Who are The Apostles?

Primarily when we speak of the Apostles we are referring to the Twelve. These are the twelve men chosen by Jesus firstly to be his most immediate disciples and then to be those that were "sent out" which is the meaning of the word "apostolos".

After the defection of Judas Iscariot, a new member of the Apostolate was chosen to take his place. We find the account of this in Acts Ch 2 v 21 - 26. Some have suggested that this was a mistake for Matthias is not mentioned again and we later see Paul accepted as an apostle. However, the scripture does not give us any reason to assume an error or that the Church repented of the decision.

Paul's acceptance as an Apostle (which was obviously disputed by some) was not in order to make up the number twelve. He was an example of an extention to the original group of apostles. Other people are mentioned in the New Testament as having an apostolic ministry - including at least one woman!

Nowhere in the New Testament is there any mention that apostolic ministry would come to an end so when people refer to the "Apostolic Age" they are only speaking of the time when the original twelve were still alive. The "end of the Apostolic Age" does not signal the end of apostolic ministry and there is no reason to criticise those groups who claim that there are Apostles in the Church today.

Modern Apostles?

Several "streams" of the Charismatic movement, and in particular those who have been labelled "Restorationists" have claimed that the office of Apostle has been restored in modern times. Some, in fact, would argue that it has never been absent but has merely operated under other names.

These apostles do not claim to carry the same authority as the Twelve. They do not claim to have any authority except in those churches in which they operate in an apostolic function. Those churches which ask for their support recognise their apostolic calling and ministry while others, who might fully recognise them as Christian leaders would not expect them to function apostolically.

These ministers would never allow "apostle" to be used as a title in the way that "Bishop" is used in episcopal churches. Apostle is simply a job description just as "teacher" or "evangelist" is a job description. The work of the Apostle is seen as planting and supporting churches, giving guidance on doctrine as well as on practical and pastoral issues.