Present Day Apostles

Are there true Apostles in our day? Is there such a thing as men or women apostles? We will consider these things by rightly dividing the word of truth, and we will agree with its conclusion of the matter. Well, the bible said in (I.John4:1),"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world". The only rule for truth is the word of God(bible), and we are to listen ,and then judge what we hear according to the word of God in truth, and if it does not agree with truth ,then we are to refuse it, and know it is a lie, the spirit of error.

This also applies to people who confess that they are of God, and that they are of the truth.   The office and work of an "Apostle “has already fully been done and it is closed. We know this first by it being prophesied by Isaiah, in (Isa.8:16-18)>, Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. 17. And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. 18. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. Then it was fulfilled and began in (Luke6:13)-And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Notice the key words, that Jesus CHOSE TWELVE and gave them the name or title of "Apostle”. This was a form of ordination, and work to the 12 chosen disciples (Mark3:14-19). In (St.John 17:8, 20-23)    Jesus places his seal on them in prayer to God, that by the Apostles, we would be one with God, Jesus, and the Apostles. Jesus had many disciples and followers but, only 12 chosen Apostles whom he called out.

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and lost his place and office of an apostle in (Acts1:15-26).This left 11 chosen apostles, but because there was a need for 12 of them ,the disciples tried to adopt ,through a voting method, another member for the office of an apostle. The bible does not say that it was of God or Christ for them to do so. But notice, they ONLY wanted one person, not both of the candidates. Which shows they knew it was only an office of 12 and not of many! Then we have in (Acts9:4-22) Saul, who is called and chosen by Jesus himself (his voice), who is given the name of Paul. He is saved and called into the ministry (office) of an "Apostle".           He states and testifies that he is the least and last of them, making him the 12th Apostle. (I.Cor.15:5-10)(II.Cor.12:11)(Gal.1:10-20; 2:6-9). Paul says in (Gal.1:1)-Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. Notice he said, not of men & neither by man, like what the 11 Apostles men did with choosing Matthias in (Acts1:26). But, Paul was as the others Apostles, called by Jesus Christ.

Then we see in the future, the book of (Rev.18:20; 21:14), that once again only 12 chosen Holy Apostles are named upon foundations. This was their inheritance from Christ as, 12 chosen Jew men to rule over the 12 tribes of Israel. (Matt.19:28)>And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus pray for his Apostles in St.John 17:22- " the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one, I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one". So then where does that leave men and women who confess to be apostles of today? The 12 Apostles had the work of beginning and starting  the foundation of the new testament church of God in Christ Jesus(not a religion or organization and not man made buildings) but Christ`s body, holy chosen saints born again of water and spirit and all believing one faith doctrine. They had to establish this faith that was to continue until Christ return (Jude1:3/St.Joh 17:20-22)(I.Thess.2:12-14)and the holiness way of life for God's people. They were to continue after the work of Christ. Their word became the New Testament scriptures for us to be one with. One God, one Lord, and one Faith!(Acts1:2,3)(Eph.4:4-6). They are also eye witnesses of the Life, Ministry, Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus (Acts10:39-43)(I.John1:1-3), God also gave them signs, wonders, and miracles in the likeness of Christ Jesus. Why, this was a part of  the proof of their Apostleship.(Acts4:33;5:12;14:3;II.Cor.11:12) Paul says in II.Cor.12:11-I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. The Apostle`s work was in the glory of Christ, just the same as Christ ministry was in the glory of Father God.

Notice in scripture there is no example instruction for some one that wants to be a Apostle or that it will be more true Apostles in the Church of today, other than who Jesus prayed for in (St.John 17:12-20). The Apostles left instructions and examples for the men of the church only to be and serve as Bishops, Elders, Evangelist, and Deacons. The scriptures show that letters were written by the Apostles, Elders & Prophets. And the New Testament commandments for the church today, only can come from the 12 Apostles of Christ, as said in II.Pet.3:2,- "the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour". But by the Pride of Life, men hearts have been revealed for power and vain self glory seekers, all wanting to be the "Head" of something. Men think if they can travel a lot evangelizing and preaching to be popular and famous, being seen and then purchasing lands and buildings for churches, placing men in them under their authority and having it  to run like its a business ,all in the name of God , that makes them the HEAD or CHIEF APOSTLE. They think this makes them one by ruling over many. Jesus said in Matt.23:5-But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. Matt.23:15- "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves".  This is the results of the proud in heart, wanting to be feared and worship by men. Wanting badly to claim a high title, that's why they want to be called Apostle, or Chief Apostle, feeling they are at the top and in power. To be a "Chief" is to be first or to be the head, or a Professor, so to say you are an Chief Apostle means you are equal and a part with the honor and glory given to Christ and the rest of the 12 Apostles. Which according to scripture there are no more true Apostles ,than the chosen 12 of Christ . No man today is worthy of this office, and should be ashame of declaring themselves so. 

 In Matt.10:2- Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Again, Apostle Paul is the 12th and last replacing Judas Iscariot.  This is why we have the book of Acts, showing the record of salvation and the birth and start of the church, and that it was from these 12 chosen men of Christ. But, now we have these today's men and women whose never considering to seek after the likeness and humbleness of Christ and to be just a minister, just the humble servant to the people of God.  In (Eph.2:20)says, And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; So how can someone today be an Apostle, if the Church`s Foundation is already been done(established) by first ,Christ Jesus, second the old testament prophets and then the Apostles. Jesus said in St.John 14:6-"I am the way, the truth, and the life".

Another falsehood belief is that men are "founders”, claiming they founded a ministry or religious organization. How can you found something that already existed before you were born and using the same scriptures and example ship that came from God.  Paul taught against this mind and practice of vain glory that causes divisions within the body in I. Cor.1:10-13. Jesus said in Matt.16:18-upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Looks like Christ is the "FOUNDER", and the one that has called and chosen men to continue the work that he named Apostles. In (ICor.3:10-15) shows us that the Foundation of "Jesus Christ" has been laid by the Apostle Paul unto all nations. For the Apostle Paul says this proof of the real apostles in (1Cor.9:1, 2)- Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? 2. If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Also,II.Tim.1:11- Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  We, the prophets that follow after them build upon what has already been layed (The Apostle's Doctrine). We are the builders of continuing in the Apostles doctrine of, preaching the gospel unto the world, perfecting and edifying the saints into the image of Christ, and preparing souls to be ready for the return of Christ. For the 12 Apostles, this very work even cost them their lives!  They were baptized with the baptism of suffering ,like as Christ, all for the gospel and ministry of grace and truth sake. Some of them beaten, jailed and murdered.(Matt.20:22,23)(II.Cor1:4:10;6:3-10)  Men today ,have thought that they can become an Apostle, which shows  that they truly do not understand what an Apostle is, and how it’s meant to serve in that office work. Some have preconceived the notion of a 5 fold ministry, which is all a deception, trying to base this on Eph.4:11. Again men that are vain self glory seekers, becoming nothing more than entertainers in the pulpit, power and money hungry false prophets, claiming to be something they know nothing of and not truly understanding the scriptures. Trying to appear as they are so full of God and gifts, but possess a lying tongue against the truth of the Apostle`s Doctrine.  How can you be an "Apostle" of today and you have "never with your eyes seen the Lord Jesus Christ!, Nor his voice teaching you, his father`s doctrine and personally witnessing unto all the works and miracles of God through Christ!", which was personally the difference of their ministry,and what separated them from the ministers that would follow after them, because their ministry represented that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and he is alive with God! Their beliefs, teachings, and lifestyles were proof to it.

 In Eph.3:4-Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.  This showing that the 12 Apostles were the first to receive the revelation of the mystery of Christ, and their word represents the truth of God. In I. John 4:6-We (apostles) are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us (apostles); he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.  Remember Peter said in Acts 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."  If you are claiming to be a "Apostle of today" what makes you different from a Bishop, who is simply just a (overseer)pastor.  What scriptures can you use to prove yourself of the calling of an Apostle, that we will now know and believe that God and Christ called more men to be Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ, after they worked to  have laid the foundation.              

God taught Jesus, then Jesus taught the 12 Apostles, then the Apostles taught the New Testament saints (the body of Christ) the Doctrine of Christ. Heb.2:3-How shall we (saved church) escape, if we neglect so great salvation (Gospel & Doctrine); which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord (Jesus Christ), and was confirmed unto us (saints) by them (12 Apostles) that heard him (Jesus Christ); God also bearing them (12 Apostles) witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? And in,Heb.3:1-Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.  Being an Apostle means you`re first and a father teacher of a profession of faith. So if you preach and teach Christ Jesus, then you are using the "Apostles Word-New Testament scriptures" in order to do it. The Apostle Paul says in I.Cor.4:15-For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers(Apostles): for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.  That’s why the 12 chosen Apostles are second after Christ, and first to be added set into the church. Christ Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, and this Faith was sealed into his Apostles.(Heb.12:2/ St.John 17:14-24) The Apostle Peter saids,"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts (II.Pet.1:19)"  This is also, what makes them the only "Apostles" of the church.

  What people failed to realize is that we are in the same age of the 12 Apostles which is "the last days, end times, and grace and truth". Some are deceived to believe you need Apostles today in the church(assembly body) in order to be born again of receiving the Holy Ghost or to have signs, and miracles, but thats not true, according to the bible all thats needed in the church is the "HOLY GHOST",  the spirit of God, giving gifts unto men by Christ. All miracles are by God using someone that has his spirit and his gifts in them, to perform that work or miracle.(1Cor.12:4-11) God has set the Apostles in the church FIRST, then after follows the ministers who will become  prophets, evangelists, pastors(bishops), teachers(elders) of the New Testament(Eph.4:11)(1Cor.12:28)>.And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets(preachers of today), thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

In conclusion from the written truth is, there are no present day Apostles serving in the church of Christ Jesus, and all those who are wise to take heed will agree with Rev.2:2.-I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. Also found biblically in this manner, as false, deceivers, and liars (II.Cor.11:13-15), For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Min. Timothy  Irby