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NASB | Matthew 11:13 "For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 11:13 "For all the prophets and the Law prophesied up until John. |
Bible Question (short): Part 2 Apologetics? |
Question (full): Part 2 APOSTLE (Gk. (apostolos,) a "delegate"). One sent with a special message or commission. In this sense the word is used in the LXX (1KI 14:6; ISA 18:2), and in the NT: JOH 13:16, "Neither is one (who is sent) (apostle) greater than the one who sent him"; 2CO 8:23; PHI 2:25, where persons sent out by churches on special errands are called their (apostles,) or messengers. In HEB 3:1 Jesus is called "the (Apostle) and High Priest of our confession." (New Unger's Bible Dictionary) Apostle in the New Testament seems to be divided into 3 categories. 1) Jesus, 2) The Apostles to the Lamb, 12 in number, Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot. This is the only 'replacement' recorded in the Bible. 2) 'Post-Ascension apostles, messengers between the churches. Not 'Big-shots' from whom healing and miracles continuously 'radiated,' but servants. I believe this lasy category of apostle is still valid, but often abused. As to Judas, I meant Judas called Barsabbas, 'sent out' with Silas, Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 15:22) Regarding "Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." Romans 16:7 NASB, you wrote, "As for Andronicus and Junis,they were not Apostles. You see I could be among the pesidents men however that dosent make me one of them." Please look at how the word 'among' is used in the Bible. It means 'with, together' and the usage implies clearly that the one party is included with the other party. What about: "But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out..." Acts 14:14 NASB. And when Paul, number 14, is considered to be number 12, does he displace James or Matthias? Rev 21:14 While I am talking about 5-fold ministry, please read "And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message." Acts 15:32 NASB. Friend, I also have personal experience with divine healing, my wife was healed from cancer of the womb, and I now have two teenage daughters. Actually, I do not like 'healing ministries,' and think that most are spiritually arrogant, some even charlatans. However, I cannot discount that many are healed by faith in God. I do, as a matter of fact, believe that one can be 'slain in the Spirit,' but think that the popular 'mass-slayings' are false, an abuse of showmanship and emotional manipulation. I am part of a healthy, well-balanced church. Many speak in tongues and (gasp!) prophesy. However, in our defense, I assure you that "...all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB. You may have never experienced this, but it IS possible. (Please note that stating that something cannot happen because you have not seen it is spiritual bigotry) My friend, you cannot make your assumptions based on the how many people abuse the gifts. After all, if every lemming jumped off the cliff, there would be no more lemmings. Obviously, some lemmings are not totally stupid :-) Finally, I am not 'buying into' anything. All that I speak of I have experienced. (Please watch your assumptions) If you have never been to a 'spirit-filled' church that was orderly, respectable, responsible and balanced, come to Yokohama some time. Yours in Christ Jesus. charis |