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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:27 ¶ Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:27 ¶ Now you [collectively] are Christ's body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. |
Subject: Prerequisite-infallibility? |
Bible Note: Greetings Brother charis, A primary reason that underscores the differences in our conclusions regarding the gift of "apostleship" lie in the very differences in the way that you and I define this gift.. You have defined "Apostle" this way: "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 Ungers Bible Dictionary) The Bible describes 3 'types' of apostles; 1) Jesus. 2) The 'Apostles to the Lamb,' also called the 12. Matthai replaced Judas Iscariot, the only 'replacement' apostle in the Bible. 3)The 'post-ascension apostles.' Paul and Barnabas, among others, continued the ministry of 'special commissions' between churches. Sometimes these are referred to as the 'lower sense' of the apostolic ministry. I believe this continues today, although often misinterpreted and abused. I do not think that the present-day apostle equals the missionary, as I know too many missionaries that do not fit the Bible's description. However, some missionaries may well be working in an apostolic calling." And I have defined it this way, "apostles. Those chosen by Christ during his earthly ministry to be with him and to go out and preach (Mark 3:14). They were also to be witnesses of the resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). The term may occasionally have been used in a broader sense (Romans 16:7; Galatians 1:19)." According to your definition of 'apostle', you come to the conclusion that there were saints throughout history that had and exercised the gift of apostleship, some of whom are found in "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" and you have even named Martin Luther as a possible 'apostle' in this light.. However, my definition does not allow for anyone to be an apostle (gift or as an office) beyond the first century. I believe that this is where our differences lie, and therefore is the "root" of the difference in how we view the office or gift of apostleship.. I have never stated in my definition or otherwise that an apostle should be a 'superman' or should be someone who has been beautified beyond measure! I am surely not saying that an apostle must give us "new revelation", since I have already stated that the Bible is our ultimate revelation from God and I am confident that you agree with me on that. Since we are working from two completely separate and differing points of reference when regarding apostles, then this is where I could possibly see a beginning point to coming to some 'truth' or some type of an agreement here (understanding each other), and I will study this in depth to see what I can come up with... Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |