In recent decades, especially within Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Restorationist movements, the title “apostle” has been revived, with individuals or networks claiming apostolic authority to govern churches, plant ministries, and lead spiritual movements.
This raises significant theological, historical, and ethical questions:
Does Scripture support ongoing apostles today?
Are such claims legitimate callings or self-appointed titles?
2. Biblical Definition of Apostle
| Greek term:apostolos (ἀπόστολος) | Meaning: “One sent forth” – an authorised envoy, messenger, or commissioned representative. |
2.1 Categories in the New Testament
Category
Description
Examples
The Twelve Apostles
Eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection, personally appointed by Him, foundational to the Church (Ephesians 2:20).
Peter, James, John, etc.
Pauline apostleship
Direct commissioning by the risen Christ, distinct from the Twelve but equal in authority.
Paul.
Other “apostles” (small ‘a’)
Church-sent messengers or pioneering missionaries.
Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Andronicus and Junia (Romans 16:7).
3. Theological Perspectives on Modern Apostles
3.1 Cessationist View
Position
Explanation
No modern apostles
The office of apostle ceased with the death of the Twelve and Paul, as they were unique eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21–22; 1 Corinthians 9:1).
Authority limitation
No one today can claim equal authority or foundational status (Ephesians 2:20).
3.2 Continuationist View
Position
Explanation
Functional apostleship continues
Based on Ephesians 4:11–13, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given “until we all reach unity… and maturity.”
Role redefinition
Modern apostles are not foundational eyewitnesses but function as pioneering, church-planting, movement-leading ministers, with no scriptural or doctrinal authority above Scripture.
Key Caution
Responsible continuationist theologians (e.g. Grudem, 1994) limit modern apostles to functions, not office equal to the Twelve.
3.3 Restorationist or NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) View
Position
Explanation
Restoration of apostolic government
Modern apostles are recognised as having governing authority over churches and regions, often with direct prophetic revelation.
Critiques
Risk of authoritarianism, untested revelation claims, and lack of Scriptural accountability (Brown, 2018).
4. Biblical Evaluation of Modern Apostolic Claims
4.1 Requirements of NT Apostleship
Biblical Criteria
Verses
Eyewitness of the risen Christ
Acts 1:21–22; 1 Corinthians 9:1.
Direct commissioning by Christ
Galatians 1:1.
Sign-confirming ministry
2 Corinthians 12:12 – “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you…”
4.2 Application Today
No modern apostle can fulfil the first two criteria, as Christ’s physical resurrection appearances concluded with Paul’s commissioning (1 Corinthians 15:8).
However, “apostolic gifting” (missionary, church-planting, strategic leadership) continues under the Spirit’s empowerment.
5. Historical and Ethical Concerns
5.1 Risks of Self-Appointed Apostles
Concern
Explanation
Authoritarianism
Titles used to demand uncritical obedience and control (e.g. Shepherding Movement abuses, Mumford, 1989).
Doctrinal deviation
Claims of new revelations or teachings not accountable to historic orthodox faith.
Financial exploitation
Apostolic covering fees or enforced tithes to apostles for “blessings and protection.”
5.2 Historical Church Position
Early Church Fathers: Reserved apostolic authority for the Twelve and Paul.
Reformation: Emphasised Scripture alone (sola scriptura) over any claimed apostolic or hierarchical authority.
Orthodox and Catholic traditions: See bishops as successors in teaching, but not as new apostles in the NT sense.
6. Summary Table
View
Legitimacy of modern apostles
Cautions
Cessationist
No; office ceased.
Avoid undermining NT uniqueness.
Continuationist
Possible as missionary-pioneers, not foundational office.
Must remain under Scriptural authority and humility.
Restorationist/NAR
Often claims governing, prophetic authority.
Risks of spiritual abuse, doctrinal error, and lack of accountability.
7. Conclusion
Biblically, the title “apostle” properly refers to the Twelve and Paul as unique eyewitnesses and foundational figures of the Church.
Modern “apostolic gifting” is legitimate only when understood as missionary, church-planting, and movement leadership, under:
Scriptural authority.
Plurality and accountability.
Servant leadership, rejecting titles as grounds for authoritarian control (Mark 10:42–45).
Self-appointed apostles without clear biblical, communal, and ethical accountability risk spiritual abuse, doctrinal deviation, and the undermining of Christ’s sufficiency as Head of the Church.
8. References
Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. Leicester: IVP.
Brown, M. L. (2018). Playing With Holy Fire: A Wake-Up Call to the Pentecostal-Charismatic Church. Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House.
Mumford, B. (1989). Personal Repentance Statement on Shepherding Movement.
Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King. London: SPCK.
Wagner, C. P. (1999). Churchquake! How the New Apostolic Reformation is Shaking Up the Church as We Know It. Ventura, CA: Regal.
