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

5. THE MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLE.

A. The word "apostle" means "one who is sent with a special commission." An apostle is an ambassador of Christ whose primary mission for the Kingdom of God is to establish congregations, both in the founding of new churches and also the strengthening of those already in existence. As an apostle founds a local church, he takes the oversight until the Holy 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 greatly strengthens 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 apostle 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. C. The seal of a man's apostleship is the fruit he has brought to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:2. "What has he been able to establish?" is the question to be asked in evaluating an apostle. The signs of the apostle will be patience, signs, wonders and a spiritual parental concern. An apostle will be a father of churches, a pastor of pastors, one who makes the final decisions on doctrine; one who is destined to suffer for His Name's sake. Acts 2:42; 9:15, 16; 15:13, 22; l Corinthians 4:9-15; 2 Corinthians 12:12. 202