Apostleship

1Corinthians 9:1-6 NLT - 1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don't we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

1.    What is an Apostle?

• Apostle - Apostolos - a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.

Galatians 1:15-16 ESV - 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;

• Foundational View

Revelation 22:18 NLT - 18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.

Proverbs 30:6 NLT - 6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

• Function/Missionary View

Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

• Apostolic Succession (Catholic/Orthodox)

1Timothy 4:14 NLT - 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

2Timothy 1:6 NLT - 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

Ephesians 4:13 NLT - 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Mark 16:17-18 NLT - 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."

Act 4:29-31 NLT - 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

1Corinthians 9:2-3 NLT - Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority.

2.    The Proof

• Sometimes the greatest proof of ministry is not credentials but transformed people.

Matthew 7:16-18 NLT - 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.

• Ministry authenticity is shown through changed lives.