5 Smooth Stones

who was called out as an apostle and sent at the same time as Paul. Silas and Timothy were spiritual sons of the apostle Paul. The book of 1 Thessalonians was wri tt en by Paul, Silvanus, (Silas) and Timothy, (1 Thessalonians 1:1) In chapter 2:6,7 they are all identi fi ed as apostles sent to the church in Thessalonica. James the Lord’s brother is also identi fi ed as an apostle, and one who witnessed the resurrected Christ (Galatians. 1:19, 1 Corinthians 15:7). Apollos is another post ascension apostle identi fi ed by Paul the apostle (1 Corinthians 4:6, 8, 9). Andronicus and Junias, are identi fi ed as apostles in Romans 16:7. It may be that in listing them together in such a fashion that Paul is communicating that they are a married couple who are apostles. Whether this be so or not, it is clear that both of them are called apostles. In Philippians 2:25 Epaphroditus is called the messenger to the church in Philippi. Although most translations use the English word messenger to refer to Epaphroditus, the Greek word is apostolos which is translated properly as the English word apostle. It is correctly translated in some versions including the Young’s Literal Translation and the Ampli fi ed Bible. In 2 Corinthians 8:23 Paul refers to at least two other apostles listed again with the English word messenger from the Greek word apostolos. Including Judas, this identi fi es a minimum of twenty-six New Testament apostles. The apostolic ministry is being used strictly as an example here, but the same could be done for the other four miniseries. Why is this so important for us to know? Because by failing to understand this key concept many have missed an important aspect of the Lord’s nature and plan for building His Kingdom. Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the goverment will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end.” The scripture says that of the increase of His government there would be no end. If He were not still calling men and women into the fi ve ministry gifts today, then His government would not be increasing but would be decreasing, and it would signify that the Lord Himself had changed, which is an impossibility. Jesus Himself said that He was going to send other fi vefold ministries. Luke 11:49 "Therefore the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles..”

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