The Ministry of the Apostle
- [12] for the equipping of the saints for the work of service,
The word apostle means “one who is sent out.” generically referring to individuals who are sent out to be messengers/ambassadors of Jesus Christ.
The qualifications of this type of apostle were: (1) to have been a witness of the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1), every born again believer is a witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in their own experience. (2) to have been explicitly chosen by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:15), and (3) to have the ability to perform signs and wonders (Acts 2:43; 2 Corinthians 12:12). The responsibility of the apostles, is the building on the foundation of the church.
Barnabas is referred to as an “apostle” in Acts 13:2 and 14:4. Andronicus and Junias are possibly identified as apostles in Romans 16:7. The same Greek word usually translated “apostle” is used to refer to Titus in 2 Corinthians 8:23 and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25. Anyone who was “sent” could be called an apostle.
What exactly would be the role of an apostle be? That is not entirely clear. From the definition of the word, the closest thing today to an apostle, in the general sense, is a missionary. A missionary is a follower of Christ who is sent out with the specific mission of proclaiming the gospel. A missionary is an ambassador of Christ to people who have not heard the good news.
In a sense, all followers of Jesus Christ are called to be apostles. We are all to be His ambassadors (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). We are all to be “ones who are sent out” (Acts 1:8). We are all to be preachers of the good news (Romans 10:15).
The Ministry of the Prophet
- [12] for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, I think the most difficult function to qualify is the one of the prophet
We know Jesus was a prophet – but still a prophet under the law – though foretelling of the new testament. Best to read all the scriptures in context for better appreciation
Examples of a prophet in action after Christ’s death and resurrection will suffice to provide us with a guide to their function Acts 11:27 NASB
- Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. Acts 11:28 NASB
- One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius.Acts 13:1 NASB
- Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13:2
- As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:3
- And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:4 NASB
- So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Acts 15:32
- And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. Acts 21:10 NASB
- As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Acts 21:11
- And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”1Co 14:29
- Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. ( this is a separate verse to prophets not those who prophesy) 1 Corinthians 14:37 NASB
- If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. Ephesians 3:3-12 NASB
- that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. [4] By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; [6] to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
- [7] of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. [8] To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, [9] and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; [10] so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. [11] This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, [12] in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
The Office of the Evangelist
For the equipping of the saints for the work of service
The office of the evangelist exists to ensure the church is communicating the good news of the gospel of the Kingdom to those who have yet to respond to it. Without that passion, the church will atrophy (partial or complete wasting away of a part of the body) and diminish, whilst thinking it is simply ‘maturing’.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He proclaimed freedom and liberation, forgiveness for all sinners, and salvation for the lost. Signs and wonders endorsed his ministry. He opened the doors that prevented people from approaching the Father and shared the good news of the Kingdom continually. These traits are embodied by the ministry of the evangelist.
The Ministry of the Pastor
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, (to be completed)
The Ministry of the Teacher
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, (to be completed)
