Are There Apostles Today? Examining Apostleship in the Hypercharismatic Movement

This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for some time. Initially, I had planned to address this topic at a later time; however, the recent Rhema Feast made it more pressing. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, Rhema Feast is a non-denominational apostolic movement in Kenya. It hosts an annual three-day event at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, drawing large crowds eager to hear influential ‘apostles’ from across East and West Africa.

The most recent Rhema Feast took place in late August, and much of what was taught is grounded in New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) theology. Given the growing impact of NAR teachings on the African church, I felt it necessary to respond. My intention is not to delve into the specifics of Rhema Feast in this post, but to tackle a crucial question: Are there modern-day apostles?

But firstly, let us define the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR); it is a movement that claims God is restoring the offices of apostles and prophets to the church. This is a teaching that has rapidly infiltrated the church globally, especially within charismatic circles. The rise of self-proclaimed apostles and prophets such as those featured at events like Rhema Feast is a direct result of this movement’s influence.

Since the idea of God restoring the office of apostles is central to NAR (or what I often refer to as hypercharismatic theology on this blog), I invite you to join me in examining whether this claim is biblically sound. In doing so, I hope to illuminate why movements like Rhema Feast should be approached with discernment.

Apostles According to NAR/Hypercharismatic Theology

Before we dive into what Scripture teaches about apostles, it’s important to first understand how the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) or hypercharismatic theology defines an “apostle.” In this framework, ‘apostles’ claim to operate with authority that rivals or even surpasses that of the apostles appointed by Christ. They are either appointed by other so-called “apostles” or claim the title for themselves out of the blue. Nonetheless, these individuals elevate themselves, asserting they hold a higher spiritual rank that distinguishes them from ordinary believers, pastors, and ministers. 

One of the core tenets of NAR apostleship is the belief that churches and believers need to be under an “apostolic covering” in order to thrive spiritually. They will often claim to carry a unique anointing and grace that others do not possess. According to this teaching, if you do not “align” yourself with an apostle or part of an apostolic network are at risk of missing out on special blessings, spiritual growth, and divine protection. This is what creates a dependence on the apostle for spiritual blessing and success.

In many cases, modern apostles demand unwavering loyalty and devotion from their followers. In the African context, they are often referred to as “spiritual fathers” or “papas,” commanding not only reverence but also fear from those under their leadership. As you can imagine, this notion of a “spiritual covering” places NAR apostles in a position of control. As a result, the relationship between the “apostles” and their followers becomes one of spiritual dominance, where any questioning or opposition is viewed as rebellion against God Himself.

Additionally, NAR apostles claim that they perform signs, wonders, and miracles; sometimes claiming their works are even greater than those performed by Christ. They also claim to receive “new revelations” directly from God, angels, or Jesus. More than that, they often claim that God gives them special insight and interpretation of Scripture that others have not had the privilege of knowing. Consequently, their authority goes largely unchecked, with their words being treated as equal to or even exceeding the authority of Scripture.

Not surprisingly, many of their revelations deviate significantly from biblical teaching, often introducing doctrines that are foreign to Scripture. 

Unfortunately, the rise of these self-proclaimed “apostles” has led many Christians to believe that what they witness in hypercharismatic churches is true apostleship. Yet, this is a distortion of the biblical apostleship. 

Therefore, in the sections that follow, we will explore what Scripture teaches about apostleship, the qualifications necessary to hold this position, and why no one today can claim to be an apostle in the same way as those personally commissioned by Christ. 

Related:

• Why the Church Should Beware of New Revelations
• Mysticism: The Dangers of Seeking Special Revelation

Who is an “Apostle”?

The word apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos, which simply means “messenger” or “one who is sent.” The term describes someone who is commissioned or sent on a mission with the authority to act on behalf of the sender. In the New Testament, the term apostle is used especially to refer to the Twelve and Paul; the apostles of Christ.

Before we discuss them, it is important to recognize that Jesus was the first and ultimate apostle. Hebrews 3:1, says:

"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest."

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently stated that He was sent by the Father to do His will. For example, in John 6:38, Jesus says:

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me."

Similarly, in John 5:36, he says:

“But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish the very works that I am doing bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.”

And in the High Priestly prayer in John 17:18, he says:

"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."

Jesus came on earth as the One sent by the Father, making Him the first apostle in the truest sense of the word. His authority was unique, as He was not only a messenger but also the Son of God. He fulfilled the will of the Father perfectly, serving as the ultimate apostle who laid the foundation for all future apostles to follow.

Qualifications for Being an Apostle of Christ (Acts 1:21-25)

In Acts 1:21-25, we encounter an important moment when the remaining apostles sought to replace Judas Iscariot. This passage offers valuable insight into the specific qualifications required to be an apostle of Christ. These requirements reveal that apostleship was not open to just anyone but was a unique office, tightly bound to the life and ministry of Jesus Himself. Let’s examine the qualifications for apostleship found in this passage and how they disqualify anyone today who claims to be an apostle in the same sense as the Twelve.

1. The Apostle Had to Be an Eyewitness of Jesus’ Entire Earthly Ministry

“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us.” (Acts 1:21-22a)

The first qualification for replacing Judas was that the candidate must have followed Jesus from the time of His baptism by John to His ascension. The candidates were not merely casual observers but had to have walked closely with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and participated in His mission.

Today’s apostles cannot claim to meet this qualification. No one alive today has walked with Jesus in the flesh from the time of His baptism to His ascension. Therefore, anyone who claims to be an apostle in the same sense as the original Twelve cannot fulfill this fundamental requirement.

2. The Apostle Had to Be an Eyewitness of the Resurrection

“For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:22b)

To be a true apostle, one had to have personally seen the risen Christ. According to Peter, without this direct experience, one could not fulfill the role of an apostle in the same sense as the Twelve. The resurrection is important because it affirmed everything Jesus claimed and accomplished, and the apostles were to testify that it took place just as God had promised (Acts 2:32, 4:33; 1 Cor 15:3-8).

Today’s apostles claiming to operate in the same or greater authority fail this test as well. No one today has seen the risen Jesus in the flesh. While believers experience Jesus spiritually through faith, the office of an apostle required an eyewitness encounter with the risen Christ, making this qualification exclusive to the Twelve. 

3. The Apostle Had to Be Personally Appointed by Jesus

“Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry...” (Acts 1:24-25)

The final qualification for apostleship was divine appointment. The apostles did not take it upon themselves to choose Judas’ replacement even though, by the first two qualifications we have discussed, two men were fit for this position; they asked the Lord to reveal His choice. This highlights the fact that apostles had to be directly appointed by Jesus Himself. Apostleship was not something that could be earned, inherited, assumed, or ordained into. 

Today’s self-proclaimed apostles fall short of this standard. Many who claim to be apostles today are appointed by other self-proclaimed ‘apostles’ or even by themselves. They lack the appointment by Christ that characterized His true apostles. 

The Uniqueness of the Apostles of Christ

It’s important to note that the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus were so unique that they are at times referred to simply as “the Twelve” in Scripture. For example:

• In Acts 6:2, we read, “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples…” Here, we see the twelve apostles exercising leadership in the early church.
• In 1 Corinthians 15:5, Paul recounts that after Jesus’ resurrection, “He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” Even after Judas’ death and before Matthias was chosen, the group was still referred to as “the twelve,” showing that their identity as a distinct group was recognized.

The fact that their number was definite shows that these apostles were a special group. It was a closed circle, chosen for a particular purpose at a particular time in redemptive history.

Ephesians 2:20 tells us that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” And we see the apostles of Christ laying the foundation for the church through their eyewitness testimony, teachings, and writings concerning the Gospel, which form the New Testament.

Furthermore, looking at 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, as Paul strives to unite the divided church at Corinth, he uses the issue of division to highlight his foundational role as an apostle. He explains that he laid a foundation, Jesus Christ, and no other foundation could be laid. This sheds more light on the unique role of the apostles of Christ

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

If you know anything about building construction, then you know that a foundation cannot be laid twice. Therefore, since the office of the apostles of Christ was foundational, it was a one-time office tied to the first-century eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection. Therefore, based on this, we can conclude that there is no room for more apostles to operate in the same capacity today. 

But What About Paul?

Now, you may be asking yourself, “But what about Paul? He doesn’t seem to meet all the requirements for an apostle of Christ. So why is he called an apostle?” It’s a great question. Indeed, Paul’s apostleship is unique. However, it is no less legitimate than that of the Twelve. While Paul did not follow Jesus during His earthly ministry, he met the essential requirements of an apostle in a different, yet equally powerful way. Here’s how:

1. Seeing the Risen Christ (Acts 9:1-6)

Paul’s apostleship began with his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. While still known as Saul, a zealous Pharisee dedicated to persecuting Christians, Paul had a life-changing encounter with the risen Christ. In a blinding light, Jesus appeared to him, asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). This encounter not only halted Paul’s mission of persecution but radically transformed his life. Thus, marking the beginning of his apostolic calling.

"As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’” (Acts 9:3-6)

“But the Lord said to [Ananias], ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.’” (Acts 9:15-16)

The passages above show that Jesus personally called Paul to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Furthermore, in defending his apostleship, Paul clearly states that he had seen the risen Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul writes:

"Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?"

If you recall, this was one of the requirements for being an apostle of Christ. Despite not being one of the Twelve, his unique encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus solidified his place as a true apostle of Christ.

2. Sent by Christ, Not by Men

Paul repeatedly emphasizes in his letters that his apostleship was not of human origin. He was not appointed by human authority or sent by a group. His calling came directly from God:

“Paul, an apostle sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead” (Galatians 1:1)

This is crucial because today’s apostles often claim authority based on human appointment, church leadership structures, or even self-proclamation. Paul’s apostleship, on the other hand, was entirely dependent on God’s calling and appointment, placing him on the same level as the original apostles.

3. Approved by the Original Apostles

Although Paul received his commission directly from Christ, he sought to confirm his ministry with the Twelve to ensure the unity of the gospel message. In Galatians 2:7-9, Paul describes how the leading apostles: James, Peter (Cephas), and John recognized his apostleship and extended to him the “right hand of fellowship”:

"On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me." (Galatians 2:7-9)

This recognition from the other apostles was a significant moment because it validated Paul’s calling and confirmed his equal standing as an apostle sent by Christ.

4. Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship in 2 Corinthians 11

Paul faced ongoing challenges to his apostleship, especially from false apostles who sought to undermine his authority in the church at Corinth. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul passionately defends his apostolic credentials and contrasts himself with those who falsely claimed to be apostles.  An example is 2 Corinthians 11:23 where he says:

"I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again."

Here, Paul emphasizes his sufferings for the gospel as proof of his genuine apostleship. Unlike the false apostles who sought personal gain, Paul’s ministry was marked by hardship, self-sacrifice, and suffering, all for the sake of Christ.

5. Last of All, as One Untimely Born” (1 Corinthians 15:8-9)

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul provides a chronological account of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:7-9)

Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born”. He acknowledges that he became an apostle in a rather abnormal way. His commission came later, and was in fact the last to see the risen Christ.

This is why he says “last of all”. This is significant for understanding the limitations of apostleship. Since Paul was the last to see the risen Christ, it follows that there can be no new apostles today who meet the biblical qualifications for an apostle equal to the Twelve and Paul. The claim of today’s apostles, particularly in movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), therefore, falls apart.

Other Apostles in the New Testament

You might also be asking, “What about the other apostles mentioned in the Bible outside of the Twelve and Paul?” Well, indeed several people in the New Testament are also referred to as apostles. These men served as messengers who worked alongside the Twelve and Paul in the work of spreading the gospel. Here are a few examples:

• Barnabas: In Acts 14:14, Barnabas is referred to as an apostle alongside Paul during their missionary work:
  “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd.”
  Barnabas was commissioned by the church at Antioch (Acts 13:2-3) to serve alongside Paul in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.
• Andronicus and Junia: In Romans 16:7, Paul refers to Andronicus and Junia as apostles:
  “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.”
  While there is debate about the exact nature of their apostleship, it is generally understood that they were recognized for their labor in the early church, though not holding the same foundational authority as the Twelve.
• Silas: Acts 15:22 says, “Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers.” Silas was sent by the apostles and the early church to serve alongside Paul and Barnabas in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.

So, why are they called apostles? Again, it comes down to the meaning of the name. The word “apostle” simply means “messenger” or “one who is sent.” From the New Testament, we can conclude that there are two primary categories of apostles, apart from Jesus:

1. The Apostles of Christ: These were the Twelve and later Paul, who were directly commissioned by Christ Himself. Their role was foundational to the establishment of the church, and they held unique authority to teach and write Scripture. 
2. Apostles of the Church: These were messengers sent by the church or by the apostles of Christ to serve alongside them in spreading the gospel. They did not hold the same foundational authority as the Twelve and Paul, but they were instrumental in the expansion of the early church.

Does That Mean That We Still Have Apostles Today?

Given that the word apostle means “messenger” or “one who is sent,” we can argue that there are still apostles today. Today, missionaries and church planters who are commissioned by local churches to spread the gospel to unreached people or to establish new churches can be seen as functioning in an apostolic role. 

They are similar in function to the apostles of the early church, such as Barnabas and Silas. However, it’s important to note that they do not occupy the same apostolic office as the apostles of Christ. And in most cases, they will not claim the title of ‘apostle’ in the way it is used in the hyper-charismatic movement. Rather, these are often humble men and women who are devoted to laboring for the Gospel of our Lord. Without seeking recognition or authority as we see self-proclaimed “apostles” doing.

What About Ephesians 4:11?

Proponents of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) often cite Ephesians 4:11 as evidence for modern-day apostles. The verse states:

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers."

At first glance, this verse may seem to support the idea of a continuing apostolic office. However, a closer examination reveals that this passage does not imply that the office of apostle as held by the Twelve and Paul is continuing today. Rather, it highlights the different roles and ministries Christ has given to the church for its edification. 

But it’s important to remember that the foundational role of the apostles of Christ and prophets of the Old Testament was unique and has already been fulfilled as stated in Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Corinthians 3:10.

How The Apostles Passed on Leadership Over the Churches

In the pastoral epistles, we see Paul instructing Timothy and Titus to put order in the churches by appointing elders and deacons. These elders were responsible for the pastoral care, teaching, and governance of the churches. For example, in Titus 1:5, Paul writes:

"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you."

Similarly, in 1 Timothy 3, Paul outlines the qualifications for both elders and deacons who were to be appointed to lead the church:

"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach..." (1 Timothy 3:1-2)

The apostles focused on raising up elders, a plurality of qualified men, to take over leadership in the churches they established. Not other apostles. I believe this was a God-ordained transition, where leadership over churches was passed from the apostles to elders and deacons. As you’ll see below:

1. Paul’s Final Instructions to the Elders of Ephesus

In Acts 20:17-27, we witness an example of this transition.  As Paul prepares to depart from Ephesus, he gathers the elders of the church to instruct them on their responsibility to care for the Ephesian believers:

"Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. And when they came to him, he said to them: 'You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility... Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.'" (Acts 20:17, 28)

2. Peter’s Instruction to Elders

In 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter addresses the elders to the churches scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, instructing them on how to shepherd the flock:

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ... shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

I must add that it’s quite interesting that Peter speaks as a “fellow elder.” He places himself on the same level as other church elders, yet he was an apostle of Christ. He did not elevate himself above the local church leaders as we see self-proclaimed “apostles” doing today.

The above examples clearly show that the pattern of transition of church leadership established in the New Testament was from the apostles of Christ to elders, not apostles to other apostles. 

The Apostolic Office in Church History

As a result, throughout church history, the office of an apostle of Christ, has been recognized as a unique and foundational office that ceased with the death of the last living apostle, the Apostle John. That is why for centuries, elder-led churches was the standard for church governance.

Hence, you will note that the early church fathers, reformers, and theologians did not seek to reestablish an apostolic office. Because it was understood that the role of the apostles was unrepeatable. 

The Emergence of the Latter Rain Movement

However, this understanding began to shift in the 20th century, particularly with the rise of the Latter Rain Movement in the 1940s. This movement began within Pentecostalism and marked the first attempt to restore the offices of apostles and prophets to the church. The Latter Rain movement was driven by a restorationist belief that the church had lost certain spiritual gifts and offices over time, and that God was now restoring them in the “last days.”

The Latter Rain movement emphasized a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, miraculous signs and wonders, and the idea that the church would experience a new apostolic age. It was this movement, that laid the groundwork for what would later become known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) in the 1980s and 1990s. 

The NAR further developed the belief that these modern apostles and prophets could receive new, authoritative revelations from God and were called to govern the church. This claim marked a significant departure from traditional Protestant and evangelical view of church leadership, where the authority of Scripture was paramount, and church leadership was entrusted to elders/pastors and deacons.

“Apostle” as an Identification, Not a Title

It is also worth noting that while the apostolic office was unique and carried authority, the apostles themselves did not treat “apostle” as a title to signify rank or superiority. In contrast to many self-proclaimed apostles today, who adopt the title “Apostle” as a means of exalting themselves, the apostles of Christ primarily used the term to identify themselves by the One who sent them. For example, in most of his letters, Paul begins by writing, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ”. 

To the twelve and Paul, apostleship was not a means to exalt themseves but only a badge of honor as far as they suffered for Christ and His Gospel. They did not use it to claim superiority over others. Instead, in humility, they pointed to Christ as the source of their calling and authority.

The Reality of False Apostles

This brings me to a category of apostles that the Bible warns the church about: false apostles. Scripture is clear that not everyone who claims to be an apostle is really one. And the church is warned to be on guard against those who falsely claim this title for personal gain or to deceive others.

In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul speaks directly to this issue:

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

These individuals were not truly sent by Christ but manipulated and deceived the Corinthian church by pretending to have apostolic authority. Paul uses strong language, comparing these false apostles to Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light. Just as Satan can appear righteous to deceive, so too do false apostles cloak themselves in the appearance of holiness, to lead the church astray.

In 2 Corinthians 11:5, he sarcastically refers to them as “super-apostles”:

"Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles."

By calling them “super-apostles,” Paul exposes their arrogance. This is because these false apostles claimed to be of superior rank and authority than Paul, much like today’s self-proclaimed ‘apostles’ in movements such as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). 

Furthermore, Jesus Himself warns of false apostles and prophets. In Matthew 24:24, He says: “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

These false apostles will try to deceive even true believers through impressive signs and wonders. A tactic that is often seen in hyper-charismatic movements where leaders claim miraculous power to validate their ministry.

A Call to Test Modern Apostles

But the church is not left defenseless. In Revelation 2:2, Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for testing those who claim to be apostles. He says, “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.”

This reveals that it is necessary for the church to test those who claim be apostles or speaking on behalf of God for that matter. The church in Ephesus was commended for their discernment and refusal to put up with deception. In light of these passages, it becomes clear that the Bible not only warns against false apostles but also encourages believers to be diligent in testing such claims. The rise of self-proclaimed ‘apostles’ in the New Apostolic Reformation and other hypercharismatic movements mirrors the false apostles that Paul warned about. 

In the next article, we are going to follow the example of the Ephesian church. Using the book of 2 Corinthians, we are going to put today’s ‘apostles’ through a further examination to see whether their apostleship holds up to the apostles of Christ. So, be sure to look out for that as we continue to shed light on this important issue.

Related: The Sufficiency of Scripture: What Does it Mean and Why it’s Important

Conclusion

Based on the qualifications outlined in Scripture, it is evident that no one today can rightfully claim to hold an apostolic office akin to the Twelve or Paul. The apostles of Christ were uniquely chosen, appointed, and commissioned by Jesus Himself. They were direct witnesses to His ministry and, most importantly, eyewitnesses to His resurrection. This makes their role irreplaceable and unrepeatable.

In contrast, today’s self-proclaimed “apostles” fall far short of these criteria. Many are self-appointed or receive validation from others within their own networks, not from Christ. They often claim authority, revelations, and powers that go far beyond what Scripture allows. Thus, leading many astray into false teachings.

In light of this, it becomes vital for us as believers to exercise discernment and remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word. The office of apostle, as defined in the Bible, was foundational to the establishment of the church and cannot be replicated today. Therefore, any modern claims to apostolic authority must be carefully tested against Scripture, ensuring that we remain faithful to the gospel and to the teachings handed down to us through the true apostles.