God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

Spirit prepares and reveals God’s choice of a pastor and elders for them. In established churches the apostle ministers and presides in a church at the invitation of the pastor. In an advisory capacity, as well as in spiritual ministry, his ministry greatlystrengthens the congregation. Acts 14:4, 14; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25; Revelation 2:2. B. This is a ministry to the whole Body of Christ rather than to just one church. It is primarily a ministry of government, similar to that of a pastor except that it is on a greater scale. For instance, Paul was an apostles to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:1), and Peter was an apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:7). This ministry utilizes the “word of wisdom” in particular (1 Corinthians 12:8). In addition to the original twelve apostles, we find the following seven men also called by that title: Matthias (Acts 1:26), Paul and Barnabus (Acts 14:1, 4, 14), Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23, Greek), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25), Silas and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6). In addition, it is possible that Andronicus and Junia were apostles (Romans 16:7). THE MINISTRY OF THE PROPHET. A. Sometimes the term “seer” is used in the Old Testament to describe this ministry. 1 Samuel 9:9-19; 2 Samuel 24:11; 1 Chronicles 9:22; 2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 16:7; 19:2. B. A prophet is one who speaks for God, bringing revelation and direction from God to the Church. The gift of prophecy and the word of knowledge will operate in the prophet; this will allow him to foretell the future or reveal present facts otherwise not known and to revel the mind of God. C. The prophet has the ability to make hidden truths and mysteries of God plain; he is a revealer of Truth. This is a ministry of revelation to the whole Body of Christ. Amos 3:7; Ephesians 3:3, 5. This ministry is the only one suitable for

6. THERE WERE MORE THAN TWELVE APOSTLES

7.

152