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Luke 6:12-16: 12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; 14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Matthew 10:1-4:
Luke 9:1-6:
John 6:66-71:
John 8:31-32:
John 13:34-35:
John 15:7-13:
John 21:14:
Matthew 28:16-20:
Luke 24:44-49:
Acts 1:7-8: |
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Matthew 19:28: 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Luke 22:28-30: |
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Revelation 21:14: 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. |
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Acts 1:21-22: 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. |
Peter, the pioneer apostle, gives us clear instructions as to the function of a biblical apostle gifted, chosen, called and sent by God Himself in the book of Acts:“PETER, SIMON
“The most prominent of Jesus’ twelve apostles. The New Testament gives a more complete picture of Peter than of any other disciple, with the exception of Paul. Peter is often considered to be a big, blundering fisherman. But this is a shallow portrayal. The picture of his personality portrayed in the New Testament is rich and many sided. A more fitting appraisal of Peter is that he was a pioneer among the twelve apostles and the early church, breaking ground that the church would later follow.
“The First Apostle to be Called. Peter’s given name was Symeon or Simon. His father’s name was Jonah (Matt. 16:17; John 1:42). Simon’s brother, Andrew, also joined Jesus as a disciple (Mark 1:16). The family probably lived at Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee (Mark 1:21,29), although it is possible they lived in Bethsaida (John 1:44).”
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“The First Among the Apostles. Jesus apparently gathered His followers in two stages: first as disciples (learners or apprentices), and later as apostles (commissioned representatives). Peter was the first disciple to be called (Mark 1:16-18) and the first to be named an apostle (Mark 3:14-16). His name heads every list of the Twelve in the New Testament. He was apparently the strongest individual in the band. He frequently served as a spokesman for the disciples, and he was their recognized leader (Mark 1:36; Luke 22:32).
“An inner circle of three apostles existed among the Twelve. Peter was also the leader of this small group. The trio—Peter, James, and John—was present with Jesus on a number of occasions. They witnessed the raising of a young girl from the dead (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51); they were present at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-2); and they were present during Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37; Mark 14:33). During Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem, two of the three, Peter and John, were sent to make preparations for their last meal together (Luke 22:8).
“The First Apostle to Recognize Jesus as Messiah. The purpose of Jesus’ existence in the flesh was that people would come to a true picture of who God is and what He has done for man’s salvation. The first apostle to recognize that was Peter. He confessed Jesus as Lord in the region of Caesarea Philippi (Matt. 16:13-17).”
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“The First Apostle to Witness the Resurrection. How ironic that the one who denied Jesus most vehemently in His hour of suffering should be the first person to witness to His resurrection from the dead. Yet according to Luke (Luke 24:34) and Paul (1 Cor. 15:5), Peter was the first apostle to see the risen Lord. We can only marvel at the grace of God in granting such a blessing to one who did not seem to deserve it. Peter’s witnessing of the resurrection was a sign of his personal restoration to fellowship with Christ. It also confirmed His appointment by God to serve as a leader in the emerging church.
“The First Apostle to Proclaim Salvation to the Gentiles. The earliest information about the early church comes from the Book of Acts. This shows clearly that Peter continued to exercise a key leadership role in the church for a number of years. Indeed, the first 11 chapters of Acts are built around the activity of the apostle Peter.
“ When the Holy Spirit visited the church in Samaria, the apostles sent Peter and John to verify its authenticity (Acts 8:14-25). But this event was only a prelude to the one event which concluded Peter’s story in the New Testament: the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11). The chain of events that happened before the bestowal of the Holy Spirit on Gentile believers—beginning with Peter’s staying in the house of a man of “unclean” profession (Acts 9:43), continuing with his vision of “unclean” foods (Acts 10:9-16), and climaxing in his realization that no human being, Gentile included, ought to be considered “unclean” (Acts 10:34-48)—is a masterpiece of storytelling. It demonstrates the triumph of God’s grace to bring about change in stubborn hearts and the hardened social customs of Jewish believers.
“Following the death of James, the brother of John, and Peter’s miraculous release from prison (Acts 12), Peter drops out of the narrative of Acts. Luke reports that he “went to another place” (Acts 12:17). We know, however, that Peter did not drop out of active service in the early church.
“Peter probably broadened his ministry, once the mantle of leadership of the Jerusalem church fell from his shoulders to those of James, the Lord’s brother. Peter played a key role at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15; Galatians 2), which decided in favor of granting church membership to Gentiles without first requiring them to become Jews. Paul mentioned a visit of Peter to Antioch of Syria (Gal. 2:11), and he may even refer to a mission of Peter to Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12). Peter dropped into the background in the Book of Acts not because his ministry ended. Luke, the writer of Acts, simply began to trace the course of the gospel’s spread to Gentile Rome through the ministry of the apostle Paul.
“Peter in Rome: The First to Inspire the Writing of a Gospel. According to early Christian tradition, Peter went to Rome, where he died. Only once in the New Testament do we hear of Peter’s being in Rome. Even in this case, Rome is referred to as “Babylon” (1 Pet. 5:13). Little is known of Peter’s activities in Rome, although Papias, writing about A. D. 125, stated that Peter’s preaching inspired the writing of the first gospel, drafted by Mark, who was Peter’s interpreter in Rome.
This early and generally reliable tradition supports the pioneer role played by Peter throughout his life and ministry.”
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Acts 10:39-43: 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. |
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Ephesians 4:8-11: 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; |
Paul said, in his letter to the Corinthian ekklesias:In Ephesians chapter two, note the time frame of what I will loosely call the “past” (verses 2,3,11,12 specifically speak of the past). In verse 13 Paul brings us up to his present time, “But now ...”. He continues in verse 19, “Now therefore,” Paul still speaking of his present time. (I am using the period of time in which Paul himself lived, as a reference point as to past, present and future). “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” (Ephesians 2:19).
He then says in verse 20: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” (Ephesians 2:20).
Paul then completes the building analogy: “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21,22).
Since Paul has spoken of the “past” it should be clear that the apostles and prophets he is speaking of in verse 20 are the New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets—not those coming after he made the statement (but see the Jamieson, Fausett and Brown Commentary, below). It is they who laid the foundation. That was their purpose, their calling, their anointing. They laid the foundation for the building of which Paul speaks in verses 21 and 22.
The Jamieson, Fausett and Brown Commentary on Ephesians 2:20:
Excerpted from Vine’s Expository Dictionary:20. Translate as Greek, “Built up upon,” &c. (participle; having been built up upon; omit, therefore, “and are”). Compare 1Co 3:11, 12. The same image in Eph 3:18, recurs in his address to the Ephesian elders (Ac 20:32), and in his Epistle to Timothy at Ephesus (1Ti 3:15; 2Ti 2:19), naturally suggested by the splendid architecture of Diana’s temple; the glory of the Christian temple is eternal and real, not mere idolatrous gaud. The image of a building is appropriate also to the Jew-Christians; as the temple at Jerusalem was the stronghold of Judaism; as Diana’s temple, of paganism.
foundation of the apostles, &c.—that is, upon their ministry and living example (compare Mt 16:18). Christ Himself, the only true Foundation, was the grand subject of their ministry, and spring of their life. As one with Him and His fellow workers, they, too, in a secondary sense, are called “foundations” (Re 21:14). The “prophets” are joined with them closely; for the expression is here not “foundations of the apostles and the prophets,” but “foundations of the apostles and prophets.” For the doctrine of both was essentially one (1Pe 1:10, 11; Re 19:10). The apostles take the precedency (Lu 10:24). Thus he appropriately shows regard to the claims of the Jews and Gentiles: “the prophets” representing the old Jewish dispensation, “the apostles” the new. The “prophets” of the new also are included. BENGEL and ALFORD refer the meaning solely to these (Eph 3:5; 4:11). These passages imply, I think, that the New Testament prophets are not excluded; but the apostle’s plain reference to Ps 118:22, “the head stone of the corner,” proves that the Old Testament prophets are a prominent thought. David is called a “prophet” in Ac 2:30. Compare also Isa 28:16; another prophet present to the mind of Paul, which prophecy leans on the earlier one of Jacob (Ge 49:24). The sense of the context, too, suits this: Ye were once aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (in the time of her Old Testament prophets), but now ye are members of the true Israel, built upon the foundation of her New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets. Paul continually identifies his teaching with that of Israel’s old prophets (Ac 26:22; 28:23). The costly foundation-stones of the temple (1Ki 5:17) typified the same truth (compare Jer 51:26). The same stone is at once the corner-stone and the foundation-stone on which the whole building rests. Paul supposes a stone or rock so large and so fashioned as to be both at once; supporting the whole as the foundation, and in part rising up at the extremities, so as to admit of the side walls meeting in it, and being united in it as the corner-stone [ZANCHIUS]. As the corner-stone, it is conspicuous, as was Christ (1Pe 2:6), and coming in men’s way may be stumbled over, as the Jews did at Christ (Mt 21:42; 1Pe 2:7).
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians states that Jesus Christ is the only foundation to be laid:“FOUNDATION (TO LAY), FOUNDED 1. themelios, or themelion is properly an adjective denoting “belonging to a foundation” (connected with tithemi, “to place”). It is used” ... “ metaphorically, (a) of “the ministry of the gospel and the doctrines of the faith,” (Rom. 15:20; 1 Cor. 3:10,11,12; Eph. 2:20), where the “of” is not subjective (i. e., consisting of the apostles and prophets), but objective, (i. e., laid by the apostles, etc.); so in (2 Tim. 2:19), where “the foundation of God” is “the foundation laid by God,”—not the Church (which is not a “foundation”), but Christ Himself, upon whom the saints are built; (Heb. 6:1); (b) “of good works, (1 Tim. 6:19).”
The New International Version states verse 11 more clearly:
1 Corinthians 3:10-11:
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.We find the same thought expressed by Paul in his letter to the Romans:
1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV):
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.Paul’s thought is consistent: where someone has laid the foundation of Christ, be it apostle or prophet or another servant of God, then that is all sufficient. No other foundation can be or should be laid.
Romans 15:20-21:
20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
The sense of the meaning of Ephesians 2:20 then is: You were once aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (in the time of her Old Testament prophets), but now you are members of the household of faith of the true Israel having been built up upon the foundation, which is Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, laid by the New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets.
It should be easily understood by this short study on Ephesians 2:20 that the New Testament apostles and the Old Testament prophets were responsible for laying the foundation of Jesus Christ Himself as the chief corner stone in the household of faith of the true Israel. Jesus is the foundation, not the apostles and prophets, who were simply the instruments by which the foundation was laid. No servant of God can or should attempt to build another foundation. We are to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ which has already been laid in place.
Moving to chapter three of the same book, Paul in a long parenthetical statement makes another observation. Please note that Paul has now moved from the “past” to his “present,” again, loosely speaking.
Ephesians 2:1-22:
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.Note in verse 5 he refers back to the “past” (“which in other ages’) in which the mystery of Christ (and the Gospel) was not made known unto the sons of men. He then brings himself current to his own “present” and makes the statement “as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;” (Emphasis mine.)
Ephesians 3:2-7:
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; [emphasis mine]
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
There is an overload of information in this verse, however, I’ll just point out a few things. Law transited to grace, and grace involves, among other things the giving of the Holy Spirit to the saints. By the Spirit, then, God’s holy apostles, still speaking of the New Testament apostles, wrote the New Testament, just as the Old Testament prophets wrote the Old Testament.
However, the prophets (and apostles) he refers to in verse 5 are those of his “present” time, not the Old Testament prophets (“as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets”). We have to keep in mind also, that the Apostles of the Lamb, the Twelve, were also either prophets or prophetical, especially in their New Testament writings.
The New Testament apostles and the Old Testament prophets are the ones who laid the foundation of Jesus Christ Himself as the chief corner stone of Paul’s allegorical building. However, the revelation of the inclusion of the Gentiles as “fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” was given to the apostles and prophets of the New Testament period in which Paul lived. The Old Testament prophets had written of it, but the meaning of what they had written was a mystery to them. This was a sovereign act of God to progressively reveal His plan of salvation for all of mankind. This revelation has now been made known in all of its fullness as I’ll discuss in following paragraphs.
First the established building, then further revelation knowledge. All by the apostles and prophets at different times (the past and Paul’s present).
In Ephesians 4 Paul speaks again of apostles and prophets (and the gifts from Jesus of apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd and teacher). Paul has spoken of the past, and the present. He is now transitioning from his present time and speaking of the “future” (his future). It was during his lifetime that the transition from Paul’s “present” apostles and prophets to his “future” apostles and prophets occurred.
Speaking of Jesus, Paul says in Ephesians:Note that the “future” apostles and prophets (and the evangelists and shepherds and teachers) now have a different gifting from the “past” and from Paul’s, “present” apostles and prophets. This is simple to determine because the scripture says in Ephesians 4:8: “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”
Ephesians 4:11-16:
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Were there not already prophets? Were there not already apostles? Yes. But scripture says “he ascended up on high ... and gave gifts unto men”—gifts which include “prophets,” and “apostles.”
Jesus fulfilled the law (and Old Testament prophets) (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:44). Refer also to Daniel 9:24 and the six prophetical promises fulfilled by Jesus. “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city,” (1) “to finish the transgression,” (2) “and to make an end of sins,” (3) “and to make reconciliation for iniquity,” (4) “and to bring in everlasting righteousness,” (5) “and to seal up the vision and prophecy,” (6) “and to anoint the most Holy.”
In the phrase “... and to seal up the vision and prophecy ...” “seal up” is chatham, meaning to close up, especially to seal. The word “vision” used here is chazon which signifies the method and the message of prophecy. The word “prophecy” is nabiy meaning a prophet. “... seal up the vision and prophecy ...” actually means to close up the method and message of prophecy, and the prophet. This brought the Law and the Old Testament prophets to an end, to be fulfilled in Jesus which is inferred by the phrase “... and to anoint the most Holy.”
It’s clear from all of these scriptures that the gifts of Jesus to His church (Ephesians 4:7-11) are not founded upon the Law, as the Law and the Old Testament prophets came to an end, and when Jesus came He fulfilled the law. “... for ye are not under the law, but under grace” Romans (6:14b). “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7).
When Jesus ascended and gave gifts to men the Old Testament prophets and prophecy had ended. Jesus gave new gifts, under grace, instead of under the law, for His ekklesia, which now would include Gentiles also.
I discovered an interesting thing about verse 11 in my studies. In the phrase “pastors and teachers” the word “and” in the Greek ‘is the article “kai.” This word is used in a copulative and also an informational sense. So it doesn’t mean just “and.” To make a long study short, I believe what Paul said was that Jesus has given gifts to mankind, some to be sent, some to speak the mind and counsel of God, and some to be itinerant preachers and some shepherds. In the phrase “pastors” [shepherds] “and teachers” the word “kai” is used in the informational sense and would be better translated as “namely” or some such intent. In other words, Jesus has given us those four gifts of public service—apostles, prophets, evangelists and shepherds—namely as teachers for the maturing (perfecting) of the saints and etc.
So all of these gifts given by Jesus are for the purpose of teaching the body of Christ.
The word for “gifts” in verse 8 is doma. These gifts are called “ascension” gifts because when Jesus ascended He gave these gifts to His ekklesia.
[“Gifts” doma, emphasizes the specific qualities and characteristics of a gift. This is contrasted to the fact that it is a present freely given. The influence of the qualities and characteristics of the gift are implied or stated. It is used in describing the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). His influence is clearly and amply described in the Bible. The influence of the doma ascension gifts are explained in Ephesians 4:12-16. (The Holy Spirit is also a dorea “gift” (Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Hebrews 6:4). A dorea gift is a supernatural gift emphasizing that it is a present freely given. There is no persuasion, reasoning or a cause.)]
The “future” apostles of which Paul spoke have a detailed job description as given by Paul. I repeat that it was during Paul’s lifetime that the transition from his “present” apostles and prophets to his “future” apostles and prophets occurred. And those future apostles and prophets are the ones that continued after the New Testament and include what is our present-day apostles and prophets.
These present-day apostles and prophets have a different gifting from the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles—a difference as stark as the contrast between law and grace. Today’s apostles and prophets (and evangelists and shepherds—as teachers) are to mature the saints by preparing them for works of public service, or ministry. And to teach them how to build up the body of Christ. The purpose is to bring about unity of the faith that comes with the knowledge of the Son of God so that the body of Christ will mature into the full measure of Christ Himself.
Why? So we won’t be like a bunch of babies, tossed around like ships in a storm and blown around with self-serving and erroneous doctrines by those clever, crafty and cunning persons with their lying schemes and tricks and deceptions.
Isn’t that what we have today?
Instead we must speak truth—God’s word is truth—in love and grow up in Christ. And we have to connect with each other, and support each other, and build each other up, all in Christ and in love as we grow up.
Wouldn’t you like to have that instead?
When we rightly understand that the gifts that Jesus has given to mankind are described by Greek words which convey a functional meaning, rather than being a title for men and women then we can clear up some fuzzy thinking. Jesus has gifted some individuals to be sent, some to speak the mind and counsel of God, and some to be itinerant preachers and some shepherds—namely as teachers for the maturing (perfecting) of the saints and etc.
True apostles and prophets and evangelists and shepherds have been teaching God’s people for many hundreds of years. They have been fulfilling the purpose of the function of these gifts and could care less about having credentials conferred upon them to print out on a business card or corporate stationery, or a multi-color glossy brochure expounding their miracle working powers and mighty anointing. As a matter of fact, I would say that those who claim those functions as titles for themselves are not apostles or prophets or evangelists or shepherds (“pastors”) at all. Neither do they teach what they are supposed to teach as stated in scripture.
Today’s apostles and prophets have a different function and that is to help the body of Christ grow in understanding and experiential knowledge of that which has already been written for us.
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1 Corinthians 15:3-9: 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. |
The Net Bible comments on this verse:... ektroma “... denotes “an abortion, an untimely birth”; from ektitrosko, “to miscarry.” In (1 Cor. 15:8) the apostle likens himself to “one born out of due time”; i. e., in point of time, inferior to the rest of the apostles, as an immature birth comes short of a mature one.”
From this we can understand:“The Greek word used here (ektroma) refers to a premature birth, a miscarriage, or an aborted child. Paul uses it as a powerful figure of the unexpected, abnormal nature of his apostolic call.”
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Galatians 2:11-14: 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? |
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2 Peter 3:1,2: 1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
2 Peter 3:14-16: |
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Galatians 6:6 (Amplified Bible): 6 Moreover, [no new requirements were made] by those who were reputed to be something, though what was their individual position and whether they really were of importance or not makes no difference to me; God is not impressed with the positions that men hold and He is not partial and recognizes no external distinctions. Those [I say] who were of repute imposed no new requirements upon me — had nothing to add to my Gospel and from them I received no new suggestions. |
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Galatians 2:1-9: 1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. |
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1 Corinthians 1:1: 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2 Corinthians:1:1
Ephesians 1:1:
Colossians 1:1:
2 Timothy 1:1: |
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1 Corinthians 9:1: 1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
1 Corinthians 15:3-8: |
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2 Corinthians 12:12: 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. |
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Matthew 10:1: 1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. |
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Romans 1:1-5: 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
1 Corinthians 4:9:
Galatians 1:1:
Galatians 1:15-16: |
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1 Timothy 1:1: 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
Titus 1:1-3: |
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Romans 11:13: 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
1 Timothy 2:7:
2 Timothy 1:11: |
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1 Corinthians 14:37: 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. |
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2 Corinthians 13:1-3: 1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. |
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Galatians 1:6-12: 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
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1Thessalonians 2:4-6: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
1Thessalonians 2:13: |
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2 Thessalonians 2:15: 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. |
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2 Thessalonians 3:6: 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. |
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Ephesians 1:9-10: 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Ephesians 2:19-22:
Ephesians 3:10,11: |
The twelve Apostles of the Lamb had a personal relationship with Jesus and were sent to teach repentance and remission of sins among all nations in His name, beginning at Jerusalem, to baptize and to observe all things whatsoever that Jesus had commanded them. They were among the first to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, and they were witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. They were the human instruments by which the Gentiles were added to the household of faith of the true Israel.“They accompanied our Lord on His journeys, saw His wonderful works, heard His discourses to the people (Matt. 5:1; Luke 6:13-49) and those addressed to the learned Jews (Matt. 19:3-12; Luke 10:25-37). They sometimes worked miracles (Mark 6:13; Luke 9:6) and sometimes attempted to do so without success (Matt. 17:16). They recognized Jesus as “the Christ of God” (16:16; Luke 9:20) and ascribed supernatural power to Him (9:54), but did not have a high understanding of His spiritual mission (Matt. 15:16; 16:22; 17:20; Luke 9:54; 24:25; John 16:12) and acknowledged the weakness of their faith (Luke 17:5). Jesus taught them to understand the spiritual meaning of His parables (Mark 4:10-34; Luke 8:9-18), and yet when He was removed from the earth their knowledge of His kingdom was limited (Luke 24:21; John 16:12). Apparently loyal at heart, when He was arrested they all forsook Him and fled (Matt. 26:56). Before His death our Lord promised to the apostles the Holy Spirit, to fit them to be founders and rulers of the Christian church (John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15), and after His resurrection He confirmed their call and commissioned them to “preach the gospel to all creation” (John 20:21-23; Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15). Shortly after Christ’s ascension they, under divine guidance, chose Matthias to be the successor of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon the church (Acts 2), and the apostles became altogether different men, testifying with power of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 13:31). Their first work was the building up of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 3-7), and then they carried the gospel into Samaria (Acts 8:5-25). With this ends the first period of the apostles’ ministry, with its center at Jerusalem and Peter as its prominent figure.”
Of the three, Jesus (the Living Word of God), Moses (the written Old Testament Law) and Elijah (the written Old Testament prophets), God spoke and said “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”Moses represented “the law,” Elijah “the prophets,” and both together the whole testimony of the Old Testament Scriptures, and the Old Testament saints, to Christ; now not borne in a book, but by living men, not to a coming, but a come Messiah, visibly, for they “appeared,” and audibly, for they “spake.”
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Matthew 5:17: 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew 7:12:
Matthew 11:13:
Matthew 22:35-40:
Mark 9:2-8:
Luke 9:28-36:
Luke 24:44-53:
John 1:45:
Acts 28:23:
Romans 3:20-26: |
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1 Timothy 4:1-2: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 6:3-5:
2 Timothy 3:1-7:
2 Timothy 4:3-4:
2 Peter 2:1-3:
2 Peter 2:20:
Hebrews 10:26-29: |
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Jude 1:17-18: 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Jude 1:3: |
If you are truly gifted by God as a doma ascension gift apostle, and you follow these scriptural precedents of the Apostles of the Lamb, and Paul and of the Godhead it will assure you that you are in God’s will, that you will manifest the signs of an apostle, that you will be gifted, chosen, called and sent by commandment of Jesus Christ and God the Father to teach and preach that which has been written by the first century apostles, that you are appointed an apostle and a teacher by God, that you will write and preach the commandments of the Lord as previously revealed to the twelve Apostles of the Lamb, and Paul, that others will hear Christ speaking through you because of your insistence upon the truth of God previously revealed by those first century apostles, that you will preach what Jesus reveals to you as you speak that biblically established word of God, and that brothers in Christ will withdraw from those who don’t live according to your Godly biblical teachings.“Since eternity past, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Who are truth, are polarized in unity around the truth that they are. Bound together in the truth and unity of the Godhead by love that reproduces in its own image and likeness, the Godhead experiences true biblical fellowship of sharing, socializing and supporting by sharing the totality of all of itself within itself, remaining in mutually surrendered socializing with complete support of every part of its own divinity.
“Because of these factors—Godly truth, polarizing unity, love reproducing in its own image and likeness, and consummate fellowship—all the elements necessary for achieving God’s eternal purpose by wholesome growth and expansion are set into motion.”
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Suggested reading: •“Will The Real Apostles Please Stand Up?” is a companion article on how God called Paul by His will as an apostle for Jesus to be a bond servant of the Lord and preach the word of truth, grace and righteousness in faith. It’s a relatively short comment of some of the characteristics observed by reading the salutation by Paul to the Romans in the book of the same name with some insights from his writings to the Corinthians and to the church at Ephesus. It’s not necessarily complete or definitive. Just an observation of some of the more obvious traits of Paul the apostle. Other related subjects: •“The Purpose Of The Five-Fold Gifts from God through Jesus” •“God by the Spirit of Jesus Christ will build an assembly” •“God, Jesus Christ, His Truth, Bible-true church foundation” •“Church foundation apostles and prophets laid is Jesus Christ” •“Ministering Spiritual Gifts (with personal prophecy and impartation)” •“Spiritual gifts of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit to His church-Growth In Gifts,” •“Cult practices of false teachers, apostles and prophets” •“False christs, apostles, prophets, teachers are not brothers” •“Americans religious faith in self and church, not Christ.” Americans religious faith is in self and church, not Christ, the Bible or God as biblically illiterate people obey flesh strongholds not the Holy Spirit. |
