FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

did not meet the criteria for being one of the Apostles of the Lamb. He was not present at the baptism of Jesus or at His ascension nor was he identified by the Spirit to replace Judas. But called to be an apostle he was (Romans 1:1). Paul was not the only other New Testament apostle ordained after the ascension of Christ and day of Pentecost, nor was he the last. There was Barnabas (Acts 14:14) 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 written by Paul, Silvanus, (Silas) and Timothy, (1 Thessalonians 1:1) In chapter 2:6,7 they are all identified as apostles sent to the Church in Thessalonica. James the Lord’s brother is also identified as an apostle, and one who witnessed the resurrected Christ (Galatians. 1:19, 1 Corinthians 15:7). Apollos is another post ascension apostle identified by Paul the apostle (1 Corinthians 4:6, 8, 9). Andronicus and Junias, are identified 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 Amplified 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 identifies 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 government 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. ”

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