2. Modern-Day Apostles: Fact or Fiction? You decide. 1 Cor. 1:1-3

Paul was born Saul in Tarsus, and although his exact birthdate is unknown, it's estimated that he was born in the same decade as Jesus.

Paul was a well-educated man who was schooled as a Pharisee under the Jerusalem religious leader Gamaliel. He became a travelling missionary and preacher for the early church and even changed his name from Saul to Paul. Interestingly, despite being a skilled preacher, Paul made tents as an artisan. And while he preached, he faced some tough times and was imprisoned multiple times by the Roman authorities.

But despite these difficulties, Paul's ministry and teachings were highly influential in Western history, particularly his interpretation of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. Modern interpreters can reconstruct his theology by reading his letters and comparing them closely.

Luke's story in the book of Acts and the narrative elements of Paul's letters reflect the effects of his life on the spread of Christianity. And did you know that Paul was one of the first Christian missionaries to argue for the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenants of Israel through Christ?

What is an Apostle?

Paul states in this passage that he was called to be an Apostle. In Paul’s letter, he uses the Greek word Apostolos. Like many of the Greek words used in the Bible, they are often translated into different English words so that pointing to a nuance a word can have and how the different way the word was used is based on the context. This is why we hammer away at the point of context, context, context when studying the bible.

How did Paul use the word, Apostolos?

According to the text, Paul uses the word "apostle" in two distinct ways. While the term is used in many other instances in the New Testament, for this devotional work, we'll focus only on how Paul used the word "apostle" in the epistles he wrote.

Paul uses the word "apostle" in two senses. The first way refers to a messenger, as seen in passages such as 2 Corinthians 8:23-24 and Philippians 2:25. In these instances, "apostolos" is translated as "messenger."

For example, in 2 Corinthians 8:23-24, Paul writes: "If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers (apostolos) of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore, show them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and our boasting on your behalf."

And in Philippians 2:25, Paul says: "Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need."

The second way Paul uses the word "apostle" is about himself and the 12 who were chosen personally by Jesus Christ. This can be seen throughout Paul’s epistles, where he uses the term "apostle" to refer to himself as being sent and appointed by Jesus Christ. Additionally, he may contrast himself with Peter, James, John, and the others who personally walked with Jesus himself.

The term "apostle" in the New Testament can have multiple meanings. It can refer to the twelve disciples who walked with Jesus and the apostle Paul. But it can also describe messengers or apostolic delegates sent by the church or other apostles. This is supported by several passages in the New Testament, such as Matthew 10:1-4 and Luke 6:13, where Jesus explicitly designates his twelve disciples as apostles. Additionally, we see examples in early church history, like Barnabas being referred to as an apostle in Acts 14:14 even though he wasn't one of the twelve. So, while "apostle" generally refers to those specifically called by Jesus Christ, it can also have a broader meaning.

Are there Modern-day Apostles?

The text in Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "So Christ gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

The passage implies that God gave these specific roles to the Church, and there is no indication that this gifting would cease at a certain point in time. The fact that the passage includes present tense verbs suggests that these roles were meant to continue in the Church.

However, the passage's specific context in Ephesians primarily focuses on the unity and growth of the Church. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given to the Church to equip the saints and build up the body of Christ. The emphasis is not on continuing specific roles but on the ongoing work of building up the Church.

My Humble Opinion

Based on the text of the New Testament and the consensus of church history, it is still MY OPINION that the primary sense of the term "apostle" refers specifically to those who were personally called, spoken to, and commissioned by Jesus Christ himself, with witnesses present at the time. The twelve apostles and the apostle Paul were appointed in this manner, and (I personally) do not know any individuals appointed in this same way since then. Maybe there are, just none known to me.

While the term "apostle" can also be used in the broader sense of a messenger or one sent by an apostle, even in this sense, the individuals appointed as apostolic delegates were chosen by the original apostles whom Jesus Christ appointed. Therefore, there are no small apostles in the sense of representatives of the original apostles, who were explicitly called by Jesus Christ and witnessed by others.

Church history also indicates that the role of apostles was limited to the first century. The early church recognized the apostolic authority of the New Testament authors, and their writings were accepted as authoritative Scripture. After the apostles’ death, there is no record of anyone claiming to be an apostle in the same sense as the twelve or Paul. Instead, church leaders were called bishops, pastors, or elders.

While there may be individuals who are referred to as apostles in some modern Christian denominations, the consensus of New Testament scholars and church history suggests that this title does not carry the same weight or authority as it did in the early church.

We can learn a lot from Paul's life. Despite facing imprisonment and persecution, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to spread the gospel. Paul's unwavering dedication and commitment to Christ inspire us all.