of the position of apostle is as an appointed office by Christ, not merely a spiritual gift. The word apostle can be used in a general sense in reference to someone commissioned to go out and start churches (2 Cor. 8:23). In this sense, a believer can exercise the gift of apostle today, as a 'sent out one.' However, one cannot claim to hold the office of an apostle as in the 12 as we see many doing today.

The Apostles set position were authenticated by the miraculous. Acts 3:3-11Peter healed the crippled man at the gate of the Temple as well as others. (Acts 5:15-16) Paul had also brought Eutychus back to life after he had fallen to his death (Acts 20:6-12). No apostolic miracles were ever performed in the apostolic era by anyone other than the apostles and those who were commissioned by them, showing this office was unique to its time.

It is also worth pointing out that the apostles were limited on the miracles they performed; none of them ever fed five thousand as Jesus did, nor did they ever walk on water or translocate into a room on their own. Yet they did do unusual healings and miracles and resurrect people, which was also the last sign Jesus said would be given to the unbelieving generation at that time. Today it seems we are again surrounded by unbelief, even in the church, because so many are following those who do signs and wonders. Jesus said it was an evil and adulterous generation that seeks after a sign and a wonder. Today our generation is repeating the same error as the unbelieving Jews except it supposedly from believers.

The apostles never preached signs and wonders to attract the multitudes much less those who already believe. Seeing a sign was never a assurance of belief.

We are warned of false apostles those who claim authority that is not from God and can do miracles. In much the same way as the false prophets God told Jeremiah,” I have not sent them or spoken to them.”

With all this in mind Paul did not use the signs and miracles as the absolute proof of his apostolic position.

1 Cor. 4:9-13: “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.” Notice he says they were last examples condemned to death, weak, poor, hungry, beaten and homeless. Its obvious we don’t see those who claim these positions today living in such a manner. They for the most part became martyrs. Today those who claim apostolic positions live in luxury and opulence.

Col. 1:24 “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” Paul’s life of weakness and suffering showed his gifting and position. Paul’s life of denial showed his anointing.

2 Cor.1:6: “Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

History tells us that all of the apostles (minus one Judas) were killed for their service to the Lord. This is hardly the case for those claiming this position today.

There are numerous warnings in scripture, in Mt.7 there is number of people who claim before the Lord have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name and done many wonders. Clearly they are laying claim to some type of apostolic position. Then I will declare to them I never knew you, depart from me you who practice lawlessness.” They tried to be accepted by what they did , by the power they supposedly had but they did not do the will of the Lord which is to preach the Gospel in truthfulness. Yet the lord said he never had a relationship with them. So his name is not a stamp of authenticity for anyone (obviously it was a different Jesus who was their source of power.) They were lawless they were not under his leadership, or guidance they did not practice the law of Christ. They tried to approach God on their own merit by their good deeds saying look at what we did, we had power. It wasn't about power but about knowing him in a relationship. “I never knew you “he gave them what they already possessed, since they were departed from him to begin with.
In Rev. 2:2: “unto the church in Ephesus write… Thou hast tried them that say they are apostles and are not, and has found them to be liars.”

They were false apostles because they did not see the risen Lord, nor were they commissioned by Him. They did not live or teach to the standard of Scripture.

2 Cor.11:12-14: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light, Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” They can look right but if they do not speak according to the word already delivered then whatever follows in miracles is not from God but from another source.
The true apostles are unique in their ministry , office, and power never to be duplicated. They were for a specific period in Church history. It is impossible for their to be modern day apostles as in the beginning since none of those today possess the necessary credentials to be an apostle. In 1 Cor.4:9 Paul explains what it was to be an apostle. “For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; “ (this is in the aorist tense meaning that they do not continue.) The apostles example were that they gave their lives for Christ and the Church. It was their teaching and it being written including miracles that made them apostles.

In warning, Jesus said to those who were following Him for the blessings, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders you will by no means believe.' Our choice today is to believe His Word that he spoke, not self-appointed men in spiritual offices in which they clearly do not belong.

Jude said, “But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 17).This is Gods word to those who think they are in the category of the ancient apostles.

The apostolic age was unique in histories timeline and it ended. Jesus says it, Paul does, history teaches this, theology teaches it, and the New Testament itself continually affirms it.



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