Apostle

DEFINITION:
The greek means "one sent forth".  Translated in the King James New Testament:

• 78 times as "apostle(s)"
• 2 times as "messenger"     (2 Cor 8:23, Phil 2:25)
• 1 time as "he that is sent"       (John 13:16)

TYPE OF WORK:
Think of Paul's work as an example to the following:

• establishes new churches or works, a founder (1 Cor 3:10, Eph 2:20).
• strengthens existing works, particularly ones they established.
• strengthens and encourages individuals (particularly other five-fold ministers), mentors them, and facilitates them in accomplishing their god-given assignment.
  

The "work" is not in buildings, organizations, or number of people, but is in the spirit of men.  Therefore, we do not judge by appearance, but by the heart (spirit).  Also, an organization could cease to exist, and great fruit still remain from its work.

COMBINATION OF GIFTINGS:
Most likely gifts active in this office:
Motivational:         Organization (ruling).  Needed to establish works.
Five Fold:             Could move in any or all five as needed by God for new works.
Charismatic:          Power gifts (faith, miracles, gifts of healings)
                            (1 Cor 2:4-5, 1 Cor 4:18-20, 2 Tim 1:7).

EXAMPLE:
The apostolic office is the only one I have noted that men can grow into.  That does not mean that ministers do not grow in ability in their offices. I mean, that normally, God takes a man through other offices first before making him an apostle.

• Jesus had at least 70 disciples with him for sometime.  Then he prayed all night to find God's will for who the twelve apostles would be (Luke 6:12-13). 
• Paul and Barnabas were prophets and teachers before moving into the office of an apostle (Acts 13:1-5)

Acts 13:1-5
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

LOOK FOR:

• outstanding spiritual gifts
• deep personal experience with God
• power and ability to establish churches
• ability to provide adequate spiritual leadership
• has a "father's heart.  That is, the heart of "the Father"
  

24 APOSTLES NAMED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

1. Simon Peter (Matt 10:2)
2. Andrew (Matt 10:2), Peter's brother
3. James, son Of Zebedee (Matt 10:2)
4. John,  son Of Zebedee (Matt 10:2)
5. Philip (Matt 10:3)
6. Bartholomew, Philip's brother (Matt 10:3)
7. James, son Of Alphaeus (Luke 6:16)
8. Judas, son Of Alphaeus (Luke 6:16)
9. Matthew, son Of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14, Luke 6:15)
10. Thomas (Matt 10:3)
11. Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15)
12. Judas Iscariot (Matt 10:4)
13. Matthias (Acts 1:26)
14. Barnabas (1 Cor 9:5-6, Acts 13:1-3, 14:4, 14:14, Gal 2:9)
15. Andronicus (Rom 16:7)
16. Junia (Rom 16:7)
17. Apollos (1 Cor 4:6-9)
18. James, The Lord's brother (Gal 1:19, 2:6, Jam 1:1)
19. Silas (1 Thes 1:1, 2:6)
20. Timothy (1 Thes 1:1, 2:6)
21. Titus (2 Cor 8:23)
22. Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25)
23. Paul (Gal 1:1, 2:8)
24. Jesus Christ (Heb 3:1)

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