The question of whether there are apostles in the modern church is a fascinating and complex one, deeply rooted in theological, historical, and ecclesiological considerations. To explore this question, we must first understand the role and function of the apostles in the early church, examine how this role has evolved over time, and consider the implications for contemporary Christian communities.
Understanding the Apostolic Role in the Early Church
The term "apostle" originates from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, apostles were primarily understood as the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ, with the addition of Paul, who is often considered the "apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13, NIV). The apostles were foundational to the early church, tasked with spreading the teachings of Jesus, establishing churches, and serving as authoritative witnesses to His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
The qualifications for apostleship were specific. In the case of replacing Judas Iscariot, Peter outlined that an apostle must have accompanied Jesus throughout His ministry and been a witness to His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). This criterion highlights the unique and unrepeatable nature of the apostolic witness in the first-century church.
Apostles were also endowed with certain spiritual gifts and authority. They performed miracles, taught with authority, and were instrumental in the writing of the New Testament. Their role was crucial in laying the doctrinal and structural foundation of the church, as Paul notes in Ephesians 2:20, where he describes the church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
Historical Development of Apostolic Understanding
As the early church grew and spread beyond its initial Jewish context, the role of the apostles evolved. With the passing of the original apostles, the early church fathers recognized the need for continuity in leadership and teaching. This led to the development of the episcopal model of church governance, where bishops were seen as successors to the apostles. This concept, known as apostolic succession, is particularly emphasized in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglican traditions.
However, the Protestant Reformation challenged the notion of apostolic succession, emphasizing the priesthood of all believers and the authority of Scripture over ecclesiastical hierarchy. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin argued that while the apostles were foundational, their role was unique and not intended to be perpetuated in a formal succession.
Apostles in the Modern Church: A Non-Denominational Perspective
In contemporary non-denominational Christian communities, the understanding of apostleship can vary widely. Some believe that the role of the apostle, as seen in the New Testament, was specific to the early church and is not present today. This view holds that the foundational work of the apostles was completed with the canonization of Scripture and the establishment of the early church.
Others, however, argue that the apostolic ministry continues in a different form. They suggest that while the original apostles were unique, the spiritual gift of apostleship, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:11, continues to be relevant. In this view, modern apostles are those who are called and gifted to pioneer new ministries, plant churches, and provide visionary leadership within the body of Christ.
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is one movement that has embraced the idea of contemporary apostleship. NAR proponents believe that God is restoring the five-fold ministry gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) for the equipping of the church (Ephesians 4:11-13). They assert that modern apostles are essential for the church's mission and growth, providing oversight, direction, and authority in a manner akin to their first-century counterparts.
Theological and Practical Considerations
The debate over modern apostleship raises several theological and practical considerations. Firstly, the authority of modern apostles is a contentious issue. In the early church, apostles had unique authority as direct witnesses of Christ's resurrection and as authors of Scripture. In contrast, the authority of modern apostles, if acknowledged, must be carefully weighed against the authority of Scripture. The principle of "Sola Scriptura," a cornerstone of Protestant theology, asserts that Scripture is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Any claim to apostolic authority must align with and submit to the teachings of the Bible.
Secondly, the identification and recognition of modern apostles can be challenging. Unlike the early church, where apostleship was often confirmed by direct commissioning from Jesus or the Holy Spirit, contemporary claims to apostleship may lack such clear divine endorsement. This raises questions about the criteria for apostleship and the potential for misuse of authority.
Moreover, the diversity within the global church means that different Christian communities may have varying interpretations and practices regarding apostleship. In some contexts, the term "apostle" may be used more loosely to describe church planters or visionary leaders, while in others, it may carry a more formal and authoritative connotation.
Apostolic Function and the Mission of the Church
Regardless of one's stance on the existence of modern apostles, the apostolic function remains vital to the mission of the church. The Great Commission, as articulated by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, calls all believers to make disciples of all nations. This mission requires pioneering spirit, visionary leadership, and the ability to adapt to new cultural contexts—qualities often associated with the apostolic gift.
In this sense, the church today benefits from individuals who, whether or not they carry the title of "apostle," embody these apostolic qualities. Church planters, missionaries, and visionary leaders play a crucial role in advancing the gospel and expanding the kingdom of God. Their work often mirrors the pioneering spirit of the early apostles, as they break new ground and establish communities of faith in diverse and challenging environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether there are apostles in the modern church is one that requires careful theological reflection and discernment. While the original apostles held a unique and foundational role in the early church, the principles and functions associated with apostleship continue to be relevant today. Whether through formal recognition or the embodiment of apostolic qualities in ministry, the church is called to embrace the pioneering and visionary spirit that characterized the early apostolic mission.
As non-denominational Christians, we must approach this topic with humility, recognizing the diversity of interpretations and practices within the global body of Christ. Ultimately, the focus should remain on fulfilling the Great Commission, advancing the gospel, and building up the church in love and unity, as we seek to follow the example of the apostles and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
