Acts20.com

We read where Paul & Peter were both apostles.In 1 Cor. 15:9 Paul refers to himself as the 'least of the apostles' meaning there were several.Sometimes I hear people say the office of the apostle ministry is no longer required or needed; some say it's not required even though it's in the 5 fold calling found in Eph. 4.For that matter we're told that there are to be prophets.Is there a cultural/societal/spiritual/religious/scriptural difference or definition that we preclude based on nuances of scripture rather than the germane understanding of biblical texts?It seems some like to pick & choose what ministry should be conducted based on our lack of theological acceptance or maybe traditional teachings?Honestly not trying to run on & on here but wondering if we have intimidated some from pursuing their calling based on ecclesiastical prejudices or by using the excuse, 'it didn't seem to fit our belief.' Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

In the verse before, Paul says he's the last of the apostles. I think it's a good discussion to have -- but it's probably a little more complicated than grabbing a couple proof texts and suggesting that anyone who disagrees wants to pick and choose what Scripture to believe.I don't think 1 Cor 15:8

Re: Is the ministry of an apostle biblical today? What of a prophet? Women in ministry?

In the verse before, Paul says he's the last of the apostles. I think it's a good discussion to have -- but it's probably a little more complicated than grabbing a couple proof texts and suggesting that anyone who disagrees wants to pick and choose what Scripture to believe.I don't think 1 Cor 15:8is a text clearly opposing modern-day apostles, but if you want to have a sincere discussion, maybe don't start by implying anyone who would disagree with you is picking and choosing what to believe and damaging the call of God in others. The sincere discussion is attempted by this thread hence the question marks & suggestive texts rather than statements of opinion. I have read the previous verses & don't see where he claims to be the 'last' apostle. Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

First of all, I don't see Paul declaring himself as the last apostle in 1 Corinthians 15:8. He does say that he is the last in his list of those who saw the post resurrected Jesus. He then follows by stating in verse 9 that, in his opinion, he is the least of the apostles. But I think its a stretch to connect the two as him saying he is the least and the last.Second, if we presume to determine that the role of the Apostle is no longer needed/important, we bring into question Ephesians 4:11. To eliminate one office would then open the door to question the ongoing need of any or all. It also positions us in the same place as those who claim that tongues have ceased with the written word, and are therefore not for today. I get that we have backed away from some titles because of the misuse and abuse that is prevalent. I think we would be better served to study such things out and have a clear biblical understanding. That would protect the church from the title chasers who seek to misuse scripture to define their desire for recognition. It would also make room in the church for all that God has set in place for the church.

I agree. My point in mentioning it was to say that proof texts can be stretched on either side, and to take issue with Dean's marginalization of the other side of this discussion on the basis of a couple of proof texts.

Dean's marginalization is not there to establish bias but to provoke a response. You read emotion into the text on your own & it wasn't my intention to lean the debate one direction or another & I think you knew that. As a traditional pentecostal in the CoG I know a lot of those in ministry have varying views of apostles & prophets in the church in terms of having a ministry position using said gift.I would love to hear a few responses from some of the more traditional pentecostal ministers on the above topic. Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

No, I don't think it was your intention at all. It seems clear you were hoping for a genuine discussion. So I'm trying to help ya out by pointing out that, intention or no, that's what ya did.

On topic -- what was/is the biblical purpose of the ministry of apostle?Assuming apostles continue today -- is their ministry qualitatively different than the early ministry of the apostles?We know that there is at least one significant qualitative difference, and that's that any apostle who ministers today has not been a physical witness to the resurrected Jesus. This was a distinguishing mark of the biblical apostles (Acts 1:22, 1 Cor 9:1, 1 Cor 15:7-8).I would argue there is another significant qualitative difference -- the apostles were those who laid the foundation of the church (1 Cor 12:28, Eph 2:20). Note that they are not

If I use your opening line: