Supplement added 3-24-04:
Scriptural verses concerning Jesus and Paul, the apostle, gives insight as to what true apostolic authority is:
Matthew 7:28-29:
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
29 For he [Jesus] taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:22:
22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
2 Corinthians 10:8:
8 For though I [Paul] should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
2 Corinthians 13:10:
10 Therefore I [Paul] write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power [same word, authority] which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
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It’s evident from these verses that true apostolic authority is of Jesus Himself (“as one having authority” ... “as one that had authority”) and is for the purpose of building up the body of Christ (“which the Lord hath given us (me) for edification”) and not for tearing down (“not for your destruction” ... “not to destruction.”)
This apostolic authority of Jesus for building up and not for tearing down is demonstrated throughout scripture by the servant hearts of both Jesus and Paul.
Responsibility of prophets is best expressed by their God given mandate to faithfully and accurately speak forth the mind and council of God, and not being influenced by what false prophets are prophesying. This pattern is also seen throughout scripture.
While there may or may not be a separate doma ascension gift of “teacher,” there is a concrete anointing of teaching, i.e., teacher, that is resident within the other doma ascension gifts. This gift of “teacher,” i.e., a separate doma ascension gift, or an anointing only, is the gift that brings needed balance between the authority of the apostle and the responsibility of the prophet.
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