Foundational apostles and prophets: What about the five-fold ministry? Part 3; Apostles continued

Eph 4:11-16  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  (12)  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  (13)  until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,  (14)  so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  (15)  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  (16)  from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Continuing on with the subject of modern day apostles and prophets it must be acknowledged that there is not much written specifically describing the office of apostle. However, it is safe to conclude that you can look at the ministry of Paul and others found in the book of Acts and thereby extrapolate the qualities one could expect to find in a modern day apostle. First, the apostle was called by God in a profound way. The apostles either walked with Jesus or heard a declaration from heaven. So then, the modern day apostle will have heard that specific call from the Father.

Secondly, The calling will be confirmed by actions, presence, power and also by other believers. An apostle will have an unmistakably unique anointing of power and presence and will speak with authority. An apostle will easily recognize truth from error. He or she will judge everything in light of the gospel of grace, redemption, and the love of God. The reason for this is to enable the body to keep focus on the pristine gospel of grace.

Thirdly, the apostle will urge people on to love in love. The foundation of the purpose of the gospel is to inform the saint that they are at peace with God... (Romans 5:1.) It is from this understanding of being at peace with God that true transforming love can be birthed in the individual. The Apostle John said it this way. 1Jn 4:10  "This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." In other words, supernatural transforming love is not generated because of the command to love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our strength. Supernatural transforming love is generated from the peace we have with God because of the gospel of Christ. Agape is at the heart of apostolic teaching and a called apostle will exemplify agape.


I am making progress but there is still much to say about  the apostle so expect a continuation....