'Restored Apostles and Prophets: Unveiling the Divine Mission'

Apostles and Prophets: Their Restoration in the Church

The restoration of the offices of apostle and prophet is a movement within Christianity that seeks to reestablish these roles as part of the church. The basis for this restoration is found in Ephesians 4:11-12, which states, "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ." This verse suggests that apostles and prophets are essential for the growth and edification of the church.

The Office of Apostle in the Early Church

During the first century of the church, there was an office of apostle. This position was held by the twelve disciples of Jesus, including Matthias who replaced Judas, and Paul. These individuals were specifically chosen by Christ (Mark 3:16-19). The replacement for Judas is described in Acts 1:20-26, where his position is referred to as an office. It is important to note that Paul was also chosen by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8-9; Galatians 1:1; 2:6-9). These apostles were entrusted with the task of laying the foundation of the universal church (Ephesians 2:20). However, once this foundation was established in the first century, the office of apostle ceased to function.

The Spiritual Gift of Apostle

In addition to the office of apostle, there was also a spiritual gift of apostle. This gift was distinct from the office and was bestowed upon individuals who carried the gospel message with God's authority. Those who possessed this gift included James (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Corinthians 9:6), Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7), and possibly Silas, Timothy, and Apollos. The spiritual gift of apostle allowed these individuals to proclaim the message of God with authority. However, it is important to note that the term "apostle" is often misunderstood, leading to confusion when referring to individuals who hold this spiritual gift today. While there may still be individuals sent by God to spread the gospel, it is best not to use the term "apostle" for them due to the potential for confusion.

The Temporary Gift of Prophet

Similarly, the gift of prophet was also temporary and served a specific purpose in the early church. Prophets were foundational to the universal church (Ephesians 2:20) and played a crucial role in proclaiming messages from God to believers at a time when the New Testament had not been fully completed. In the first century, believers did not have access to the complete Bible as we do today, and therefore, God provided gifted men called prophets who delivered divine messages until the canon of Scripture was finalized.

The Current Teaching of Restoration

It is important to critically evaluate the current teaching of restoring the offices of apostle and prophet. The modern proponents of this restoration claim that those who hold these positions should never be questioned or spoken against because doing so would be speaking against God. However, the Apostle Paul commended the Bereans for examining his teachings against the Word of God to ensure their accuracy (Acts 17:10-11). Furthermore, Paul himself stated that if anyone, including himself, were to teach a different Gospel, they should be considered accursed (Galatians 1:8-9). Paul consistently pointed people back to the Bible as the final authority. In contrast, those who claim to be apostles and prophets today often position themselves as the final authority, which is contrary to the example set by Paul and the Twelve.

The Past Tense References in Scripture

Scripture refers to apostles and prophets in the past tense. Both 2 Peter 3:2 and Jude 3-4 instruct believers not to stray from the message given by the apostles in the past. Hebrews 2:3-4 also speaks of those who performed signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the past. These references indicate that the apostles and prophets mentioned in Scripture were active during the early years of the church and that their roles served a specific purpose during that time.

Why This Matters

Understanding the restoration of apostles and prophets is significant because it shapes our understanding of the structure and functioning of the church. Recognizing the temporary nature of these offices and gifts helps us avoid potential misunderstandings and confusion. It also prompts us to rely on the Bible as our ultimate authority rather than placing undue authority on individuals claiming to hold these positions.

Think About It

Consider what it means for apostles and prophets to have played a foundational role in the early church. How does this impact your understanding of their significance today? How can we discern between true apostles and prophets and those who may falsely claim these titles? Reflect on the importance of grounding our faith in Scripture rather than relying solely on human authority.