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NASB | Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], |
Bible Question:
Charis, I don't see how you will get an answer to your question. This concept of the 5-fold ministry was quite new to me several years ago. But the more that I consider it, the more I am made aware of its consistency with the scriptures. I had only been in the one man show type of churches that wdc refers to. The longer that I walk with Christ and the more that I see the strengths that He has given me and the weaknesses that they don't make up for, the more that I know I need others in the body to help me. Romans 12:3 warns us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. I believe that having a Spirit led ministry with a balance brought by this concept would empower all involved to function at higher levels of impact. One problem that I see reading this thread however,is that some are using one definition of apostle and others are using a different one, same with prophet. As long as that is happening there cannot be a coming together. That is why I don't think that you will get an answer that you can live with. How do you define apostle and what is a prophet? |
Bible Answer: Dear Xapis, Excellent observation! Actually, I have tried to explain my ideas on this in several other 'threads.' I admit that it was my fault in posting similar questions, but afterwards others were 'cross-threading.' :-) The major problem, as I see it, is that many are adamant that an Apostle must be like Peter or Paul, and a Prophet must be like Isaiah or Jeremiah. 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. Prophet-"But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. Though many definitions demand that a prophet be a soothsayer, I believe that a New Testament prophet will probably speak God's word for the above purposes more than for telling the future. (Though soothsaying is also still possible, this gift must be used carefully, and must be tested before placing spiritual 'weight' upon it) This encouragement should be for the church, not for the 'pumping up' of the people, nor for the edification of the prophet. Both the apostle and the prophet should be servants to the church, in the same manner as the evangelist, pastor and teacher. I have seen abuse and personal use of all 5 ministries, but I have also seen wonderful, godly application of them, too. I pray that the gifts of ministry will be poured upon the church of Jesus Christ in a fuller sense as we come closer to His glorious return. I hope this makes my viewpoint clear. Blessings and peace to you. In Jesus' name, charis |