09/04/21
So.... this is a controversial one but you like these!!!! In your last comment on charismatic movement - if Paul was an apostle out of time why can there not be other apostles out of time??? Jesus can be revealed in any way to any person..... just a thought. Would love to chat it through!!!
Response: It is not a question of Jesus being revealed. According to scripture the essential qualifications for an Apostle are having been present at His earthly ministry (so that teachings could be recalled by the Holy Spirit), and witnesses of His resurrections ( which necessarily means witnesses of His death). I realise that many of us try to organise things better than God does, but it never works. As you know, I am a prime example!! As written in the article, the 11 Apostles, specifically appointed by Jesus,
Luk 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him His disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Those apostles clearly believed that there would be 12 apostles, who would all have been witnesses of Jesus earthly presence.
Act 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Act 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Paul was the only exception, presumeably because of the unique nature or his conversion
Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
and subsequent solitary teaching through the Holy spirit.
Gal 1:16/17 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
which he checked out with Peter
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
God also shewed Paul's authority by the performing of miracles through him. The purpose of the Apostles was to reveal to the Church all that Jesus had taught them
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
It is not a question as to Jesus being revealed. Yes, bible believing Christians do receive teaching through the Holy Spirit but that must always be in accordance with the scriptures and passing that on would simply be a Prophesy. There is more than one place in the Bible where we are warned against adding to or detracting from God's word or varying the doctrine delivered through the Apostles. There was simply no place. or need, for new apostles after Paul. I know of no scripture contrary to this, even remotely.
The Apostles were empowered to CREATE scripture, not just interpret it. I do not believe any human has such an authority today.
I personally believe that is enough but if anyone now claims to be an Apostle first let God show his approval as He did for Paul.
BUT if the Holy Spirit convinces you otherwise, that is a matter between you and Him.
Thank you
