Apostolic and Prophetic Movement

 Contact the Author: Dr. Ervin De LeonThe apostolic and prophetic movement

Much confusion is generated in today's interpretation of Ephesians 4:11 which says: "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers"The confusion is that many wonder if they really exist in this day apostles and prophets, is about these two ministries that confusion arises because it is not questioned the ministry of Evangelist Pastor, and Teacher.In this day have risen groups and individuals who call themselves apostles and prophets, who claim to be the "heads or apostolic authority" of the church in general in a particular city or region, proclaims that these churches united under the " apostolic authority "allegedly would call to demolish all denominational barriers to come under the authority of the" apostles and prophets. "Today in our city of Houston is such confusion that the church is divided over this issue. That is why Owing to the importance of the topic and the popularity of our radio program, many people constantly ask me about the topic, so I felt it necessary to put some things that I think are relevant on the issue, putting it in perspective with a few things about it were published.I. Understanding The ProblemRecently read an article entitled "New Prophets to Head the Church Let Us Reason Ministries by" (The new prophets who will lead the church), the author describes something that I think is amazing, he says that in the year 2000, looking in one of the Christian TV an interview with one of the most notorious leaders of this movement of modern apostles and prophets (Peter Wagner) I hear you say:
 "I think the church government has finally reached the place that the Scriptures say in Ephesians 2 where he speaks of the foundation of the church are the apostles and prophets, before the decade of the 80s and 90s they were virtually ignored but now have recognized this is a major reason why we are entering a new level of prayer, spiritual warfare, healing, miracles and deliverance. This is a new era, I do not know if it's coincidental as we enter a new millennium "(emphasis added.)When we observe that assertion, it is given implies that the church was stagnant until the 80s and 90s, as if waiting for the discovery and launch of the apostolic and prophetic ministry. The reality is that in these 20 centuries of existence has the church, God in His sovereignty and His eternal plan has always worked its will and nothing has gotten out of hand. Throughout the centuries there were periods of darkness but also a time of great light, time of evangelization, conversion and revivals everywhere. Jesus said "I will establish my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"When these modern apostles say: "The Church has finally reached the place that the Scriptures say in Ephesians 2" seems to imply that the church has been without foundation in these 2,000 years of existence or God's plan for his church has not been carried out, if so, then the gospel would be the greatest failure who ever lived two thousand years if Christ has not been able to substantiate his church. Rather it seems that the modern apostolic movement has misunderstood Ephesians 2:19-20 Cap which reads: "so are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the family of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with the chief cornerstone Jesus Christ himself "If you notice here we talk about our position in Christ as believers and when talking about the foundation of apostles and prophets are talking of hierarchical ecclesiastical authority, but rather are talking about growth and maturity that the faithful receive when built the doctrine of the apostles and prophets is the doctrine of men who were inspired, revelation of the word is the Bible God's Word.It spoke in John 15 when Jesus said "I have many things to say but still they can not carry but when He, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, will take of Mine and declare it to you" in this verse means that taking of him and make it known, it is included inspiration and revelation of Scripture. Jude refers to this when they called to "contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints" Faith in this sense is a whole doctrine was given once, not often but one. That faith or doctrine, is the foundation of the apostles and prophets Ephesians 2:20 which speaksLet's see how some of the most renowned biblical scholars have interpreted Ephesians 2:20 regarding the foundation of the apostles and prophets.Matthew Henry, Commentary on the whole Bible says:"The Church is compared to a building. The apostles and prophets are the foundation of that building. Although we call secondary basis, because Christ himself is the main foundation, but we understand it in reference to the doctrine delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New. "John Wesley, Explanatory Notes All The Bible says:"As the foundation sustains the building, so the Word of God, declared by the apostles and prophets, says the faith of all believers. God made the foundation through them, but Christ is the cornerstone of the foundation. "The New John Gil Expository of the Entire Bible says:"The Old Testament prophets and apostles of the New ministerially who cast the sole and only one foundation, Jesus Christ, because they are the people of the apostles and prophets and their doctrines not merely what is involved here, but Christ who is content them and who is the foundation of the church and all true believers are built on that foundation of the covenant of grace, the blessing of the promise of offering faith, hope, peace, joy and comfort of the salvation and eternal happiness. On this basis the saints are edified by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. "Barnes in his Notes on the New Testament says:"Foundation of the apostles doctrine they taught on which the church rests.Background Of the Prophets: The Prophets of the Old Testament, probably using the word to refer to the Old Testament in general. "For all the foregoing, it is demonstrated that the expression foundation of apostles and prophet refers to the ministerial hierarchy that may exist within the church but the doctrinal foundation that was brought by direct revelation to the prophets of the Old Testament office and apostles who received the divine breath of inspiration to bring us the Bible is the Word of God, is where does the doctrinal foundation on which the Church has held today and tomorrow.Having made clear what the Bible means when it talks about the foundation of apostles and prophets, in the article "New Prophets to Head the Church" (The new prophets who will lead the church) published by Let Us Reason Ministries mentioned some writers this movement who make some of the most extravagant claims on the subject have heard:John Eckhardt: "They (apostles and prophets) are often the first to preach certain revelations that God is giving to the Church (Apostolic Movement Book, page 45)" An Apostle can come and establish a new revelation "(p. 46)Pretty much saying here is that this new "apostles and prophets" has authority to establish doctrinal principles on supposed revelations which may even be outside the box by the word of God, the Bible, this is a dangerous precedent that may open door to many doctrinal aberrations in this case could be justified in the context of the alleged revelations. The Bible itself gives us no such liberties. Here are some Bible verses that limit such practices to state clearly the adequacy of the Bible.2 Peter 1:16-19 "For we have not released the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ by following artificial fables, but having seen with our own eyes his majesty .... We have the prophetic word made more sure, You will do well to heed as a light shining in a dark place ... "2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."To assert that they, the new apostles and prophets have been given the authority to establish a new revelation and doctrine it is dangerous and is also jettison some principles that are well established on the Word of God . We can ask ourselves today set a new revelation? Lewis Chafer in his Systematic Theology states the following regarding this question:"Revelation and inspiration if cardinal doctrines of the Bible but are often confused, the confusion is due in large part to the inspiration and revelation have to agree on one point without hesitation .... The Bible is the only system of revealed truth. The revelation, which is the divine influence that directly communicates truth to the man and the inspiration that is the direct divine influence that ensures proper and accurate transfer of truth in language that others can understand. (Chafer, Systematic Theology, Volume 1, page 51)Here, clearly implies that although there is disclosure, however, it can not be transmitted without error unless there is inspiration because it is the latter, the inspiration, the failure to protect the transmission of revealed truth. The inspiration however was only given to the writers of the Bible and no one else, so anyone outside of the biblical writers can communicate revelation without error and thus establish doctrine.Chafer goes on to say:"What's more, crowds of people heard the voice of God when they heard the gracious revelations that constitute the substance of the preaching of Christ, but none of them except the chosen disciples were called to perform the functions of inspired writers" (Ibb Page 51).This movement of modern apostles and prophets is taking a dangerous precedent in the past took the Roman Catholic Church, who claims to have an extra-Biblical authority to establish doctrine through the ex cathedra statements of popes who asserts the doctrine of Rome These ex-chairs to speak without error can be expressed by the alleged disclosure papal infallibility.In the article "New Apostles and Prophets who will lead the Church published by Let Us Reason Ministries" is published something that is interesting, this article argues that some leaders of this movement have said, "the church of the 21st century will be unrecognizable compared to the church of today, the apostles and prophets of the last days that are alive today took the church through the transition of the dispensation of grace to the dispensation of the kingdom, the church dispensation of death the church immortal. (Transcript of Bill Hamon Titled Battle of the bride, Nov. 1997.)Practically this is the same reasoning that appears in the occult doctrine of Theosophy, and in the order of idea of ​​the New Age movement (New Age). It is also important to note that in this movement virtually ignored the rapture of the church, we must say that churches that have adopted this system of doctrine many have ended up denying premillennial position to stop believing that there will be a lifting of the church as 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 says, as published in the preceding article the bride of the lamb the church, will be transformed by the "modern apostles and prophets" and not by Jesus Christ at his coming.The Bible speaks very clearly of this transformation through the resurrection of the dead in Christ and by the transformation at the time of adjournment of the Church, as it says 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. According to an article called The New Apostolic Reformation, Dr. Orrel Steinkamp says, "According to the summarization of what was said by many of its exponents: The church is not going to lay more to be expected in a world helicopterizada rescue plan. The church will be here by his spiritual authority to challenge the principalities and powers in heavenly places and putting it under his feet "According to the collection and research done by Dr. Steinkamp group of writers in today promote apostolic and prophetic movement, they do not agree with the doctrine of the rapture or adjournment of the Church, some openly reject others simply do not address the issue. Many have gone to Amillennialism, ie the establishment of the kingdom without a literal millennium, which is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church, which teaches that the church at the end dominate the world and the kingdom of heaven is the reign of the church.II. Biblical problem facing the apostolic-prophetic movement in todayAs defined by the International Coalition of Apostles ICA, an apostle, "is a Christian leader gifted, taught and commissioned and sent by God with the authority to establish the fundamental church government and the ministerial sphere to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches and setting the proper order for the growth and maturity of the church. "(What is the New Apostolic Reformation?, Compiled by Renee Rodriguez)If you notice this definition is very general and somewhat ambiguous about what the Bible teaches us is an apostle, if we take what the Bible says about it, should not surprise us, after the death of John the Apostle close the year 100 after Christ did not establish new apostles. Let us begin:Acts 1:21 "We must, therefore, that these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day of us was taken up , one must become a witness with us of his resurrection "If you notice, hence the requirement for the ministry, was to be eyewitness of Jesus' ministry since he was baptized in the Jordan to his transfer to heaven after his death and resurrection, Paul defended his apostleship always testified to having seen Jesus personally and not only this but have learned the gospel by direct revelation from which they suffer many of the "apostles" today.1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Am I not ye my work in the Lord?Galatians 1:11 "But I certify you brethren, the gospel I preached is not after man, for I neither received nor learned man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ"No one today can say that what he learned the Gospel no one preach or teach anyone who has become today because someone has made him speak that he had previously heard or learned from another. The apostles of the Lord, however, had a direct learning, those who sat at the feet of Jesus for 3 years and then Paul who could not learn in the Lord's earthly ministry, however, he had direct instruction of the gospel as other. You may ask, then what you say about James the brother of Jesus who is called an apostle in Galatians 1:19 and Barnabas and others?The word apostle is the translation of the Greek Apostolos (Apostolos) is literally one sent (apo) the partitive Stello, send. According to Vine "This word is used of the Lord Jesus to describe his relationship with God, Hebrews 3:1, the 12 disciples chosen to receive special instruction were so designated Luke 6:13, 9:10. Paul, although he had seen the Lord Jesus 1 Corinthians 9:1, 15:8, had not accompanied the 12 'all the time including "Acts 1:22 based on their lack of the necessary conditions for this, Paul received a direct commission, by the Lord himself, after his ascension to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. Vine concludes regarding other appointed apostles in the Bible out of 12, as eg, Acts 14:4,14 Barnabas, Andronicus and Junia Romans 16:7, Philippians 2:25 of Epafrondito in 'your messenger 'in this sense the word can also be translated as a messenger, as I came from the Greek word Apostole Apostolate (Apostole) that appears in Acts 1:25, Romans 1:15, 1 Corinthians 9:2 and Galatians 2:8. Translates as an envoy, a mission or apostolate (WE Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, pp.. 129 and 130)According to the foregoing, the ability to establish doctrine, was given only once to those who received the revelation and inspiration to communicate the infallible truth revealed, ie the Scriptures. This is limited only to them to the original apostles.Fegurson masterfully described as follows:"Since the apostles (except in the sense of the delegates of the churches) were witnesses to the resurrection and made the foundation of the church, is that your post was a phenomenon of the first generation that could not be repeated, had no successors and in principle can not be any. However, the church can and must be still apostolic in the sense that has to live up to his teaching contained in the Scriptures of the New Testament, and it must follow suit to suffer with their Lord. John Wesley declared .... "Some groups of bishops have leaders who are appointed apostles themselves, but they also fail to recognize that the apostolate is associated with original witness of the resurrection" (Fegurson, Wright, Packer. New Dictionary Theology, CBP, Pp. 86 and 87)As we see a lot of Christian writers in virtually all periods of the church have considered the issue and agree that the original apostles are irreplaceable, once fulfilled their ministry, this has been perpetuated in the church and the church still remains under the authority of the original apostles and prophets, with respect to the prophets of the Old Testament many prophecies have been fulfilled and today are historical, others are in compliance or will be fulfilled in the near future so the prophets originals are still in force, just as happens with the apostles, men inspired to establish the foundation of Christ Church, his writings inspired not expire because the Word of God is therefore still in force and are irreplaceable.The apostolic and prophetic movement of today is not nothing but something well orchestrated to take control of the church and is dangerous because it takes the matter to end extra-biblical as we can see the definition in its collection on the subject Renee Rodriguez his article expresses some things if you read we are left to wonder what is the biblical basis for this? quote:"The current apostolic movement is so new that considerable confusion has arisen Who is an apostle? Are all apostles the same? How to Minister an apostle? here is the terminology that I think will help at least for the moment:Vertical Apostles, Apostles Church (authority over number of churches), apostles functional (specific ministries in areas), apostles of equipment (minister in conjunction with other apostles) congregational apostles (church pastors who shepherd a number higher than the 700 or 800s)Horizontal Apostles: apostles convergent (called specific field joint authority) apostles ambassadors (itinerant ministry of catalyst) mobilized apostles (authority to put to work along a certain segment of the body of Christ) Territorial apostles (authority over certain segment of the body in the field of a city or state)Apostles of the market (yet undefined role). (What is the New Apostolic Reformation?, Compiled by Renee Rodriguez)III. Now let's see Ephesians 4:11
 This is one of the verses on the subject is causing controversy "And he gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers."This verse is used by people in the apostolic and prophetic movement is unbiblical to claim that the function of the 5 ministries in the church today, however many of the most renowned commentators and biblical exegetes have another opinion about it and here what some important commentators say in Ephesians 4:11John Wesley's Explanatory Notes On The Whole Bible (Note explanatory of the whole Bible by John Wesley) John Wesley was one of the most important leaders of all time (1703-1791) founder of Methodism, a movement that was a day of impact and Methodist church today is one of most important names in the world. Comment Wesley Ephesians 4:11 the following:"And in other free gifts, He gave some apostles - His ministers and heads special witnesses, who were looked after his resurrection and received his commission immediately from him and some prophets, some evangelists - A prophet testifies things to come, an evangelist of the things that have gone before any Apostle. These were all extraordinary offices. Are ordinary. Pastors who oversee the flock and some teachers, who are equal or lower order to assist them as occasion demands "People's New TestamentEphesians 4:11 "And he gave. It has been shown previously that Christ "gave gifts to men" (V.7, 8) of these gifts were several trades. The purpose of these offices was to promote "the unity of the faith '(V.13). Christ has chosen professions, and gives men in the church who are suitable for these trades. It is the responsibility of the church to recognize and call men qualifying Christ has given. Some to be apostles. The apostles were chosen by Christ. Everyone had to be witnesses of his resurrection (Acts 1.22). Therefore there can be successors, but his job continues. They still continue to be teachers and authority for his writings and example. And some prophets. The office inspired, essential in the church teachings until the New Testament was completed. And some evangelists like the case of Philip (Acts 8:4-12, 21:8 ..... This job is to preach the gospel and will need all the time that the church continued on earth. This office does not require gifts Extraordinary, is permanent. pastors and teachers. These are not distinct offices, bishops, or elders, especially those who are 'work in the word and doctrine' the pastor will always be an old man. All these offices are given for the purpose indicated in V.12, the perfecting of the saints. "Matthew Henry (1662-1714) One of the greatest commentators of all time.Ephesians 4:11 "The Apostle tells us that Christ gave to His ascension, God, some to be apostles, indeed some had already established before his ascension, Matthew 10:1-5, but one was added, Acts 1 : 26. And they all were solemnly installed and publicly confirmed in his office, for the visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit in an extraordinary way about them. Note, that the great gift that Christ gave the church to his ascension was the ministry of peace and reconciliation. The gift of ministry is the fruit of Christ's ascension and the ministers have their different gifts that was given to them by the Lord Jesus. The officers that Christ gave his church were of two size --- Some extraordinary, advanced to a higher office in the church, as were the apostles, prophets and evangelists. The apostles were the leaders. These were immediately called by Christ, envestidos of extraordinary gifts and power to work miracles and infallibility in the delivery of your truth, and they witnessed his miracles and doctrine, He sent them to spread the gospel and to plant and grow churches. The prophets seem to be those of the Old Testament writers, who identified the things that were to come. The evangelists were ordained persons (2 Timothy 1:6) whom the apostles took as partners in its (Galatians 2:1) and were sent to stay and establish churches and the apostles had planted (Acts 19:22) they do not were fixed in any particular place and generally continued until they were reassigned, 2 Timothy 4:9. --- Then secondly ordinary ministers are employed in a limited sphere, as pastors and teachers. Some take these two names and assigned to a single office, they are both ordinary and concern to the ministry of the church, pastors are fixed and head particularly in churches, designed to guide, instruct and nurture in the way they have been designated by Christ. These often are called bishops and elders. Teachers are those whose job is to preach the gospel and instructing the people by way of exhortation "The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire BibleDr. John Gill (1690-1771) preached in the Church that Spurgeon preached, but 100 years earlier, says that the knowledge that this man had are gems of information not found anywhere outside the ancient writings of Jews, says her knowledge of biblical matters were so deep that are incomparable with respect to knowledge than any human being now alive may have. Let's see then he has to say then Dr. Gill on the subject.Ephesians 4:11 "And He established some apostles. . . .That is, He gave them gifts for which they were qualified to be apostles, they were those called immediately by Christ and the doctrine of the obtained and were commissioned to preach, and was peculiar and infallible guidance of the Spirit of God and had the power to work miracles for the confirmation of the doctrine, and had the authority to go everywhere and preach the Gospel and plant churches without being confined to any party or church. This was the first major office in the church and was of extraordinary features has now ceased, and although there were apostles before the ascension of Christ, yet not received the fullness of the Spirit and the extraordinary gifts to develop their craft. . . . .And other prophets. . . . .Other means not private members of the church, who may all prophesy in a private way, not ordinary ministers of the word, however extraordinary ministers, who had the peculiar gift of interpretation of the Scriptures, the prophecies of the Old Testament and the ability to predict things that would occur, as was Agabus and others in the church at Antioch (Acts 11:27, 13:1)Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole BibleEphesians 4:11 "From the Greek emphatic. Himself, by his supreme power. --- Apostles established any translation, 'some to be apostles, some to be prophets' these men who exercised this office, no less than the office itself was a divine gift that ministers were not offered himself. Compare that to the list in 1 Corinthians 12:10,28. The apostles, prophets and evangelists were special and extraordinary ministers, the 'pastors and teachers "were ordinary ministers of a particular flock, were probably included bishops, priests and deacons (Acts 21:8) In contrast to the stationary pastors and teachers ( 2 Timothy 4:5) founded the church evangelists, teachers strengthened in the faith and pastors gave the guidance to the church "The 1599 Geneva Study BibleEphesians 4:11 "First of all listed ecclesiastical function, which is remarkable in part for a period, such as apostles, prophets and evangelists and part ordinary and perpetual, as pastors and teachers.The apostles were those 12 who was later added Paul, whose job was to plant churches all over the world, the prophets whose office was one of the leading men who were full of wisdom, who could foretell things that would come. The apostles used them as partners in the execution of his office, pastors and church governing teachers who govern schools "Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New TestamentEphesians 4:11 "As Bruce noted there are 2 pairs of trades in view here first apostles and prophets, second evangelists pastors and teachers. The first two were effective in the founding of the church and the second required in every generation, the omission of 'some' in regard to teacher results in the interpretation and teacher-pastor or pastor-teacher "