What is an Apostle?
There are many teachings regarding the Apostolic, and I would like to share what I have learned on this popular subject. My desire here is to make this simple and not complicated for all to understand.First of all I would like to make reference to GMRN where I received my training and where many of the these truths stem from. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I do my part to share the pattern that the Lord has revealed to the end times Apostles and Prophets.
Below are some signs to look for in an Apostle. Having these signs in your life does not make you an Apostle, that is for the Lord to decide.
An Apostle is a pioneer. They receive a plan/blueprint from the Lord, much like Moses did and they begin to execute that plan.
An Apostle is set apart and sent by God, unlike missionaries where they are sent by an organization. They receive a direct call from God and execute that plan. Many times he or she is a loner and viewed by many as odd, or off in the wrong path.
Romans 1:1 says Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God(NKJ)
An Apostle leaves the visible church system to receive training from God. We have the example of Jesus, King David, Moses and John the Baptist.
An Apostle builds the church. But what is the church? The church are the people, not a building. They begin by setting a new foundation in the hearts of the people, doing away with old mindsets and teaching them new truths and revelation from the word.
An Apostle can function in all the five fold ministries. They may have a stronger emphasis in two to three areas, but they are able to function in all five at any given moment as the Lord requires.
An Apostle faces death to the flesh constantly and to things that just don’t go right. They learn quickly to die already, and move on.
An Apostle is a servant and receives the call from the womb. We have Jesus as the example.
Galatians 1:15 – 16 says: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood
An Apostle does not build on other men’s foundation, they receive their own blueprint from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Can anyone be an Apostle? The answer is no. I have written an article titled “Are you Called or Chosen” that answers this question. We need to understand that being called as an Apostle carries with it a heavy price.
Can women be Apostles? Yes, because the scripture does not give reference to gender when distributing the gifts of the spirit. The Lord is looking for willing vessels, ready to carry out His plan upon the earth. Colossians 3:11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
An Apostle does not produce new scripture. So run fast from those that say otherwise.
Apostles are called to leadership, they are not followers.
Romans 11:13 Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I magnify mine office (KJV)
An Apostle will have a face to face relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and excellent communication.
This is just a very small overview of what being an Apostle is about. As the Lord leads, I will add new articles on this subject.
to be an apostle :
…I have worked much harder , been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severly, and been exposed to death again and again.
Five times I received from the jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches… I have made a fool of myself. ( 2 Cor 11 )
Thank you Arabelle for your comment.
The early apostles paved the way, much like with all the other ministries. Thank you for the reminder of this passage.
Yvette
The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance. [2 Cor12:12]
Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. [Romans 16:7]
Here Junia is a latin feminine name that means “youthful”. So women can and did have apostolic callings.
Sidharth
Thanks for the wisdom. I would also like to point out that their are 4 classes of Apostles mentioned in the bible. The first Apostle is our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ Heb. 3:1. Secondly there are the 12 apostles of the lamb who were eye witnesses of the earthy ministry of Jesus who were personally trained by him. Matt. 10:2. Thirdly you have the foundational Apostles who were inspired to write the new testament. Paul would fall under this category. Fourthly there are the non-foundational Apostle men and women who did not canonize the scripture but are commissioned by the Holy Ghost to do a work in the earth. The Apostle is the highest ranking office in the Word of God.1Cor.12:28.
Thank you for your insight Filmore!
Thank you Yvette, for giving me a clearer understanding of my Prophetic calling. I have been trying to hide away from this Prophetic move of God in my life for some time now, because I thought women could not be apostles and I kept telling God that this could not be what He wanted me to do. However, I have been Fasting this week and focusing on St John and God has drawn me to the understanding and acceptance that I have to submit myself to His will just as Jesus did and that He, God will honour me with His presence. Thank you and God Bless.
How can I get the article “Are you called or chosen” please?
Though there are many who will today and in days past claim to be apostles (special messengers of God), it is clear from the Scriptures that there will only be 12 men recognized and rewarded as apostles when we get to heaven (see Rev. 21:14). These are the men who fit the true qualifications of an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. They saw Jesus in the flesh and were eye witnesses of His resurrection. Paul was the last apostle to see Jesus after His resurrection and he was the only exception to the rule of seeing Jesus during His earthly ministry. Paul plainly states in the Scriptures: “…And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve…After that, He was seen of James, then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” I Corin. 15:4-9 The Bible states that God did many “wonders and signs” through the apostles (Acts 2:43). Jesus did not choose any female apostles. The apostle clearly stated that it was a “shame” for women to preach or teach the word of God during church worship meetings (see I Corin. 14:33-40) It is also clear that there was and is many false prophets and apostles in the world who are vainly seeking self gratification and exaltation in the sight of men and want to be thought of as being more important in the church than what they really are (see II Corin. 11:13). God chooses who His apostles are and not men (see Galatians 1:1). Sadly, many who think they are apostles will come to realize they were not when the Lord returns for His own. We would do well to pay attention to what the Lord said in His letters to the 7 churches: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars…” Rev. 2:2 “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” Rev. 2:20
The only thing I agree about your comment is that the Lord is the one that appoints apostles, not man, and many believe they are apostle but are not.
I respectfully disagree with the rest, but this is not a debate forum.
Blessings
Hi Yvette,
very good teaching I’m going to put a link to this on face book where I seem to live all the time now … LOL
I just did a note my self on this subject today and saw a couple of other posts on the same subject. I really did need this insight today it’s cleared some things up in my own mind about my own call. Thanks again
Thanks so much for this. This is extremely helpful! God bless
your’e welcome!
hi, Yvette, I agree with you. i am in your website for the very 1st time.
Greg who wrote to you in january, The Word without the Holy Spirit kills.
thanks again Yvette for the revelations on your site, God bless you.
Blessings back!