And They Continued Steadfastly In the Apostle's Doctrine and Fellowship - Part 935

Who can be rightly appointed (or anointed) as an apostle? More important, does a "self-proclaimed apostle" in this day and age have the right to circumvent the original apostle's doctrine -- as it was first delivered through the Word? Some might be asking -- why are these questions even relevant?

The answer to the last question is simple. Because in Acts 2, the scriptures clearly state that those who believed in Jesus, seeking His righteousness, also "continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:38-47) Similarly, while "continuing daily with "one accord" in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people." (Acts 2:38-47)

Therefore, if the early church believers "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship," then there must be an equal onus upon believers in Jesus today (and particularly those who proclaim to be apostles) to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine in the last days as well.

With this in mind, let's examine what the scriptures state. First, the word "apostle" is a new testament description assigned to those who were first called disciples, and then sent out to be apostles. (Luke 6:12-16)

Second, we know that Jesus selected the twelve disciples from among His many followers. Jesus "called unto Him His disciples, and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles." (Luke 6:12-16)

Third, we also know that the apostles -- even when they were forbidden to do so -- continued to teach and preach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:16-20) In fact, when the apostles lifted their voice to God with one accord after being commanded not to mention Jesus and said, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is," they also knew that "the heathen raged, and the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together" against the holy child Jesus -- "whom Thou hast anointed." (Acts 4:23-28)

Fourth, when Jesus 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." (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 16:15-18) "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." (II Corinthians 12:12)

Fifth, we read that Jesus sent forth the twelve apostles, and commanded them, saying: "the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8)

Sixth, Jesus said: "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves for the workman is worthy of his meat ...." (Matthew 10:9-15) In this latter scripture, there is an understanding of stepping out in faith, or as I have often said, "pressing into Jesus" -- which is elaborated upon at a later time.

As well, we also understand from the scriptures that the apostles were "set apart" and distinctive from other disciples (or as some call these disciples -- followers of Jesus and students of the Master).

The apostles were also filled with the Holy Ghost, which empowered them to speak the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 1:8) For example, in the book of Acts we read: "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness ..." (Acts 4:31)

This confirmed the message that Jesus had told the apostles earlier -- that "ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Luke 24:48-49; Acts 8:1-14; Colossians 1:23)

This same power and filling of the Holy Ghost can be seen throughout the book of Acts, which in turn confirms that which was spoken earlier by the prophet Joel:

"And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" ... "and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32; Acts 10:45; Acts 21:9; I Corinthians 12:10)

Note that Paul himself explains his boldness to proclaim the Word of God this way: "As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia." (II Corinthians 11:10-15) And, as a consequence of the apostles' boldness and willingness to proclaim the good news gospel of Jesus Christ, we learn that "believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, insomuch that they brought forth the sick onto the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them." (Acts 5:13-14)

But this was not all. When people were filled with the Holy Ghost, their inward hearts and desires changed. "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." (Acts 4:33) So much so that the people who believed brought all their worldly possessions -- to be divided so that none among them lacked. (Acts 2:39-42; Acts 4:32-35)

But in today's religious culture -- with so many proclaiming to be apostles -- how do we know that these are steadfastly continuing in the apostles' doctrine? Well, from what we have already read, we can validate what Jesus taught in His Word against the message(s) and statement(s) of faith that these modern day apostles are proclaiming as truth. The apostles' doctrine ARE the teachings of Jesus in action, and essentially, God's Word passed onto His people through the prophets and Jesus appointed apostles in the Bible.

John M. Powell explains it this way: "The Apostles' doctrine, which are the teachings of the apostles, originated from Jesus, who is the Word of God manifest in human flesh. Hence, originating in Jesus and continued by the Holy Ghost, I will be with you (flesh) and shall be in you (spirit). The apostles of Jesus Christ were inspired (God breathed) by His holy Spirit to write down the words and works of God as revealed to them."

Further, the apostle's doctrine was clearly established on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 believers repented and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and thus, received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8; 2:38-42) In fact, throughout the remainder of the new testament, the apostles shared the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom to everyone they met.

We can also see from the scriptures that not only did the apostles preach baptism "in the name of Jesus" but also used the "name of Jesus" to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils" and that it was done freely -- "freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8; Mark 16:15-18) "And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)

Why? Because these apostles knew Jesus personally -- "in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will." As such, the apostles were willing to become His messengers to all creation. (Ephesians 1:11)

What happened that made these twelve disciples apostles turn the world upside down? After witnessing Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven in the first chapter of Acts, note that they became full-fledged world changers. "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also." (Acts 17:6) So much so that the people remained in awe of what they heard.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them, that they HAD been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

But note that Paul declared that there is a valid purpose in boldly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and continuing steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. That is, "that I [Paul] may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we -- for such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, and no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:10-15)

Think about this. Paul boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus so that false apostles and deceitful workers "transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" would be cut off from any ocassion to teach contrary to Jesus' teachings.

That means that we as believers in Jesus Christ are to be equipped with the armour of God so that we are not taken in by the deceit of satan who -- along with his ministers -- wolves in sheep's clothing -- transform themselves into ministers of righteousness and self-proclaimed apostles of Christ. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Do you remember learning about a certain man called Simon, which in the same city had used sorcery, and was able to "bewitch the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one -- to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest. [So when they declared] "This man is the great power of God" to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries." (Acts 8:9-11)

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the "name of Jesus Christ," they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." (Acts 8:12-15)

Now when the apostles heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who -- "when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for as yet He was fallen upon none of them -- only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). And they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:12-17)

This scriptural passage goes on to say that Simon offered them money because he also wanted some of this Holy Ghost power. How did Peter respond? "Thy money perish with thee because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money ... repent therefore of this thy wickedness ... for I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." (Acts 8:20-23)

This is the same Peter who explained how a replacement apostle for Judas (who betrayed Jesus) was selected in the first chapter of Acts. "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22)

When two possible apostles were selected (Joseph called Barsabas who was surnamed Justus, and Mathias) the eleven apostles prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two Thou hast chosen that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship ..." (Acts 1:15-26)

Man did not make the decision. Indeed, Jesus' apostles did not make the final decision. "Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men ..." (Acts 1:15-26) And the lots were cast and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)

In today's religious culture, there are those who believe (because of Acts 1:21) that an apostle must have followed Jesus from the time of John's baptism and seen the resurrected Jesus. If this were the case,  then how do we explain the apostle Paul -- who as Saul was blinded by a bright light on his way to Damascus?

Note that in Romans, Paul himself offers a suitable explanation. He first observes that he is called to be an apostle. He then states that he is "separated" because of the gospel, and that there can be no agreement between the temple of God and idols. (II Corinthians 6:16) Why? Because "ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people ... wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate." (II Corinthians 6:16-18)

And finally, apostles showed by example an obedience to the faith among all nations "for His name" sake among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ.

"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God" ... "by whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name -- among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-5)

Does that mean that there are no apostles today? Of course not, but the apostles in this day and age are still required to adhere and align their teachings, remaining steadfast to the apostles' doctrine.

Thus, we also know from these scriptures that an apostle is no longer a student or someone who is in need of teaching, or just a follower, as were the disciples of Jesus Christ. Rather, an apostle is one who is sent, ready to go out and proclaim the good news gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom in obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.

The verse that comes to mind here (and admittedly, may not conform to scriptural context) is that "many are called but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14; Matthew 20:16) In other words, an apostle is called (or sent out) to preach the gospel of Jesus the Christ, remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine as outlined in the book of Acts, and similarly, willing to separate themselves from those in the temple who raise themselves up to be God, while also coveting money and worldly possessions. (Repeatedly, in the book of Acts, those who believed in Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, would give up their worldly possessions for the gospel of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ -- more on that point later).

But the earnestness of an apostle does not stop there. From the gospels, we read that when the disciples had heard of the death of John the Baptist, they came and took up his corpse and laid it in a tomb. "And the apostles gathered themselves unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And Jesus said unto them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest awhile" for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (Mark 6:23-31; Luke 9:10-11)

And they departed into a desert place by ship privately but the people followed, desiring more of Jesus. Moved with compassion, because they were as sheep without a shepherd, Jesus began to teach them many things. "And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came unto Him, and said, "This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed. Send them away that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat." (Mark 6:32-36)

Jesus answered, and said unto them, "Give ye them to eat." (Mark 6: 37)

Note what Jesus was saying to the apostles -- your heart's desire should be to facilitate those that are hungry eating of the Bread of Life. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Why is this important? Because as Paul wrote, "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." (Galatians 1:8)

That means if any man (or even an angel from heaven) tells you to be baptized without using the name of Jesus, let him be accursed. (Acts 2:38; Galatians 1:8) Likewise, if the statement of faith that these modern day apostles proclaim does not include the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, including baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, then we need to ask why.

Because "Freely ye have received, [and as such we are to] freely give." (Matthew 10:8) However, there is a responsibility for apostles (and disciples too) to sound the trumpet when these modern day apostles teach contrary to His Word.
Jesus said, "Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles." (Matthew 10:16-19)

Luke wrote a similar message: "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say, for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say." (Luke 12:11-12)

And Mark too wrote that "when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak but the Holy Ghost ... For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders to "seduce" if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed; behold, I have foretold you all things." (Mark 13:11. 22-23)

This is why we are commanded to "let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all this worshipped God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told ye these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time." (II Thessalonians 2:3-12)

"For yourselves [however] know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 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 tries our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness: nor of men, sought we glory, neither of you, nor of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ ...

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: so being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the Word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:1-13)

And while we as believers in Jesus Christ are aware that the mystery of iniquity doth already work in the world, and that "the Wicked shall be revealed (whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming)" -- "even him whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved," there is hope. (II Thessalonians 2:3-12)

That is, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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. 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; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, [even] Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-15)

Jesus warned us of these times when He said, "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted." (Revelation 1:2-3)

Nevertheless, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- "He is our peace, who has made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 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, that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. And [He] came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:14-22)

There is more still to come on the apostleship of Jesus Christ. Still, in the interim, press into Jesus today. Stand in His offering plate.