The question of whether God is restoring the offices of apostle and prophet in the church today is an important one that deserves careful consideration. To answer it thoroughly, we must first understand what the Bible teaches about these roles and offices.
What is an apostle?
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “one who is sent out.” In the New Testament, there are two primary uses of the word apostle:
- To refer to the Twelve Apostles whom Jesus specially chose and commissioned to be His witnesses (Matthew 10:2-4). These Twelve included Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. Judas was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26).
- To refer to a broader group of messengers commissioned and sent out to spread the gospel. This includes the Twelve but also Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas, and others (Romans 16:7; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25).
The Twelve had a unique foundational role in the early church, which included being eyewitnesses to Christ’s ministry and receiving revelation directly from Him (Acts 1:21-22; Ephesians 2:20). They were given authority to speak and write Scripture. The qualifications for being one of the Twelve included being personally chosen by Christ and having seen Him after His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Their office was unrepeatable and their authoritative eyewitness testimony unreplicable.
In addition to the Twelve, others like Paul and Barnabas were also referred to as apostles because they were sent out as authoritative messengers and church planters (Acts 13:1-3; 14:14; Romans 1:1). Apostles in this broader sense had seen the risen Christ and received direct revelation from Him (1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8; Galatians 1:12). They exercised significant authority in the early church.
What are the qualifications and role of apostles?
Based on what we see in Scripture, apostles:
- Were personally commissioned by Jesus Christ and called by God for their role (Luke 6:13; Galatians 1:1).
- Had seen the risen Christ and received direct revelation from Him (Acts 1:22; 1 Corinthians 9:1).
- Were able to perform confirming signs and wonders (2 Corinthians 12:12).
- Founded churches and oversaw their development (1 Corinthians 3:6, 10; 4:15; 9:2; 2 Corinthians 11:28).
- Had authority to determine correct doctrine and refute error (Acts 15:1-21; Galatians 2:1-10).
- Appointed and worked with others in ministry (Acts 14:23; Ephesians 4:11-12; Titus 1:5).
- Wrote and taught Scripture (Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 3:2).
The apostles served as the foundation of the church, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). As eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ and recipients of divine revelation, they faithfully laid the doctrinal foundation of the early church through their preaching and writing.
What is a prophet?
In the Bible, a prophet was someone who spoke God’s message to people. The English word prophet comes from the Greek word prophetes which means “one who speaks forth” or “proclaimer.”
Old Testament prophets spoke God’s word, warned of judgment, and called Israel to repentance. God spoke directly to prophets like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others to communicate His will and word.
New Testament prophets also spoke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to edify, encourage, and console believers (1 Corinthians 14:3-4). Their messages were to be tested against doctrinal truth and aligned with the testimony of the apostles (1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 1 John 4:1-3).
Prophets in the early church included Agabus (Acts 11:28; 21:10-11), Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen (Acts 13:1), Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32). The apostle Paul wrote that apostles and prophets form the foundation of the church, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
What are the qualifications and role of prophets?
Based on biblical examples, prophets:
- Receive direct revelation from God (Isaiah 6:8-9; Jeremiah 1:4-10; Ephesians 3:5).
- Communicate God’s word to people often including warnings of judgment and calls to repentance (2 Chronicles 24:19; Ezekiel 3:17; Revelation 11:3).
- Edify, encourage and console believers through Spirit-inspired messages (1 Corinthians 14:3).
- Have their messages tested against sound doctrine (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1-3).
- Do not give new authoritative Scripture – the canon is closed (Jude 1:3; Revelation 22:18-19).
- Have a role subordinate to the apostles’ foundational authority (Ephesians 2:20; 3:5).
In the Old Testament, prophets spoke God’s very words through direct revelation. In the New Testament, prophets spoke under the Spirit’s inspiration to communicate God’s truth already revealed through the apostles’ teaching.
Has God restored these offices today?
There are differences of opinion among godly believers on whether God has restored the offices of apostle and prophet today. Several key considerations:
- The uniqueness of the Twelve Apostles. Since the original Twelve had a unique eyewitness role in the foundation of the church, many believe this precludes a restoration of that exact office today.
- The closing of the canon of Scripture. Since New Testament prophets and apostles spoke God’s authoritative revelation, some believe their offices ceased with the closing of the biblical canon. There are disagreements, however, over whether prophecy today is extra-biblical revelation.
- The foundational nature of these offices. Ephesians 2:20 seems to indicate that apostles and prophets filled foundational roles. This suggests to some that these offices do not continue in the same authoritative capacity today.
- Practices of modern apostles and prophets. Today there are those claiming the titles of prophet and apostle who seem to exercise unbiblical authority and proclaim extra-biblical revelation, raising concern about legitimacy.
- Biblical examples and spiritual gifts. Others see in the New Testament an ongoing broader role of prophet and apostle beyond the Twelve. They point to gifts like prophecy that continue today (1 Corinthians 12:28-29).
There are faithful believers on both sides of this issue who affirm the sole authority of Scripture and look to Christ alone as Head of the church. Differences arise in views on whether all the New Testament’s examples were foundational or can continue today.
Principles for the church today
While views on modern prophets and apostles differ, here are some biblical principles relevant for the church:
- Scripture alone has ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). Any revelation must align with Scripture.
- Gifts like prophecy must be tested against sound doctrine (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).
- No one giving new doctrinal revelation today (1 Corinthians 14:37; Galatians 1:8-9). The faith has been delivered once for all (Jude 1:3).
- All boast only in the cross and give glory to Jesus Christ alone (1 Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 6:14).
- False teachers will arise and should be rejected (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 2:1).
- Focus should be on the inerrant Word of God and making disciples (2 Timothy 4:2-5; Matthew 28:19-20).
Rather than seeking after particular offices, focus on humbly serving in the ways God gifts you by His Spirit for the building up of the church today. Test all teaching against Scripture and look to Christ alone as the head of the church.