Introduction
The office of an apostle is one of the highest spiritual callings ever recorded in Scripture. In an era when numerous individuals claim to be “apostles,” it is essential for the Church to understand what the Bible truly teaches about this pivotal office established by Jesus Christ Himself.
Jesus, after praying through the night, appointed the twelve apostles.
The Gospels record that Jesus Christ spent an entire night in prayer before choosing the twelve. Luke 6:12-13 states:
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.”
Jesus did not choose these men casually or through human reasoning. He prayed to the Father, and God spoke to Him, instructing Him to appoint these twelve men who would become the foundation of His Church.
What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
The word “disciple” means “learner,” “follower,” or “student.” Every believer in Jesus Christ is called to be His disciple, following His teachings and example (Luke 14:26-27). During His ministry, Jesus had many disciples, including the seventy whom He sent out to preach and heal (Luke 10:1).
An apostle, however, is more than a disciple. The Greek Word apostolos means “one sent forth with authority.” Jesus chose the apostles to be His authoritative representatives for the Church. They played a crucial role in preaching the gospel, performing miracles, and laying down the foundational doctrines.
Biblical Qualifications of an Apostle
- Direct Appointment by Jesus Christ
- Jesus Himself chose every true Apostle recorded in Scripture. Matthew 10:1-4 lists the first twelve, and Paul continually emphasized that he was not appointed by men but by Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1).
- Personal Witness of the Risen Christ
- The selection of Matthias to replace Judas followed the standard set out in Acts 1:21-22.
- “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us…one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
- The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, His death, and His resurrection. Paul, though not among the Twelve, saw the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8).
- No Other Biblical Criteria
- The New Testament does not prescribe any additional criteria for becoming an apostle. Modern churches often invent qualifications or ordain “apostles” through denominational votes or human recognition, but these practices are not biblical. The office of an apostle was unique to those personally called and sent by Jesus Christ.
John’s Testimony: Hearing, Seeing, and Touching the Word of Life
The Apostle John, in his first epistle, testified to his unique apostolic qualification as a personal witness of Jesus Christ. He wrote:
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life —the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1-3)
John emphasized that apostles were eyewitnesses and physical handlers of the Word of life, Jesus Christ Himself. They heard His voice, saw Him with their eyes, touched Him with their hands, and bore direct witness to His divinity and humanity.
The list of apostles in the Bible
Here are the apostles named explicitly in Scripture:
- Peter (Simon)—called Cephas by Jesus (John 1:42).
- Andrew—Peter’s brother.
- James, son of Zebedee.
- John – brother of James.
- Philip.
- Bartholomew (Nathanael).
- Matthew (Levi)—the tax collector.
- Thomas (Didymus).
- James, son of Alphaeus.
- Thaddeus (Judas, son of James, also called Lebbaeus).
- Simon the Zealot.
- Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ betrayer, was subsequently replaced.
After Judas’ betrayal and death, Matthias was chosen by casting lots (Acts 1:26), becoming the twelfth Apostle.
- Paul (Saul of Tarsus)—divinely called as the Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 1:1). He was not among the Twelve but was a direct appointment by Jesus Christ from heaven.
Were There More Apostles After Paul?
The Bible does not record any additional apostles appointed by Christ after Paul. An apostle’s office was foundational to the Church (Ephesians 2:20). Once God firmly establishes a foundation, it cannot be altered or rebuilt; it remains in place. The prevailing trend of self-proclaimed apostleship marks a significant deviation from the time-honored biblical principles that have guided faith and practice throughout history.
Jesus’ ascension was witnessed by the Apostles.
Acts 1:9-11 records that the apostles were present when Jesus ascended back to heaven:
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight… ‘This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Their eyewitness testimony is critical. They saw Him ascend, and they declared His promise to return.
Paul: The Final Apostle of Jesus Christ
Paul is unique among the apostles. He did not walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry, yet Christ appeared to him personally in a glorious form. Acts 9:3-6 states:
“As he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Paul described himself as “one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8) and declared:
“Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1)
His apostleship was never by human ordination. Jesus Christ Himself called and commissioned Paul as the Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18; Romans 11:13).
False Apostles and Modern Deception
The apostolic office was unique, foundational, and completed in the first century with the Twelve and Paul. The Bible warns explicitly about false apostles:
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself, he transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)
In Revelation 2:2, Jesus commended the Ephesian Church for testing and exposing false apostles:
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.”
Modern Charlatans Calling Themselves Apostles
Today, many men and women rise in church circles to claim the title of “apostle.” They do so to gain spiritual power, financial control, or public recognition. These individuals are unqualified, unrecognized by God, and are spiritual frauds. They:
- They have never witnessed the appearance of the risen Christ.
- We were never appointed directly by Jesus.
- Lacking any actual apostolic signs, wonders, and foundational authority (2 Corinthians 12:12).
They deceive many with their fake ministries, false prophecies, and self-made authority. Their teachings often deviate from the gospel of Christ into prosperity heresies, New Age spirituality, or nonbiblical revelations.
A Solemn Warning from Scripture
Jesus Christ Himself warns those who call themselves apostles without divine appointment. Revelation 2:20-23 speaks of judgment against those who falsely claim prophetic and apostolic authority, leading God’s people astray:
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants. Indeed, I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds.”
Likewise, in Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus declared:
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not…done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”
Conclusion: The True Apostles and Their Everlasting Foundation
The office of an apostle of Jesus Christ was a divine calling, reserved for those directly appointed by Him as witnesses of His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. These men became the foundation of the Church, as Ephesians 2:20 states:
“…having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”
There is no biblical support for appointing new apostles today. Modern claimants are deceiving themselves and their followers. Jesus Christ warned that in the last days, false apostles will abound to deceive even the elect if possible (Matthew 24:24).
Final Warning to Self-Appointed Apostles
To those who call themselves apostles today without divine appointment:
You are false, nonbiblical, and unrecognized by the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent, for the office of Apostle belongs solely to those He chose, and you have no part in it.
May the true Church remain vigilant, grounded in the teaching of the original apostles recorded in Scripture, and reject the lies of Satan’s agents who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.
