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New Testament Apostles
Two Categories of Apostles.. Group I
Note on Matthias
Group II
New Testament Criteria For Apostleship?
Apostles Today?
Missionaries
Wider Implications of ‘mission’
Apostles or apostles
Delusions of Grandeur
The Function of the New Testament Apostles... The Spiritual Heavyweights
Ephesians 4:11 and 2:20
The Two Mistakes
Mistake 1: The Prophets
Mistake 2: Apostles
A (New) Foundation
False Apostles
Peter Wagner and Todd Bentley
Foot Note I: The Pattern of the New Testament Apostle
Section V: Biblical Accountability and Authority
New Testament Apostles
The word apostle, used some 30 times in the book of Acts alone, is a transliteration* of the Greek apostolo, which Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Lexicon defines as … a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ or a sent one. Jesus Himself was referred to as an Apostle because he was "sent" from the Father.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; " [Hebrews 3:1]
* Most words are translated from the original Greek of the New Testament manuscripts to another language. However transliteration means a word has been taken directly from another language with little change.
Two Categories of Apostles
While Scripture does not specifically mention any sort of classification of the New Testament apostles, they can essentially be divided into two categories or groups.
Group I: Consisted of those apostles who had physically seen the resurrected Lord Jesus, and who had not only been trained directly by Jesus, but were handpicked by Him. This included the twelve men Jesus chose from among the Disciples… Peter, Andrew, James and John (sons of Zebedee), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias).
However the original twelve were not randomly chosen… Scripture tells us that they were selected only after Jesus spent an entire night in prayer.
It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: [Luke 6:12-13]
Jesus gave these twelve men the title of “apostle”, and invested them with much authority and power as shown by the following verses.
“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me” [Matthew 10:40].
Speaking directly to the Twelve, Jesus said, “if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:20b).
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. [Mark 16:20]
And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these:…” [Matthew 10:1-2]
The Election of Matthias: Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Christ and subsequent suicide left a gap in their numbers that the remaining eleven (especially Peter) felt needed to be filled. Accordingly, between the ascension of Christ and the day of Pentecost, a twelfth apostle was chosen by casting lots. The lot fell upon Matthias, who then became the thirteenth Apostle in the New Testament. Casting lots was common in the Old Testament, used as a method to ensure Divine control in the selection process. As Solomon said… “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33)”. However note that this method was never again used in the New Testament for any reason whatsoever.
What is interesting about this election is the fact that Matthias is never again specifically referred to in the New Testament. On the contrary it is Paul who spoke of himself as an equal with the rest of the apostles as his appointment was by the will of God Himself. It is Paul that wrought miracles and wonders which were the ‘signs of an apostle”. Paul’s apostleship is constantly affirmed throughout the New Testament while that of Matthias is consistently ignored, which makes one wonder if, in electing Matthias, the disciples had got ahead of themselves and it was Paul who was the Lord’s choice. One has to remember that the selection of Matthias was instigated before the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and before that occasion Peter was not exactly unknown for acting first and thinking later. Anyway, it is possible that the decision to hold this election was based in part on the disciples, remembering the words of Jesus, believed that there had to be twelve disciples to sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. “that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and ye shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel”. [Luke 22:30]
Incidentally, Matthias being chosen to replace Judas, is the only instance of a member of the original twelve being replaced at death. For instance Act 12:2 records that James, who along with his brother John (sons of Zebedee) was numbered among the original twelve, was killed by king Herod but there is no record that his position being taken by any other person.
But it does not matter whether the disciples were right or wrong… God’s sovereign plans do not hinge on every right step men take, nor do they fall apart when men do the wrong thing... one way or the other His purposes will be carried out. So one day, a short time later, Paul was knocked off his horse and the rest, as they say, is history.
Paul is unquestionably part of Group I, since he too was called to be an apostle not by man, but by Jesus Himself, who spoke to him directly. Certainly Paul was accepted as an apostle by the others… the brethren in Galatia welcoming him “as if [he] were Christ Jesus Himself” (Galatians 4:14). James, Cephas and John, reputed to be pillars of the fledgling church, gave to Paul and Barnabas “the right hands of fellowship”, when they “perceived the grace that was given unto Paul”. [Galatians 2:9]
The authority committed to the first group of apostles was clearly unique and carried the weight and authority of God Himself.. they were “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). This power given to them provided witness that they were God’s messengers and their testimony regarding the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth was true.
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. [Acts 2:43]
And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. [Acts 4:33]
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people...[Acts 5:12]
Group II: Consisted of those apostles who may not have physically seen the resurrected Lord Jesus, had not been trained directly by Jesus, but were handpicked by, and became students, of the first group of apostles, then sent out by them to the various churches. It is true that some of them could have been among the 500 brethren that the Lord also appeared to in 1Corinthians 15:5-8. However this is speculative.
Titus and Epaphroditus: Thanks to inconsistencies in translation two other named apostles in the New Testament often go un-noticed. For reasons unknown the Greek word apostolo, usually transliterated “apostle” has been rendered “messenger” or “representative” in at least two cases.
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, they are the messengers (Greek apostolos) of the churches, they are the glory of Christ. [2 Corinthians 8:23]
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger (Greek apostolos) and minister to my need; [Philippians 2:25]
Epaphroditus was called an apostle to the Philippian Church, but we can not be sure what is meant by Titus being an “apostle of the churches”. God assigned to each apostle certain spheres in which they exercised authority, which Paul made clear when he said, “We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us” (2 Corinthians 10:13). However God did put earnest care for the Philippians into the heart of Titus. [2 Corinthians 8:16].
Timothy and Silvanus: were also specifically mentioned as apostles
nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. [1 Thessalonians 2:6]
The identity of the “we” mentioned in the above verse is found in the first chapter and verse of 1 Thessalonians
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. [1 Thessalonians 1:1]
Timothy and Titus both played crucial roles in the fledgling church. [All Emphasis Added]
For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church. [1Corinthians 4:17. Letter to the Corinthians regarding Timothy]
And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. [2 Timothy 2:2. Letter to Timothy]
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge; [Titus 1:5. Letter to Titus]
For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. [Titus 1:10-11. Letter to Titus].
Barnabas:
But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out [Acts 14:14]
Note that Barnabus was explicitly commissioned by the Holy Spirit, then “sent” by men from the church at Antioch, and the Spirit. [All Emphasis Added].
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. [Acts 13:2-4]
Note also that Acts 14: 27 says that Barnabas and Paul eventually reported back to the church at Antioch giving account of all that had been done, which shows that the apostles were not "lone rangers", but maintained an ongoing relationship with the church.
Apollos may also be included in the "us apostles" mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:9, listed as he is in conjunction with Paul and Peter.
whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours. [1Corinthians 3:22]
For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men? What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him. I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [1Corinthians 3:4-6]
Andronicus and Junias:
Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me. [Romans 16:7].
Note: There are two major debates regarding Andronicus and Junias. The first being whether Junias is a man or a woman. The second area of great controversy with regard to both individuals is whether they are to be identified as "apostles" at all. There are two major theories as to how best to interpret Romans 16:7: 1)… Andronicus and Junias were regarded as outstanding apostles. 2) They were regarded favorably by the apostles. However even a cursory examination of the Greek word en, translated among does not seem to agree with the latter position. [For Details See Andronicus and Junias]
One who does not neatly fit into either group is
James: … the Lord’s brother, also regarded as an apostle…
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. [Galatians 1:19]
Although James was not even a believer in Jesus before the crucifixion (John 7:5), he did see the resurrected Lord and eventually took a leading role in the church in Jerusalem. [See Acts 12:17, Acts 15:13 and Acts 21:18].
and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve; then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep; then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. [1Corinthians 15:5-8]
The reason we cannot pigeonhole James is because we do not know what transpired when Jesus appeared to him, although it seems reasonable to assume that he was commissioned by the Lord Himself, which would place him in the first group.
New Testament Criteria For Apostleship?
Many Christians see the role of an apostle as having very definite criteria often citing Acts 1:21-22 which says…
Of the men therefore that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us, of these must one become a witness with us of his resurrection. [Act 1:21-22]
However the account simply relates what Peter said to the brethren, which was in order for Scripture to be fulfilled, He felt it was necessary that Judas’ office had to be filled by another, chosen from those that had been with them from the beginning (John’s baptism) to the time Jesus physically left earth. In other words someone who had witnessed the life and works of Christ, and who was therefore qualified to discharge the duties of the office from which Judas fell, and who, along with the other eleven, would be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.
There is no indication that these requirements were to be universally applied. Certainly Paul did not meet all of Peter’s criteria since he had not been a disciple of Jesus from the beginning.
There is no question that Paul, in defending his apostleship, appealed to several facts that confirmed his apostleship was by divine appointment.. he had seen Jesus after he had risen from the dead, was called to be an apostle not by man, but by Jesus Himself, and wrought miracles and wonders which were the ‘signs of an apostle”. [All Emphasis added]
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? [1 Corinthians 9:1]
Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead) [Galatians 1:1]
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, [Romans 1:1]
I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works. [2 Corinthians 12:11-12]
The context of the last verse is that the Corinthians initially made it necessary for Paul to vindicate his character and to present the evidence of his divine commission as an apostle. While it does not tell us what miracles Paul performed in Corinth, they were probably similar to the miracles the acknowledged apostles worked, which were “signs” that they were divinely commissioned. These miracles demonstrated that Paul was too.
Timothy is the only one that we know of that fell into the second category, but was very obviously Divinely ordained. Paul wrote to him…
For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. [2 Timothy 1:6]
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [1 Timothy 4:14]
The word translated gift is found in several places in the New Testament and often used as an endowment conferred by the Holy Spirit. See Romans 12:6; 1Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:9,1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Corinthians 12:30-31. Peter uses the word as a special gift or endowment for the work of the ministry….
“according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” [1 Peter 4:10]
While we do not know what prophecy Paul is talking about, it is obvious that there was a prediction made about Timothy’s vocation and office. Paul is exhorts him to fight the good fight and live up to his calling.
Apostles Today?
While there are those that believe the apostle is vitally needed and is often the missing ingredient in the modern day Church. [1], the moderate Christian position is that apostleship flourished during the foundational era of the church but is no longer active today, or even that the gift was limited to the twelve men Jesus personally handpicked [Luke 6:13] from among the disciples..
The problem that arises is not everyone who uses the word apostle seems to have exactly the same definition or function in mind, especially since the word itself simply means sent one or delegate.
Depending on who you talk to today, apostles are defined as pioneers who break new ground taking the gospel to the unreached. Other believe that an apostle not only establishes new churches but plays an essential role in strengthening existing churches. He acts as spiritual father and nurturer to those churches he has founded, maintaining an ongoing relationship with them.
Paul's writings however differentiate between an apostolic and a pastoral ministry. In 1 Corinthians 3:6 he used a farming metaphor to explain that he "planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow". While in 1Corinthians 3:10 he uses a building metaphor to describe how he laid the foundation of Jesus Christ and someone else was building on it. However he makes it very clear that the growth depends on God who is the only one that grants increase. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” [V.7].
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it” [1Corinthians 3:10].
Since, in this chapter, Paul is dealing with division in the church, it is not too much of a stretch to believe that he is specifically referring to those who are the source of the division and strife when he asks if their work will last, and whether they will build with gold, jewels or silver, or with wood, hay and stubble. He cautions that the “someone else” who is building on his foundation should “take care how he builds” since “the fire will test what sort of work each one has done”. [Verse 10 and 13]
Missionaries: The word missionary comes from the word apostle… when the New Testament was translated from Greek into Latin, the Greek word apostolos was rendered as missio, which is the base of the word missionary. The definition adopted in 2000 by the International and North American Mission Boards, who between them host some 10,000 missionaries [2] in more than 150 countries around the world reads as follows..
A missionary is a person who, in response to God’s call and gifting, leaves his or her comfort zone and crosses cultural, geographic or other barriers to proclaim the gospel and live out a Christian witness in obedience to the Great Commission. [3]
William Beasley, the network leader for the Midwest region of Anglican Mission in the Americas, believes… [Emphasis Added]
“… there is a distinction between apostles and missionaries who also carry the gospel to the unreached. Apostles, he says, are eager to establish churches and not merely converts. "The apostolic gift leaves churches in its wake." [4]
Certainly most missionaries are sent by their churches or other organizations while the missionary initiative itself is very often understood as being prompted by God.
Wider Implications of ‘mission’: If the basis for judgment is a simple word study, then yes, missionaries are apostles… and certainly they are in a general sense. However there are differences.
While any and all words seem inadequate to express the faithfulness of most missionaries, thousands of whom have given their lives proclaiming the Gospel in their corner of the world, the methods of the average missionary differ from those of the Apostles of the New Testament. In fact, the very word mission has often taken on wider implications… social, cultural and educational causes leading the list. [See The Pattern of the New Testament Apostle. Below]
As said by Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board
In order to fill the strategic personnel need overseas and accommodate the diversity of those being called to missionary service, alternate categories of service are being provided. Career missionaries have continued to be the primary channel of service with 75 percent of the missionary force appointed for open-ended, long term assignments. There are people who go to spend their lives on the field. They learn the language, develop an understanding of cultural worldviews, nurture relationships and engage in long range strategies for evangelizing the people. [5]
Apostles or apostles: However it is Skye Jethani, managing editor of Leadership Journal and the author of an article in Christianity Today, who hits the nail on the head… [Emphasis Added]
“… those who affirm the gift's activity today but in a more generic capacity. The word literally means "sent one," a designation that may be applied to many believers. But the middle-ground viewpoint acknowledges there is a difference between being gifted as an apostle (little "a") and possessing the authority of an Apostle (capital "A"). [6]
In other words an apostle has a very broad meaning, but the Apostles directly linked to Jesus Christ were very narrowly defined.
Although there is a Scriptural precedent for church planters, I doubt very many missionaries today would compare themselves with the New Testament apostles. However there are quite a few modern day apostles that do consider themselves equal, or even superior to them. [For Some of These “Great Swelling Words” See Section II: Manifest Sons of God
In an interview Bill Hamon was asked why it is necessary that apostles and prophets should take on the titles of apostles and prophets, to which he replied that there were several reasons to do so..…
“ One, Jesus divided His whole ministry into five gifts or categories or anointings. He calls them gifts. He could have said that He was going to give us five gifting abilities and we will have a special anointing for special causes but we will all just be ministers of Jesus Christ.
But the fact is that Jesus gave them names. He called them apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist and teacher. When Jesus called His 12 disciples He didn't say that they were His special 12 disciples. He called them apostles and He commissioned them. If Jesus gave them a name and He wanted them to have that name, then we shouldn't deny that name. [7]
Did I miss something here? Didn’t Hamon just say that Jesus “gave them names” and “called them apostles”, and “commissioned them” and “wanted them to have that name”. When and how did the “them” become every Tom, Dick and Harry that expects the church to take as a given that they are Divinely appointed apostles, although every single shred of evidence points to the contrary.
Unfortunately this book by Bill Hamon begins to unravel right from page two with some of the most inventive interpretations of Scripture one can ever have the misfortune of coming across.
[See Hamon’s interpretation of Romans 8:19 and Hebrews 11:39-40
And
Other Inventive Interpretations]
Delusions of Grandeur
In his book Apostles Prophets and the Coming Moves of God Bill Hamon says..
The National Symposium on the Post-Denominational Church convened by Dr. C. Peter Wagner at Fuller Seminary, May 21-23, 1996, was a historical occasion in God’s annals of Church history. It was prophetically orchestrated by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s progressive purpose of bringing His Church to its ultimate destiny. . . . The consensus of the panelists was that there are still apostles and prophets in the Church, and that there is an emerging Apostolic Movement that will revolutionize the 21st-century Church. The last-generation Church will have an Apostolic Reformation that will be as great as the first-generation Apostolic Movement. The first-generation Church prophets and apostles laid the foundation of the Church. Now the last day Apostolic Reformation will put the final finishing touches on the Church. [8]
There is little argument that there are still apostles (small a) today that preach the gospel in unreached areas, planting churches where none existed before. But this is not what Wagner and his associates are about. They consider themselves ruling apostles imbued from on high with power to perform signs and wonders, and that they are changing the shape of Protestant Christianity. In other words, Wagner’s apostolic organization sees the function of apostles in line with their Dominionist ideas.
Note how often the word ‘government’ comes into play in the following quotes.
The International Coalition of Apostles, over whom C. Peter Wagner is “Presiding Apostle”, defines apostle as follows
“An apostle is a Christian leader gifted, taught, and commissioned by God with the authority to establish the foundational government of the church within an assigned sphere of ministry by hearing what the Spirit is saying to the churches and by setting things in order accordingly for the extension of the kingdom of God." [9]
Wagner has also said at various times, and in various venues…
“I believe that the government of the church is finally coming into place and that is what the Scripture teaches in Eph. 2, that the foundation of the church is apostles and prophets. [10].
“ The second apostolic age began in the year 2001” “What’s important is that you’re the people of God out there, you’re representing the kingdom of God, and you know this, but nothing has happened because the government of the church has not come into place” [11]
Since 2001, the body of Christ has been in the Second Apostolic Age. The apostolic/prophetic government of the church is now in place. . . . [W]e began to build our base by locating and identifying with the intercessory prayer movements. This time, however, we feel that God wants us to start governmentally, connecting with the apostles of the region. God has already raised up for us a key apostle in one of the strategic nations of the Middle East, and other apostles are already coming on board. Once we have the apostles in place, we will then bring the intercessors and the prophets into the inner circle, and we will end up with the spiritual core we need to move ahead for retaking the dominion that is rightfully ours. [12]
They obviously believe in the restoration of their supposed authority in the Church and apparently they see these kinds of offices primarily in a governmental rather than a functional role. As Don Clasen says, “one could make the argument that the entire Reformation was fought over this question of authority” … something that the wolves are trying to re-institute, with them taking the place of the “Holy See”.
Who speaks for God in the Church and in this world? The Church hierarchy? Or the Bible? Who infallibly represents Him on the earth? The Pope as the supposed Vicar (or "representative) of Christ? Or the Holy Spirit Who is present in the midst of His priesthood of all believers? The Reformation overthrew the tyranny of authoritarianism and dogmatism and reestablished the Word and the Spirit and returned the Church back to the first three centuries when leadership represented the people before God (in intercession), before the cult-like shift to Romanism, where they came to represent God before the people. [13].
Note: This over emphasis on submission to human authorities comes straight out of the disastrous "Shepherding" experiment of the 1970's, which evolved from the Latter Rain. Baxter, one of the original "Ft. Lauderdale Five" who founded the Shepherding movement, traveled for many years (from 1947 to about 1953) with William Branham, often doing all of the speaking for him. [14] Also, Baxter's personal secretary, George Warnock, was not only one of the North Battleford brethren, but wrote the 1951 book Feast of Tabernacles, in which he laid out a specific doctrine for the Latter Rain Movement. Others like
Maranatha Ministries was founded in 1972 in Gainesville, Florida, some 300+ miles from Fort Lauderdale All the major personalities associated with the shepherding movement at one time or another addressed Maranatha gathering. However the organization disbanded in 1989 under intense criticism from the secular and Christian press. Robert T Weiner who founded Maranatha went on to found Weiner Ministries International. The Endorsements page on their site reads like a roll call of the Dominionist movement leadership. [Details]
The founder of Promise Keepers Bill McCartney has a two pronged root.. one to the Latter Rain and the other to the Shepherding Movement via the Word of God (WOG) community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. [Details]
[See More in Chapter I… History and Beliefs]
With all this talk of government and submission, one really needs to do more than a word study, and take a deeper look at the New Testament apostolic ministry in it’s totality, starting with the most important question of all.. What was…
The Function of the New Testament Apostle.
The fact is that all the New Testament apostles were not simply called preach, but to represent God on earth with considerable authority and power. Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of the church and the apostles were the foundation. The book of Revelation (21:13-14) in describing the New Jerusalem, tells us that the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. They bore on their backs the entire weight of the mission of the Gospel both to the Jews and the Gentiles.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. [Ephesians 2:19-22. Emphasis Added]
While there are three schools of thought on whether the prophets in the above verse are a) the Old Testament Prophets, b) the New Testament Prophets, c) The New Testament Apostles that were also Prophets.
The third option is a possibility since there is no question that there were times when the various offices overlapped, with the apostles referred to as preachers, teachers and prophets. Paul refers to Himself as a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles in I Timothy 2:7. Peter calls himself a “fellow elder” in 1 Peter 5:1. Paul obviously prophesized in Corinth (See 1 Corinthians 14:6 and 13:9), and, of course the entire book of Revelation, written by an apostle, is a prophecy (See Revelation 1:3, 10:11 and 22:7).
However, even if one believes that the verse is referring to New Testament Prophets who were not Apostles, it can not refer to anyone and everyone who happens to have the gift of prophecy, but only to those who took a foundational role in the building of the church.
The church of Christ was not founded on philosophy, tradition, or human laws, but on the great truths which God had revealed, which were communicated by Him through the prophets and apostles. The Lord Jesus is called the “cornerstone,” because the whole house of God rests on him, and were it not for Him, the building could not be sustained for a moment. If the cornerstone is weak or unstable, the entire structure becomes equally insecure. While neither prophets nor apostles alone could sustain for a moment this enormous edifice, the doctrines which they taught are the foundation, or the basis on which the church rests.
They were far from mere church planters but were spiritual heavyweights who not only established doctrine and practice in the early church, but wrote virtually all the books of the New Testament. It was on their backs that the household of God was built, for which almost all of them paid with their lives.
And yet, carrying delusion and fantasy to unprecedented heights, modern day apostles believe they are superior to those in the New Testament.. this demonstrated by Rick Joyner’s words…
“You, who have dreamed of one day being able to talk with Peter, John and Paul, are going to be surprised to find that they have all been waiting to talk to you” (Rick Joyner, The Harvest (MorningStar, 1990, p.9)
So what Scriptures are used as ‘proof-texts’ for establishing modern day apostles?
Ephesians 4:11 and 2:20
The stated purpose of Wagner’s International Coalition of Apostles (ICA) says that… [Emphasis Added]
In compliance with scriptures such as Ephesians 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, and 1 Corinthians 12:28, the office of apostle began to be established and recognized by an increasingly wider spectrum of the body of Christ during the 1990s. By the year 2000 the office of apostle had begun to be affirmed and set in place throughout numerous churches of the New Apostolic Reformation. [15]
Which warrants a closer look at the Scriptures quoted. The first six verses of Ephesians 4 speak of what all Christians possess in common, which is the basis of their unity. However verse seven opens with the word “But”, which indicates a change of emphasis. Verses 7-16 speak of the unique gifts given to the individual Christian, intended to contribute to the body as a whole. The whole body grows when each believer finds his place of service and plays out his or her part.
And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: [Ephesians 4:11-13].
The problem arises with different interpretations of the phrase “unity of the faith”. Some take it to mean a basic mutual comprehension of those doctrines which constitute the core truths of the faith... one Lord, one faith, one baptism [Vs. 5].
Others believe we haven’t yet reached the unity of the faith or the “stature of the fullness of Christ, which will only come about when all differences are resolved after Jesus establishes His kingdom. Until then the needs of the present day Church are the same as those of the early Church…. The saints still need to be equipped for ministry; the body of Christ still needs to be built up etc. Therefore the four (or five) “Ascension Gifts” will be operational until the end of the age. (The number of gifts depends on whether you classify the term “pastor-teacher” as one or two gifts. The omission of "some" before “pastors and teachers" could indicate that the pastor also teaches).
Note however that which ever way you view the continuity of the gifts, one basic fact does not change. The idea behind the fivefold ministry is that they are gifts given to the Church to build it up and that the greatest role of the leadership's of the church is to be examples to the flock. All were to serve one another in humility…
neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. [1 Peter 5:3-5]
[See Section V: Biblical Accountability and Authority]
To those Corinthians boasting of who’s camp they belonged to, Paul said that the ministers through whom the people believed were nothing…
What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him. I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. [1 Corinthians 3:5-7]
The context of I Corinthians is along the same lines.. a diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit for the common benefit of the Church, in what is an obvious order of importance.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:28]
So, while it is true that Ephesians 4:11 appears to support the view that all the four or five gifts listed could be current, it is Ephesians 2 that provides clarity.
So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; [Ephesians 2:19-20]
And this is where Peter Wagner and his followers make their two fundamental mistakes.
Mistake 1:
While apostles and/or prophets with the authority and function of those in the New Testament do not exist anymore, the work of prophets is not necessarily done. The distinction exists because of the integral nature of, and difference between the function of the prophet and the apostle. The prophet does not only foretell future events but is also given by God the authority to speak on His behalf.
In What Is A Prophet? on Bible.org, Matthew Finlay outlines the major functions of a prophet according to Scriptural examples..
Prophets revealed the nature and attributes of God, made His laws known, warned men of Divine judgment upon sin, called people back to obedience and foretold the coming of the Messiah. They also recorded both the history of God’s dealings with men and the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures” [16]
Some of these functions are done for all time. For example the history of God’s dealings with man has been written from beginning to an end we haven’t reached yet. All the laws of God have already been noted for posterity and the Messiah came two thousand years ago. However several of the functions of the prophet are just as, if not more, imperative today as they were 4000 years ago. Now more than ever, in our exceedingly perilous times, people need to be warned about God’s wrath and judgment and need to be called back to obedience.
Accuracy of Modern Day “Prophets”: Yet, when was the last time you heard a modern prophet warning about the wrath and judgment of God? In fact when was the last time you heard them actually use Scripture as their guideline. All one hears is an endless torrents of mind numbing drivel proceeding out of the mouths of a myriad of phony prophets, which should do nothing but give one a sense of Déjà Moo... The distinct feeling one has heard all this bull before.
Rick Joyner himself says the general level of prophetic revelation in the church is not very high [Emphasis Added]
“Bob Jones was told that the general level of prophetic revelation in the church was about 65% accurate at this time. Some are only about 10% accurate, a very few of the most mature prophets are approaching 85% to 95% accuracy. Prophecy is increasing in purity, but there is a still a long way to go for those who walk in this ministry. This is actually grace for the church now, because 100% accuracy in this ministry would bring a level of accountability to the church which she is too immature to bear at this time. It would result in too many Annaniases and Sapphiras” [17].
So, how in the world are we supposed to know which of the prophecies or pronouncements by this supposed voice of God is accurate? Come to think of it how does the so called apostle or prophet himself know which of God’s supposed revelation falls into the 10-65% accurate category, and which do not.
Or does it make more sense to believe that that these prophets/apostles are not 100% right because they are not speaking for God who is always 100% right?
Warnings to Those Who Listen to False Prophets: Willing listeners who have given these false prophets credence are under an equally severe judgment as those who done the actual prophesying, since the Lord made it an extremely simple matter to distinguish a false prophets from a real one, and He did so FOR OUR PROTECTION. The listeners are not excused because false prophets told them lies, for they have given credit to these fabrications. Jeremiah tells us
An astonishing and horrible thing is come to pass in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? [Jeremiah 5:30-31. Emphasis Added]
And warns
Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land: By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them-them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them. [Jeremiah 14:15-16. Emphasis Added]
Chosen By God Or Elected By Men: However as also noted by Matthew Finlay … Prophets were not chosen or elected by men, and they were not permitted to inherit the title. It was not an ‘official post’ that a man could be trained for. This is easily proved by reading every single instance of how and when each prophet was called.
Yet in 1979, Bill Hamon started what he named the "School of the Prophets " in Phoenix, Arizona and
“by 1987 he had trained enough teams to prophesy over all 450 attendees at the CI conference in May of that year. What would have taken one man days to do by himself took only two afternoons for the teams”. [18].
The Wasilla Assemblies of God, a church that Sarah Palin is closely associated with, and which maintains close links to major leadership in the Third Wave/Dominionist movement also boasts a post high school program called the Master’s Commission. In their words it is a “9 month school of ministry/discipleship devoted to raising up young adults “To know God and to make Him Known” and “offer training in the prophetic gifts” [19]. [More About This Church in Chapter III: Peter Wagner and the New Apostolic Reformation]
Also in January of 1999, The Wagner Institute presented the National School of the Prophets Conference, which took place at The World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs. The speakers included C. Peter Wagner, Dutch Sheets, Rick Joyner, Cindy Jacobs, Mike Bickle and Ted Haggard among others. Those who paid $175.00 got to hear quite an array of Christian fortune-tellers called “Prophetic Presbytery” available “to minister and release you into a new level of prophetic anointing!” [20]
[For some of the baloney released by the 2002 National School of the Prophets conference Click HERE]
Mistake 2:
While there are, in general terms, apostles in the modern world, Apostles in the mold of the New Testament ones simply can not exist. Why? Because their work has already been done. All emphasis has been added in the following quote referring to apostles…
It is in Ephesians 2:20 that we are presented with an exclusive group of men to whom was committed the task of laying the foundation of the Church. Their work is done once and for all time. It will not and cannot ever be repeated. The apostles and prophets of Ephesians chapter 2 verse 20 have established THE FAITH, which is once for all committed to the saints. Those who follow, irrespective of what their ministry calling is, are called to contend earnestly for that faith. It is not a developing faith so there can never be anything new. It is a delivered faith and it is delivered once and for all. [21]
One wonders therefore how anyone can be bold enough to claim the mantle of modern apostleship, since those then who use this title are, in effect, claiming an unparalleled authority. However the last few decades have seen an exponential increase in the numbers of those brazen enough not only use the title, but are deluded enough to believe they are building …
A (New) Foundation
The advertising blurb of the Apostles and Prophets Conference in February 2000, included the following statement:
“The New Apostolic Reformation is an extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit that is changing the shape of Christianity globally. It is truly a new day! The Church is changing. New names! New methods! New worship expressions. The Lord is establishing the foundations of the church for the new millenium. This foundation is built upon apostles and prophets…” [22]
According to the above quote, a foundation for the church is being laid for the new millennium, but what they fail to explain is why the church needs a foundation in the first place. Is the old one not good enough, is it inadequate for the modern 21st century Christian, or does it simply need a spit shine?
What most people who blindly follow these knock-off “apostles”, without applying a modicum of thought, logic or common sense to the process, fail to realize is that NO STRUCTURE CAN HAVE TWO FOUNDATIONS. The original foundation has to be dug up before a new foundation can be laid.
And that is exactly what is being done… In an Introduction to the New Apostolic Reformation, the web site of Peter Wagner’s Global Harvest Ministries says… [Emphasis Added]
The New Apostolic Reformation is an extraordinary work of God at the close of the twentieth century, which is, to a significant extent, changing the shape of Protestant Christianity around the world. [23]
While the back cover of Rick Joyner’s book The Harvest says [Emphasis Added].
"What is about to come upon the earth is not just a revival, or another awakening; it is a veritable revolution. The vision was given in order to begin to awaken those who are destined to radically change the course, and even the very definition of Christianity.
Mike Bickle essentially echoes the thought…[Emphasis Added]
"I believe that God is going to allow us to see and to even partake in this restoration -- this is a major statement and I want you to pay attention closely -- to the restoration of the New Testament Standard... I believe that God is going to renovate the entire understanding of what Christianity is in the nations of the Earth. I believe that the way that 99% of us across the world as believers understand Christianity, in 20 years there will be a totally different understanding of what Christianity is from what it is right now. I believe the understanding of it, the standard of life and the expression of Christianity as we know it, I believe God is going to restore it and change it in the Earth in this generation." [24]
Oh well! I guess we can just cancel the idea of a “delivered faith” (past tense) being “once and for all handed down to the saints” and for which we were to “contend earnestly”. (Sarcasm intentional)
Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. [Jude 3]
Unfortunately for these so called apostles and prophets the original foundations laid in the first century are irreplaceable. What they are doing is simply building with hay and stubble ignoring Paul’s cautionary word that the “someone else” who is building on his foundation should “take care how he builds” since “the fire will test what sort of work each one has done”. [1Corinthians Verse 10 and 13]
Also make absolutely no mistake… The apostles commissioned directly or indirectly by God are not the only apostles spoken of in the New Testament.
False Apostles
The word “apostolos” simply means an ambassador or envoy sent as an authoritative representative. In other words, he represents the One who sent him. Obviously no ambassador can contradict the sender. He has to uphold the sender’s policy without deviation, communicating exactly the same message revealed to him by the sender. If his policy or message differs from the one he purports to represent, he is a false apostle. Consider this... How long do you think the Ambassador of a country would last if, during his term abroad, he completely contradicted the policies of his home land? He would be recalled in short order in complete disgrace and may even, in some countries pay a very heavy price for his irresponsibility. In every case he would be required to give an accounting of himself.
And so too with Christianity.
Just because God’s day of wrath and judgment has not yet come, we would be foolish to assume that justice delayed is justice denied. The false apostles and prophets will also have to give an accounting of themselves on judgment day and will pay a very heavy price when the Lord tells them …. “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” [Matthew 7:23].
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. [2 Corinthians 11:13]
I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; [Revelation 2:2]
The warning applies to prophets and teachers as well
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. [Matthew 7:15]
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [1 John 4:1]
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. [2 Peter 2:1]
Just how far these counterfeit apostles have deviated from Biblical Christianity is the subject of this multi part article. However an outstanding example of just how bogus Peter Wagner’s supposed God given “apostolic authority” is, is exemplified in his endorsement of Todd Bentley.
Peter Wagner and Todd Bentley
 On June 23th 2008 Todd Bentley, leader of the Lakeland Outpouring was “commissioned” as an evangelist by leading “apostles” during a special ceremony that was broadcast by God TV. Participating leaders at the ceremony included Wagner himself and his wife Doris, Ché Ahn, pastor of Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, Calif.; John Arnott of Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship in Canada; Bill Johnson, pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, Calif.; and Rick Joyner, founder of MorningStar Ministries in Charlotte, N.C.; Wesley Campbell of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.; Stephen and Karl Strader of Lakeland, Florida;
Thousands of people believed there was a “revival” going on and traveled from all over the globe to be a part of it. However it was soon discovered that Todd Bentley had entered into what was then referred to as “an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff” and stepped down from his position on the Board of Directors, apparently agreeing to refrain from all public ministry to receive counsel in his personal life. But I guess the counseling was far from enough considering that Todd Bentley divorced his wife and married his girlfriend.
A statement issued by Peter Wagner on the Todd Bentley Fiasco was published by The Voice Editor August 26th, 2008 in Breaking News. In it he says…
“I want it understood that I did not go to Lakeland on June 23 for Todd Bentley. I had never met him personally. I had no knowledge of and little interest in his ministry. I went because I received an apostolic plea to help bring order to the confusion and chaos that was sweeping through the body of Christ worldwide because of the television. I went strictly for the body of Christ at the invitation of the host pastor of the Outpouring”. [25]
By the way, Bentley claims that Wagner was the one who suggested having an official ceremony in which Bentley could be commissioned. [26] And Wagner himself admits that he pretty much orchestrated the entire “commissioning”. In Wagner’s words [Emphasis Added]
The scenario was that I took the podium and called around me Todd Bentley, Ché Ahn, Bill Johnson and John Arnott. I then called to the platform a number of apostles whom I had chosen to stand behind us [25b]
(I wonder who suggested anointing Bentley with “special oil” sent by Chuck Pierce who could not be there that evening)
So if Wagner had never met Todd Bentley and had no knowledge of his ministry, why exactly did he stand up on a stage and endorse him? While there were plenty of farcical, pompous pronouncements made over Todd Bentley that day, what Wagner said to Bentley on the platform took the proverbial cake… [All Emphasis Added]
“This commissioning represents a powerful spiritual transaction taking place in the invisible world. With this in mind, I take the apostolic authority that God has given me and I decree to Todd Bentley, your power will increase, your authority will increase, your favor will increase, your influence will increase, your revelation will increase.
“I also decree that a new supernatural strength will flow through this ministry. A new life force will penetrate this move of God. Government will be established to set things in their proper order. God will pour out a higher level of discernment to distinguish truth from error. New relationships will surface to open the gates to the future.”
All the have been proven untrue.. His power did not increase, His authority did not increase, His favor did not increase, His influence did not increase, His revelation did not increase and God certainly did not pour out a higher level of discernment to distinguish truth from error. So much for decreeing with supposedly God given “apostolic authority”.
Actually considering Wagner’s words that the decrees he pronounced over Bentley was by God given “apostolic authority”, we are forced to one of two conclusions.. 1) God is not exactly the omniscient Being we thought Him to be. In fact He is a little stupid. 2) C Peter Wagner was lying and there was no Divine “apostolic authority”. Take your pick.
See Todd Bentley’s Circus Side Show From Hell
A Biblical Foundation For the Commissioning?
The Elijah List published "Peter Wagner's Report of the Lakeland Outpouring" dated June 24, 2008, in which Wagner makes the following statement referring to the time just before Todd Bentley’s commissioning. He says his first desire is to “lay a Biblical foundation for what we are about to do”, then goes on to say…[Emphasis in Original]
I will begin with a scripture that has been a central text for those of us who are in the stream of the contemporary apostolic/prophetic movement - Ephesians 4:11-12:
"And He Himself (Jesus at His ascension) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry..."
The word "equipping" is a translation of the Greek katartizo which literally means "aligning," as in setting a broken bone or a chiropractic adjustment. It means putting things in order so that the body functions as it was designed to function. This is one of the responsibilities of apostles such as those whom you see on the platform, and that is the reason we are present tonight. For example, Paul wrote to Titus, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking..." (Titus 1:5). [Peter Wagner's Report of the Lakeland Outpouring...
..Speaking of Paul and Titus, their relationship is a Biblical prototype of apostolic alignment. The same would apply to Paul and Timothy. The apostolic alignment of Timothy and Titus with Paul was a principal factor in allowing God to develop and fulfill His complete destiny in both of their lives. [25b]
In the first place the word that has been translated equipping is not the Greek katartizo as Wagner says, but is the Greek katartismos, which is only found this once in the New Testament and, according to Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Lexicon, means complete furnishing (objectively): - perfecting.
No doubt katartismos is a derivative of katartizo, which means to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: - fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect
katartizo, in turn comes from the Greek words kata (a preposition) and artios, which means fresh, or by implication complete: - perfect.
None of these words gives the sense of “putting things in order”, but (just as it has been translated in the English Bible) gives the sense of making complete or perfecting. This is best illustrated by seeing how the word katartizo has been used in the New Testament..(A total of 13 times)
And going on from thence he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. Matthew 4:21
The disciple is not above his teacher: but every one when he is perfected shall be as his teacher. Luke 6:40
Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1
night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 1Thessalonians 3:10
And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. 1 Peter 5:10
Additionally, there is absolutely no connection between Todd Bentley’s commissioning, and Paul’s instructions to Titus to “set in order the things that were wanting”. Wagner has only quoted half of the verse, so reading it in it’s entirety, Paul says …
Very apparently there were things left unfinished which Titus was to complete, the principal one being that no elders had been appointed in the various cities where the gospel had been preached. This is borne out by next three verses (6-9) in which Paul lays out standards of morality and conduct for the elder (or bishop) of the church.
Verse 10 begins with the word “for” which connects it with the previous subject. From verse ten on Paul talks of unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers [V.10] whose mouths must be stopped [V.11] and who's consciences are defiled [V.15] and who deny God by their works [V.16]
There is no “Apostolic Alignment” here but instructions to a man that Paul called “my true child after a common faith” and whom he trusted to complete the work that he himself had (for whatever reason) been unable to.
Wagner again tries to use another example to prove that “Paul himself was also apostolically aligned”
Soon after he was called to join Barnabas and his colleagues in Antioch for the then controversial ministry of planting churches among Gentiles, he traveled to Jerusalem to bring a gift for famine relief and also to align with some of the apostles. I want to use the experience that Paul had on that occasion as the text for the protocol for tonight's alignment and commissioning of Todd Bentley. It is found in Galatians 2:9, which tells the story of one of Paul's visits to Jerusalem:
"...and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised."
Concluding that giving Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship is even remotely similar to an “apostolic alignment”, is going far beyond what the text actually says. The right hand of fellowship is merely an expression where the others acknowledged Paul and Barnabus as fellow-laborers in the great work of spreading the gospel around the world, and in a sense divvied up the duties, where Paul and Barnabus would go to the Gentiles and the others to the Jews.
There is no Biblical precedent for the farce that took place on the day they commissioned Todd Bentley’s Circus Side Show From Hell.
Stacey Campbell, in yet another Linda Blair imitation, prophesied publicly on GodTV that Todd Bentley would be a “first fruits” of a generation that would walk both in the anointing and the glory of God. In August 2008 she issued a Public Statement regarding her “Prophecy” To Todd Bentley, saying in part..
I am truly sorry for any confusion my prophecy may have brought to the Body of Christ. I am fully aware that Todd is not walking in this prophetic call. [27]
I am afraid that I do not know what a “prophetic call” is. When God calls someone to prophesy, one of two things happens. They obey and make the prophecy, in which case it will come to pass. Or they simply ignore God’s call, in which case no prophecy is made (However this is something that God does not take kindly to…..remember Jonah).
So stating that Bentley is not “walking in this prophetic call” is just so much hooey and fancy language. In fact the entire commissioning was nothing but a bunch of misinformed, misguided zealots who have vastly overstepped the limits of their knowledge and authority.
But to return to C Peter Wagner…
The only part he got right is when he said “New relationships will surface to open the gates to the future”. But then I am reasonably sure he wasn’t thinking about that “female member of Bentley’s staff” at the time…
It is truly amazing that none of the ‘apostles’ and ‘prophets’ involved in Bentley’s commissioning ever realized that during the so-called Lakeland Revival, Bentley “entered into an unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff”, got drunk a few times, and would shortly file for divorce from his wife.
Of course Wagner hands out a lot of guff about
“the evil that the prince of the power of the air had been subtly introducing into the Outpouring” and how he “started to be exposed and unraveled the day after the alignment”
and even worse how
“just about every leader” he knew had “discerned that Lakeland I was a mixture of the godly and the ungodly”. [28]
This is pretty much what comes of human beings trying too fill shoes that are ten sizes too big for them… eventually they trip and fall on their faces.
When Jesus picked His disciples there were no mistakes.
It is particularly interesting that it can be argued that the choosing of Matthias was instigated by man rather than by God, since Matthias is never again specifically referred to in the New Testament. On the contrary it is Paul who spoke of himself as an equal with the rest of the apostles as his appointment was by the will of God Himself. It is Paul that wrought miracles and wonders which were the ‘signs of an apostle” and who wound up writing a hefty part of the New Testament. When God chose Paul there was no mistake. [See Acts 1:21-26]
The difference is between genuine apostles and deluded con men who are, as the Bible says… Ravening wolves who have risen from among us.
Which brings us to yet another question. What exactly is the role and function of the church elders or leaders. How much “authority” do they have, and are we supposed to “obey” them?
 Section V: Biblical Accountability and Authority. While there is absolutely no question that church leadership or elders are responsible for the spiritual well being of the local church, and that God holds them responsible to care for His flock, the New Testament says absolutely nothing about one believer having "authority" over another, regardless of their position or prestige. A careful perusal of the New Testament finds that we ought to obey God, the Gospel and the teaching of the apostles. Children are instructed to obey their parents and servants their masters etc. Conspicuous by it’s absence is the directive that believers are to "obey" church leaders.
End Notes
All URL’s Accessed December 2009
[1] http://www.apostles-today.net/
[2] http://www.imb.org/globalresearch/cpm.asp
[3] http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzEpH/b.213022/k.16FD/Sending_Missionaries.htm
[4] Skye Jethani. Apostles Today? Rediscovering the gift that leaves churches and well-connected pastors in its wake. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/spring/15.37.html
[5] To the Ends of the Earth: Churches Fulfilling the Great Commission By Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board. B&H Books (June 1, 2006) Page 137
[6] Skye Jethani. Apostles Today? Rediscovering the gift that leaves churches and well-connected pastors in its wake. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/spring/15.37.html
[7] Dr. Bill Hamon answers your questions about the eternal Church. By Jennifer LeClaire
http://www.thevoicemagazine.com/ApoMoments_BillHamon.htm
[8] Bill Hamon, Apostles Prophets and the Coming Moves of God. Destiny Image Publishers (July 1, 1997). Pg. 10
[9] http://www.apostlesnet.net/
[10] CBN interview. Jan.3, 2000. As quoted in YWAM: The Facts About Their Headlong Dive Into Apostasy
by Sandy Simpson. http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/ywamapostasy.html
[11] Excerpt from the transcript of a talk C. Peter Wagner delivered at Arise Prophetic Conference Gateway Church San Jose, CA on 10/10/2004. http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/arise.html
[12] 11/01/05, Global Link newsletter Global Harvest Ministries. As quoted in Crisis in the Church Dominionism, http://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2007/07/16/crisis-in-the-church-dominionism/
[13] Don Clasen. Part 3: The Destroyed Foundations - The Word.. http://www.intotruth.org/res/lastdl3.html
[14] http://ern-baxter.blogspot.com/2006/12/happy-christmas-to-one-and-all-i-do.html
[15] http://www.apostlesnet.net/prospectus.htm
[16] http://bible.org/seriespage/chapter-three-what-prophet
[17] Rick Joyner. The Prophetic Ministry. Morningstar Prophetic Newsletter. Vol. 3, No. 2, p. 2
[18] http://www.christianinternational.org/. See the About CI link
[19] http://www.mcwasillaalaska.com/MCwasillaalaska/Welcome.html
[20] http://www.discernment-ministries.org/1998_NovemberDecember.pdf
[21] http://www.christian-witness.org/docs/apostle.doc
[22] "Who Is The Foundation of the Church: CHRIST or Modern Day Apostles?” by Philip Powell.
http://www.intotruth.org/globalism/new-apostle.html
[23] http://www.globalharvest.org/apostolic.htm
[24] Overview of Corporate Long Term Vision, Mike Bickle, 1/5/86, cassette tape. As quoted on A Look at the Kansas City Prophets by Stephen F. Cannon. http://www.intotruth.org/kcp/kcp-wineskins.html
[25] http://www.thevoicemagazine.com/blog/breaking-news/peter-wagner-expounds
-on-todd-bentley-fiasco/
[25b] C. Peter Wagner: "Peter Wagner's Report of the Lakeland Outpouring"
http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word/6611
[26] Leaders Commission Todd Bentley at ‘Lakeland Outpouring’, Charisma, June 24, 2008. http://charismamag.com/index.php/news/19569
[27] http://barryboucher.typepad.com/ministers_matter/2008/08/stacey-campbell.html
[28] http://www.thevoicemagazine.com/blog/breaking-news/peter-wagner-expounds-on-todd-bentley-fiasco/
Foot Note I
The Pattern of the New Testament Apostle.
[The following is an excerpt from The Ministry of Apostles by Steve Atkerson. Are There Apostles in Today's Church? http://www.ntrf.org/articles/article_detail.php]
Based on Acts 1-7, 8:12, 15:1-2 (cp. Galatians 1:11, 1:18, 2:1, 2:9) and 21:17-18, it appears that most of the Twelve worked out of Jerusalem for at least seventeen years (it was their base of operations). While there, the apostles devoted their time to evangelizing the lost in Jerusalem and to teaching the saved. They also occasionally took short missionary journeys while based out of Jerusalem (Acts 8:14, 25).
By the time Paul went there, however, they seem to have left (Acts 21:17-18). Only James was still present. However, looking again to the New Testament, it becomes obvious that near constant movement characterized many of the other apostles. They itinerated, preached the Gospel and organized churches. Rarely did these traveling apostles settle down permanently in one place.
Occasional training stops were made in strategic locations, but then the circuit continued. For instance, Paul spent one and a half years in Corinth (Acts 18:11), two years in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10), and two years in Rome (Acts 28:30). … Similarly, Paul told the apostle Timothy to “stay in Ephesus so that [he] might command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer” (1 Timothy 1:3); but once that job was done Paul wrote for him to “do your best to get here before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). Despite what is commonly supposed, Timothy was an apostle to Ephesus, not a pastor there. Another example is Titus, left in Crete to “straighten out what was left unfinished” and to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5); once this was accomplished Titus was to join Paul at Nicopolis (Titus 3:12).
Among Paul’s associates, Barnabus comes originally from Cyprus but turns up first in Jerusalem (Acts 5,36), then goes to Antioch (Acts 11,22) and Tarsus (Acts 11,25) before accompanying Paul on his frst journey, while Apollos, who comes from Alexandria is found first in Ephesos (Acts 18, 24) and then in Corinth (Acts 19)… Aquila and Priscilla, tentmakers (like Paul) are found in Corinth (Acts 1:2-3) and subsequently in Ephesos (Acts 18,19) [The three worlds of Paul of Tarsus By Richard Wallace, Wynne Williams. Routledge; 1 edition (March 9, 1998). Pg 15-16]
These and other journeys like those of Paul, go quite unremarked, and seem to have been undertaken and completed without special arrangements, as a matter of routine.
What objectives did the early apostles have that motivated their travels? One was evangelism. In discussing the rights of apostles, Paul referred to apostles as “those who preach the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:14). Similarly, Timothy was charged to “do the work of an evangelist” (2Timothy 4:5). Even a cursory reading of Acts will show this to be an important function for apostles.
Another objective of those sent out by the church was to organize and strengthen the newly converted. This was partially the reason for the one or two year stays. Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us that God gave apostles “to prepare God’s people for works of service.” Paul planned a visit to Ephesus, but in case he was delayed he wrote instructions so that they would “know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household” (1 Timothy 3:15). Timothy’s job was to “entrust” the truth to “reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
A major difference between an elder and an apostle is that a elder’s sphere of service is concentrated in the local church, whereas an apostle’s field is universal and temporary. Once an apostle has trained and appointed elders, he moves on. From then on, it is up to the elders to teach the church and train future elders, with occasional help from apostles who pass by. [PLACE IN TEXT]
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