Are there Modern Apostles?

 By Randall TidmoreThe word "apostle" is basically a transliteration of the Greek "Apostolos". Is defined as "one sent with a commission." It is not simply a "messenger", which comes from the word "angelos", which also have our word "angel."In the basic sense, there were several "apostles", including Barnabas, Acts 14:14. In the context we find the commission, vs. 13:2-5. However, this kind of commitment is not in force today. I have often thought it would have been much easier if you have the Holy Spirit sent us specifically where God wants us. But today, we pray asking God to help us know where He wants us to go. We ask that you open the right doors and close the wrong. However, after all, we must try to know which doors are open.In addition to the basic sense, there is the main sense in Scripture the word "apostle" with reference to the "twelve", and then also to Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:7-9. These apostles were different. These were the ministry as a "trade", Acts 1:20. These men were the "great commission", the twelve Jews and Paul to the Gentiles. In addition to being sent with a commission they were even more special when they needed to fulfill the requirement of having seen the risen Christ, Acts 1:21,22. Among those who filled this requirement, Jesus chose these apostles, Luke 6:13, Acts 1:23-26, 9:15. Paul said that he was the "last of all" that would meet the requirement, 1 Corinthians 15:8.Paul referred to himself and the twelve apostles as the "Holy Apostles," Ephesians 3:5. These are in the church until today, not as physically alive, walking among us, but in the "foundation" of the church, Ephesians 2:20. Note that the apostles and prophets were special because they are mentioned in both passages. Jesus Himself put trades in his church, Ephesians 4:11-13. How will we know if all are still in effect or not? How will we know what "no" and what "yes"? The apostles and prophets are the foundation. Christians today are "living stones" built on this foundation, 1 Peter 2:4-6, Ephesians 2:20. No one can put more foundation, 1 Corinthians 3:11.These apostles had a "power" special, Acts 1:8, v compare. 2. Not only had the Holy Spirit, but also "receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." This power is manifested particularly clearly in the history of the conversion of the Samaritans, Acts 8:5-24.Consider: Philip was "filled with the Spirit", Acts 6:3-6. The apostles laid their hands. Before this chapter there is no record in the book of the Acts of the Apostles someone else doing miracles. After having laid his hands, he began preaching and miracles, Acts 6:8, 8:6-8. Then something very interesting and important happened ...Acts 8:14-19 The apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John, who went down and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit. Yet he was fallen upon none of them the Holy Spirit had only been baptized in the name of Jesus. Then they laid their hands, and received the Holy Ghost. When Simon saw that through laying on of hands of the apostles gave the Holy Spirit, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.Questions:1. Why had not received the Holy Spirit, the Samaritans?2. Why did Philip, who was "filled with the Spirit," not laid hands on them to receive the Holy Ghost?3. Why was it necessary for the twelve sent Peter and John from Jerusalem to Samaria?4. How does Simon "saw that through laying on of hands of the apostles gave the Holy Spirit" and so many to this day can not see?5. If the above is true, what happened when the last of these apostles died?When the whole truth had been revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit, John 16:13, and that truth had been confirmed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Mark 16:20, Hebrews 2:3-4, then it's over it was in "some" wine "perfect" (or full) and stopped the gifts, 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.If we, as we be, the true church that Christ built, it is necessary that we built on the teachings of Christ, the prophets and apostles, Acts 2:42. Paul solemnly admonished any who would like to change or adapt this doctrine, Galatians 1:6-10.Was no way to test someone who claimed to be "apostle" Matthew 7:15, Acts 17:11. In the first century, some said they were apostles but were found "lying", Revelation 2:2. If we apply the same test to those who call themselves apostles today, so find them, too.