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We have covered much of this ground in our episodic examination of cessationism, particularly episode 2. Thus we shall attempt to not repeat our arguments, instead providing links when necessary.
Reading this presentation is frustrating, for the author makes numerous assertions documented by voluminous Scripture references. But when we actually look them up, none of them bolster the author's case. Is this laziness, or is the author counting on readers not checking for themselves what he asserts?
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(...)
THE DEFINITION OF AN APOSTLE
Such being the case, we must go to the Bible to determine God’s will with regard to modern-day apostles. When we do so, we first learn that the word “apostle” comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means “one sent from or forth, a messenger, delegate” (Arndt and Gingrich, 1957, p. 99; Thayer, 1901, p. 68). The term is used in the New Testament in two distinct senses. It can refer to an individual who is sent by other humans to accomplish a particular mission or task. The term is so used to refer, for example, to Barnabas (Acts 14:14). He was an “apostle” in the sense that he accompanied Paul on an evangelistic trip. (The author diminishes Barnabas without any explanation. However, he is simply described as an apostle with no qualification, not someone who just happened to accompany Paul:
Such being the case, we must go to the Bible to determine God’s will with regard to modern-day apostles. When we do so, we first learn that the word “apostle” comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means “one sent from or forth, a messenger, delegate” (Arndt and Gingrich, 1957, p. 99; Thayer, 1901, p. 68). The term is used in the New Testament in two distinct senses. It can refer to an individual who is sent by other humans to accomplish a particular mission or task. The term is so used to refer, for example, to Barnabas (Acts 14:14). He was an “apostle” in the sense that he accompanied Paul on an evangelistic trip. (The author diminishes Barnabas without any explanation. However, he is simply described as an apostle with no qualification, not someone who just happened to accompany Paul:
Ac. 14:14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd...
Paul and Barnabas were partners in their mission work [Ac. 12:25]. They were specifically set apart by the Holy Spirit for work [Ac. 13:2]. They preached together [Ac. 13:46]. They were persecuted together [Ac. 13:50]. They appointed elders together [Ac. 14:23]. They brought a doctrinal dispute to the apostles [Ac. 15:2]. They had a serious disagreement and parted ways [Ac. 15:39]. The two men ministered together for more than a decade [Ga. 2:1].
But Barnabas wasn't prefect [Ga. 2:13]. Nevertheless, it is a grave disservice to the biblical testimony to relegate Barnabas to an "also ran" status.
We also note that the author acknowledging a variety of apostolic expressions argues against him. For if there can be different kind of apostles, then a "modern day" apostle doesn't have to be like the Twelve.)
Jesus is said to be our “Apostle” in the sense that He was sent to atone for our sins (Hebrews 3:1).
The term “apostle” also is used in a second sense—what we might call an official sense. That is, “apostle” can refer to individuals who were officially and divinely selected to serve as Jesus’ original representatives—“ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus handpicked the original twelve apostles (Matthew 10:1-5; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; 9:1-2). Of these original twelve, Judas betrayed the Lord as predicted by the Old Testament (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18-19; 18:1-5). Instead of repenting, he cinched his apostasy by committing suicide (Matthew 27:3-5; John 17:12). Consequently, a successor to Judas was selected by divine decree (Acts 1:16-26). (We refer the reader to our detailed discussion, which finds this last statement false.)
Only one other apostle in the official sense is alluded to in the New Testament—Paul. His appointment to apostleship was unique and unparalleled in that he was chosen for a specific first century task (Acts 9:15; 22:14-15; 26:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:8-9; Galatians 1:11-12,15-16). Christ selected him to introduce the message of Christianity to the Gentile world (Romans 11:13; 15:16; Galatians 2:8; Ephesians 3:8). Paul was careful to document the fact that his apostleship was by divine appointment (e.g., Romans 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1,16). (The author offers no explanation of Paul's apostleship, only noting it was unique.
The term “apostle” also is used in a second sense—what we might call an official sense. That is, “apostle” can refer to individuals who were officially and divinely selected to serve as Jesus’ original representatives—“ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus handpicked the original twelve apostles (Matthew 10:1-5; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; 9:1-2). Of these original twelve, Judas betrayed the Lord as predicted by the Old Testament (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18-19; 18:1-5). Instead of repenting, he cinched his apostasy by committing suicide (Matthew 27:3-5; John 17:12). Consequently, a successor to Judas was selected by divine decree (Acts 1:16-26). (We refer the reader to our detailed discussion, which finds this last statement false.)
Only one other apostle in the official sense is alluded to in the New Testament—Paul. His appointment to apostleship was unique and unparalleled in that he was chosen for a specific first century task (Acts 9:15; 22:14-15; 26:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:8-9; Galatians 1:11-12,15-16). Christ selected him to introduce the message of Christianity to the Gentile world (Romans 11:13; 15:16; Galatians 2:8; Ephesians 3:8). Paul was careful to document the fact that his apostleship was by divine appointment (e.g., Romans 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1,16). (The author offers no explanation of Paul's apostleship, only noting it was unique.
We should note that there are several others named as apostles. We count 19 in total:
Acts 14:14 “But when the apostles 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.
2Co. 8:23 As for Titus (#19), he is my partner and fellow-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives (apostolos) of the churches and an honor to Christ.)
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN APOSTLE
When one assembles all the relevant New Testament data, at least three qualifications emerge as prerequisite to one becoming an apostle in the official sense (Hayden, 1894, p. 33, expands these credentials to seven in number). First, an apostle had to have seen the Lord and been an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 1:22; 22:14; 1 Corinthians 9:1). (This is false. We discuss this here. The statement, for one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection, is not a qualification, it is an expected duty, a mandate, for the new apostle.)
When one assembles all the relevant New Testament data, at least three qualifications emerge as prerequisite to one becoming an apostle in the official sense (Hayden, 1894, p. 33, expands these credentials to seven in number). First, an apostle had to have seen the Lord and been an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 1:22; 22:14; 1 Corinthians 9:1). (This is false. We discuss this here. The statement, for one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection, is not a qualification, it is an expected duty, a mandate, for the new apostle.)
Second, an apostle had to be specifically selected by the Lord or the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:5; Mark 3:13-14; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:26; 9:15; 22:14-15,21; 26:16). (The author must demonstrate that the Holy Spirit has stopped selecting apostles, and that every apostle named in the NT was selected by Jesus. None these verses do this.)
Third, an apostle was invested with miraculous power to the extent that he could perform miracles. The power to perform miracles included the capability to confer the ability to work miracles to other individuals through the laying on of his hands (Mark 3:15; 16:17-20; Luke 9:1-2; John 14:12,26; 15:24-27; 16:13; Acts 2:43; 4:29-31,33; 5:12,15-16; 6:6; 8:14-18; 19:6; 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 1:11; Hebrews 2:3-4). (Not a single one of these Scriptures indicate the author's assertion that miraculous powers or the laying on of hands were the exclusive domain of the apostles.)
Jesus referred to His bestowal of miraculous capability upon the apostles when He promised they would be “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). (Again, the author must demonstrate that this was exclusive to the apostles. He does not do that.)
THE WORK OF AN APOSTLE
The apostolic office was unquestionably a temporary office for the early church (though apostolic appointment was for life). (Bare assertion. This is the conclusion the author is working towards. We shall not allow him to presume his conclusion.)
Its essential purpose was twofold. First, apostles were commissioned by Jesus to launch the Christian religion (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-48). This purpose was achieved by means of the initial presentation of the Gospel to the whole world (Colossians 1:23), and the establishment of the church of Christ (Acts 2). Second, apostles were largely ("Largely?" Hmm. So non-apostles wrote some of the NT? That sorta lowers the status of the apostles from the author's exclusiveness, doesn't it?)
responsible for making the New Testament available—first in oral form and, more specifically, in written form (1 Corinthians 14:37; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:14; 1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 1:12-21; 3:15-16).
These two central tasks (These two central tasks do not indicate a temporary status for apostles.)
These two central tasks (These two central tasks do not indicate a temporary status for apostles.)
are set forth clearly in the New Testament. In Matthew 16, Jesus declared that He would build His church after His resurrection from hades (vs. 18). He then explained that it would be the apostles who would instigate initial entrance into Christ’s church (hence the significance of “keys”—vs. 19). This commencement of the Christian religion and the church of Christ would be achieved by means of the apostles “binding” and “loosing” the doctrinal tenets and principles of Christianity that Heaven had previously bound or loosed [the Greek uses the perfect passive and should be translated “will have been bound/loosed in Heaven” as in the NASB (cf. Matthew 18:18-20; John 20:22-23)]. (Let's quote the verse:
Mt. 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be [Or have been] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be [Or have been] loosed in heaven.
Do you see the idea of "doctrinal tenets" as being a principle or even tertiary purpose of binding and loosing? In fact, is it even implied at all, let alone mentioned? Nope.)
Peter and the apostles articulated the terms of entrance into the kingdom of Christ for the first time on the Pentecost that followed Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:14ff.).
In Ephesians 4, after summarizing Christianity in terms of seven core concepts (vss. 1-6), Paul described the initial sequence of events that recounted the advent of Christianity (vss. 7-16). Paul noted that: (1) after His crucifixion, Jesus descended into the Hadean realm; (2) He then was resurrected; (3) He ascended back to Heaven; (4) upon His ascension, He dispensed gifts; (5) the apostolic office was included in the reception of these miraculous capabilities; (6) the purpose of these gifts was to equip and edify the church; (7) the preparation provided to the infant church by these gifts was temporary (“till” is an adverb of time connoting when the miraculous gifts were to terminate), in that the same preparation soon would be available through the completed revelation, i.e., “the faith.” (The author was doing pretty well for a little while. Let's actually quote the passage, since the author seems reluctant quote Scripture. In fact, he has yet to quote one, so we shall do his work for him:
In Ephesians 4, after summarizing Christianity in terms of seven core concepts (vss. 1-6), Paul described the initial sequence of events that recounted the advent of Christianity (vss. 7-16). Paul noted that: (1) after His crucifixion, Jesus descended into the Hadean realm; (2) He then was resurrected; (3) He ascended back to Heaven; (4) upon His ascension, He dispensed gifts; (5) the apostolic office was included in the reception of these miraculous capabilities; (6) the purpose of these gifts was to equip and edify the church; (7) the preparation provided to the infant church by these gifts was temporary (“till” is an adverb of time connoting when the miraculous gifts were to terminate), in that the same preparation soon would be available through the completed revelation, i.e., “the faith.” (The author was doing pretty well for a little while. Let's actually quote the passage, since the author seems reluctant quote Scripture. In fact, he has yet to quote one, so we shall do his work for him:
Ep. 4:4-16 There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” [Psalm 68:18] 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
With the actual text before us, let's requote the author's last two assertions: (7) the preparation provided to the infant church by these gifts was temporary (“till” is an adverb of time connoting when the miraculous gifts were to terminate), in that the same preparation soon would be available through the completed revelation, i.e., “the faith.”
First, there is no mention of "miraculous gifts" or their eventual termination in the text.
Second, "unity the faith" is not "completed revelation." "Faith" here is pistis b. in reference to Christ, it denotes "a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah...
Third, "revelation" is not mentioned.
So the author misleads us. The work of the five-fold in every local church in every age is to build up the church until it matures into unity in the faith, in particular, a singular belief in Jesus, attaining a mature and unswaying faith.
We are beginning to see why the author is reluctant to quote Scripture.)
(...)
The apostles had the sole responsibility of executing the will of the Son of God in founding, organizing, and fully equipping the church of Christ on Earth, (Undocumented assertion. In fact, we find many people in the NT devoted to the nascent church.)
The apostles had the sole responsibility of executing the will of the Son of God in founding, organizing, and fully equipping the church of Christ on Earth, (Undocumented assertion. In fact, we find many people in the NT devoted to the nascent church.)
that she might fulfill her heaven-borne mission, until Jesus comes again (Hayden, p. 22). That is why Paul could say two chapters earlier that the household of God (i.e., the church) was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Oops. The author just refuted himself. Prophets also formed the foundation of the early church, not just apostles.)
(Ephesians 2:20; cf. 3:5; Revelation 21:14). That is why he informed the Corinthian Christians:
God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:28-30).
The apostles are said to be “first” in the significance and criticality of their divinely appointed role. The apostles specifically described their unique role in the early church as entailing giving themselves to “the word of God” and “the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2,4). (Again the author negates his own assertion. There is a multitude of people with various supernatural gifts serving and building the church. Let's quote the passage:
God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:28-30).
The apostles are said to be “first” in the significance and criticality of their divinely appointed role. The apostles specifically described their unique role in the early church as entailing giving themselves to “the word of God” and “the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2,4). (Again the author negates his own assertion. There is a multitude of people with various supernatural gifts serving and building the church. Let's quote the passage:
Ac. 6:1-4 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
So when we read the actual text in Acts chapter 6, we find that the apostles were recognizing that they needed to delegate duties to others, since the Grecian Jews were being neglected. The apostles were not describing what the duties of apostles should be, they were realizing that they couldn't do everything.
Notice a couple of other things. First, the food distributors needed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. This was no casual affair. Second, it was the disciples who chose these men, not the apostles.
Lastly, the author asserts that apostles were uniquely devoted to the ministry of the Word. We wonder, then, why Paul mentioned teachers in Ephesians 4:11 if teaching was uniquely apostolic.)
THE DURATION OF AN APOSTLE
Once the church of Christ was established and Christianity was given its initial presentation (cf. Colossians 1:23), the apostolic office faded from the scene along with the age of miracles. (Undocumented assertion.)
As an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection, (No one witnessed Christ's resurrection, for He laid in a tomb with a stone rolled in front of it.)
Paul referred to himself in relation to the other apostles as “last of all” (1 Corinthians 15:8). (*sigh* Let's quote the passage:
1Co. 15:3-9 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 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. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Paul is not stating he is the last apostle, he is describing his low position as the last one to have Jesus appear to him as compared to others who had seen Him. Paul mentions the 500 who also saw Him, yet they're not apostles.
This has nothing to do with the end of apostleship, for Paul is talking about his abnormal status and his regret for persecuting the church.)
Neither apostles nor miraculous gifts was needed any longer. They had served their temporary purpose (Mark 16:20; Acts 4:29-31; 13:12; 14:3; Romans 15:18-19; Hebrews 2:3-4; cf. Exodus 4:30).
(Again we are forced to do the author's work for him. Let's quote the Scriptures:
Mk. 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Ac. 4:29-31 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Ac. 13:12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
Ac. 14:3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.
Ro. 15:18-19 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done — 19 by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way round to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
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.
Does the reader see anything at all in these Scriptures about some sort of temporary purpose?)
Miraculous gifts functioned as scaffolding while the church was under initial construction, and were removed once the structure had been completed (1 Corinthians 3:10; 3:11; Ephesians 4:13-14). (*sigh* The continuing blizzard of Scripture references seems designed to imply an airtight case, but when we actually look them up they do not bolster the author's point:
1Co. 3:10 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.
Ep. 4:13-14 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
There is nothing here regarding miraculous gifts, let alone the removing of them. Indeed, part of the "scaffolding" are teachers, pastors, and evangelists. "Until we all reach unity in the faith." It appears to us that at least some of the "scaffolding" remains. Why might that be?)
The book we call the Bible is the totality of God’s written revelation to the human race. (Well, yes, but...)
Consequently, people now have access to everything they need (2 Peter 1:3) (*sigh again* Here's the verse:
2Pe. 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
This verse refers to "His divine power," not "written revelation." Now we can see clearly why the author doesn't quote Scripture. His intent is to deceive by reinterpreting an unquoted Bible. He is a liar.)
to enter into a right relationship with God via Christianity and the church of Christ. The apostles “had no official successors. From the nature of their duties, there could be no succession” (Hayden, pp. 20-21). Apostles, quite simply, are no longer needed!
NO APOSTLES TODAY
(Nothing in this section is true. Much of it is simply undocumented assertions and false conclusions drawn from the author's previous statements.)
(Nothing in this section is true. Much of it is simply undocumented assertions and false conclusions drawn from the author's previous statements.)
Unfortunately, several groups that claim affiliation with the Christian religion allege to have apostles among them, including Catholicism, Mormonism, and some pentecostal groups. This claim is unbiblical. No person living today can meet the qualifications given in Scripture for being an apostle. No one living today has been an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection. (Again, this is not a qualification for apostleship.)
(...)
The only apostle in the Bible that was not handpicked by Christ in person was Matthias. (This is false, as we have noted. There were at least 19 apostles named, which implies many others not named.)
The only apostle in the Bible that was not handpicked by Christ in person was Matthias. (This is false, as we have noted. There were at least 19 apostles named, which implies many others not named.)
Yet he was not selected by mere men deliberating and debating his potential. (Ac. 1:21-22:
Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.
The Eleven were clearly considering qualifications.)
He was selected by the casting of lots—which was simply another way for Jesus to do the selecting (Acts 1:26; cf. Proverbs 16:33). (Pr. 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
This is a strange claim. The author seems to think the casting of lots is what we should regularly do when making decisions, as if every casting of lots is a decision of the Lord.
Let's consider the biblical usage of the phrase. In the OT, it appears that only one word is used, גּוֹרָל (goral), which means a lot (for casting)... allotted (2), allotted portion (1), choice (1), land (1), lot (53), lots (15), lots and the lot (1), territory allotted (2)... a lot cast for the decision of questions... So it was quite literally a method used for making decisions.
But there is a specific sense in the casting of lots. Divine will is not being ascertained. Rather, it is more like, "I have two coats. Which one should I wear today?" Or, "Whose turn is it to go get the pizza?" Or, "You two, stop fighting. We're going to settle this." [Pr. 18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.] Perhaps akin to rock-paper-scissors, or closing our eyes and picking one. It's simply a way to choose between alternatives.
This is how the men chose who got to receive Jesus' cloak.
But there is a specific sense in the casting of lots. Divine will is not being ascertained. Rather, it is more like, "I have two coats. Which one should I wear today?" Or, "Whose turn is it to go get the pizza?" Or, "You two, stop fighting. We're going to settle this." [Pr. 18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.] Perhaps akin to rock-paper-scissors, or closing our eyes and picking one. It's simply a way to choose between alternatives.
By contrast, there are two Greek words used in the NT. The first is λαγχάνω (lagchanó), which is (a) I obtain (receive) by lot, my lot (turn) is, (b) I draw lots. The word is found in Lk. 1:8-9:
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.This is much like the Hebrew word, in that one thing is being chosen over another. The word seems to be used in the context of seeing whose turn it is, or who gets a thing. It's a case of determining who is coming up next, or who receives their turn.
This is how the men chose who got to receive Jesus' cloak.
The second Greek word is as found in Ac. 1:26, the word used to describe how the apostles chose Matthias:
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.Here the word is κλῆρος, ου, ὁ (kléros), which means, a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation... properly, a lot, cast to distribute ("apportion").
This word speaks to an allotment of something assigned to someone. It's almost like the selection of a business partner, or how to divide up an inheritance among your children, or who to include when you want to share a candy bar. It is to determine who should partake of the thing, or who is to be included in the thing being done.
They chose Matthias to partake in the work they were doing.
But the author wrote, He was selected by the casting of lots—which was simply another way for Jesus to do the selecting... If this is true, why did the apostles first chose two men, and then cast lots?
Ac. 1:23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
The author wants us to believe that Matthias was chosen by supernatural means, but we don't agree. We think Matthias was chosen presumptuously, and that the Holy Spirit really had Paul set to be the twelfth apostle. That doesn't mean Matthias wasn't an apostle [like Barnabas, Titus, or Epaphroditus], it simply means that Paul was to be the replacement foundational apostle.)
It is incredible to think that any human beings living today would presume to appoint apostles. In pinpointing the credentials of an apostle, Luke (Acts 1) made it abundantly evident that to qualify as an apostle a person would have to have seen the Lord and been an eyewitness of His resurrection. (The author repeats his false claim yet again.
We also note that the actual requirement offered by the eleven has not been discussed by the author:
Ac. 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.
"Been with us the whole time." Paul does not qualify under this criteria, and thus we conclude that this process used by the eleven is not indicative of the way apostles must be chosen.)
(...)
A third proof (We have deleted long, irrelevant sections of the author's presentation. We did not delete proofs one and two because there were no proofs one and two. The author started numbering "proofs" out of thin air.)
that no apostles exist on Earth today is the fact that New Testament apostles were empowered by God—not only to perform miracles—but also to convey miraculous power to other people who then could work miracles themselves. This characteristic is demonstrated in detailed fashion in Acts: “Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money” (Acts 8:18). (How on earth does this demonstrate "in detailed fashion" that only the apostles could convey miraculous power? We are certainly doubting the author's reasoning skills at this point.)
The issue of modern-day apostles may be settled very quickly! To authenticate their claim to be apostles, they must be able both to perform miracles as well as confer miraculous power to others. (No Scriptures given, not that it matters since the references supplied by the author so far have been largely irrelevant.)
The apostles of Jesus in the New Testament demonstrated their apostolic status without hesitation. (No Scriptures given, not that it matters since the references supplied by the author so far have been largely irrelevant.)
Anyone today who claims to be an apostle should be willing to do the same. No such ability exists today.
ORIGINAL APOSTLES WERE SUFFICIENT
A fascinating passage in the New Testament sheds further light upon this notion of modern-day apostles. That passage is Matthew 19:28. There Jesus informed Peter and the other apostles: “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” A related passage is Luke 22:29-30 which says, “And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as my Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
These verses are Christ’s figurative declarations describing the role of the twelve apostles (??? According to the author there were thirteen...)
(...)
Hayden aptly summarized the New Testament position regarding modern-day apostles:
The thirteen (!! Didn't the author just tell us there were twelve?)
apostles chosen, ordained and endowed by the newly crowned Messiah faithfully and fully executed their commission. When they entered into everlasting rest, the church was established, with all needful ministries to edify, extend and perpetuate it throughout all coming centuries. Then the extraordinary, which was necessary to found a new institution, was succeeded by the ordinary, which is sufficient to teach, regulate and govern the subjects of Christ’s kingdom according to the laws that went forth from Jerusalem. The revelation of God was completed. The word of faith is henceforth nigh every believer, even in his mouth and in his heart. The apostolic office ceased, and evangelists and pastors became the permanent teachers and superintendents of the church (pp. 33-34).
REFERENCES
Arndt, William and F.W. Gingrich (1957), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press).
Bales, James (1957), The Kingdom: Prophesied and Established (Austin, TX: Firm Foundation).
Hayden, W.L. (1894), Church Polity (Kansas City, MO: Old Paths Book Club).
Miller, Dave (1996), Piloting the Strait (Pulaski, TN: Sain Publications).
Miller, Dave (2003), “Modern-day Miracles, Tongue-Speaking, and Holy Spirit Baptism: A Refutation—Extended Version,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2569.
Thayer, Joseph H. (1901), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1977 reprint).
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Phone (334) 272-8558
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Arndt, William and F.W. Gingrich (1957), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press).
Bales, James (1957), The Kingdom: Prophesied and Established (Austin, TX: Firm Foundation).
Hayden, W.L. (1894), Church Polity (Kansas City, MO: Old Paths Book Club).
Miller, Dave (1996), Piloting the Strait (Pulaski, TN: Sain Publications).
Miller, Dave (2003), “Modern-day Miracles, Tongue-Speaking, and Holy Spirit Baptism: A Refutation—Extended Version,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2569.
Thayer, Joseph H. (1901), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1977 reprint).
Copyright © 2003 Apologetics Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
We are happy to grant permission for items in the "Doctrinal Matters" section to be reproduced in part or in their entirety, as long as the following stipulations are observed: (1) Apologetics Press must be designated as the original publisher; (2) the specific Apologetics Press Web site URL must be noted; (3) the author’s name must remain attached to the materials; (4) textual alterations of any kind are strictly forbidden; (5) Some illustrations (e.g., photographs, charts, graphics, etc.) are not the intellectual property of Apologetics Press and as such cannot be reproduced from our site without consent from the person or organization that maintains those intellectual rights; (6) serialization of written material (e.g., running an article in several parts) is permitted, as long as the whole of the material is made available, without editing, in a reasonable length of time; (7) articles, excepting brief quotations, may not be offered for sale or included in items offered for sale; and (8) articles may be reproduced in electronic form for posting on Web sites pending they are not edited or altered from their original content and that credit is given to Apologetics Press, including the web location from which the articles were taken.
For catalog, samples, or further information, contact:
Apologetics Press
230 Landmark Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
U.S.A.
Phone (334) 272-8558
http://www.apologeticspress.org
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