01 What Defines an Apostle? | Unpacking the Apostolic

[@garysmith2922]

Thanks guys, this is helpful. Don’t you think that Paul’s words to the Ephesians (4:11) and the Corinthians (1:12:28) about the ascension gifts are essentially the same in that he’s speaking about the church in its broadest sense? Not really in the local church sense? What I mean is that these ascension gifts to the church, are more itinerant (trans-local) than local. The impact of these gifts, in other words, is designed to strengthen many churches. It seems to me, that on this basis, these gifts are even more important and relevant to our times! Now, it’s clearly possible for some of those gifts to be evident in local churches (witness JoshGen/Four12Global), - and I wish they were all the time - but on the evidence, this is not what we are seeing. Shouldn’t we also clarify the difference between gifts like this for the strengthening of the church, and the appointment of elders/deacons to diligently guide/govern local churches. It is even possible that those with these ascension gifts in a local church (and are not elders) may be in submission to their local church elders?

[@kkelleybass]

The qualification for being an Apostle, is someone who had been with, or seen Jesus in person. Its not a gift. Its an office, ordained by the Lord, Himself. I am guessing these ZA guys are either associated with, or or fans of Holy Spirit Huckster Rodney Howard Brown. Who 'Holy Laughtered' himself all the way to the bank!

[@four12global]

Hi @kkelleybass, thank you for connecting! Please see here for more on what we believe the New Testament teaches us about apostles, including pre- & post-ascension apostles: four12global.com/resources/books/the-ministry-role-of-the-apostle/