1. Introduction: The Fivefold Ministry in Context
Ephesians 4:11–13 states:
“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (ESV)
This passage is foundational to the theology of the fivefold ministry, understood by many as a framework for Church leadership and spiritual giftings. The place of the apostle within this list is a subject of significant theological and ecclesiological debate.
2. Literary and Theological Context of Ephesians 4:11
Paul is describing Christ’s gifts to the Church after His ascension (v. 8). These gifts are not merely functions but Christ-ordained roles aimed at:
- Equipping believers
- Building the Church’s unity and maturity
- Advancing knowledge of Christ
The grammatical structure in Greek joins pastors and teachers more closely (poimenas kai didaskalous), suggesting either a combined role or complementary offices.
3. Apostles in the Fivefold Ministry
3.1 Foundational Apostleship
- The original apostles (e.g. Peter, James, John, Paul) were unique witnesses to Christ’s resurrection and helped lay the doctrinal foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14).
- Their authority included:
- Eyewitness testimony (Acts 1:22)
- Direct commissioning by Jesus (Galatians 1:1)
- Doctrinal instruction (Acts 2:42)
This foundational role is widely considered non-repeatable in most historic Christian traditions (e.g. Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed).
3.2 Apostolic Function Beyond the Twelve
- Some theologians argue Ephesians 4:11 refers to apostolic function, not the exclusive office.
- Paul himself describes others beyond the Twelve as “apostles” (e.g. Barnabas in Acts 14:14; Andronicus and Junia in Romans 16:7).
- This supports the idea of a wider apostolic gift for:
- Pioneering church work
- Cross-cultural mission
- Foundational teaching in new territories
Thus, many Pentecostal and Charismatic groups distinguish between:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apostle of Christ | Unique eyewitnesses and doctrinal authorities (e.g. Peter, Paul) |
| Apostle of the Church | Sent ones fulfilling a missionary or leadership role (e.g. Barnabas) |
4. Modern Interpretations and Applications
4.1 Continuationist View (Charismatic/Pentecostal)
- Belief: All five roles in Ephesians 4:11 continue today.
- Apostles today are seen as:
- Church planters
- Visionary leaders
- Governing elders over movements or networks
- The fivefold model is seen as the blueprint for Church health and maturity (Eph. 4:12–13).
Examples:
- The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) teaches restored apostolic governance.
- Vineyard, Assemblies of God, and Apostolic Church UK may affirm apostolic functions, though with varying definitions.
4.2 Cessationist or Classical View
- Belief: Apostles and prophets ceased with the close of the New Testament canon.
- Ephesians 2:20 – The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” implying a completed foundation.
- Modern “apostles” may be seen as dangerous or confusing if they claim doctrinal or revelatory authority.
5. Summary Table: Interpretations of Apostles in Ephesians 4:11
| View | Belief about Apostles Today | Key Theological Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Classical/Traditional | Apostles were foundational and unrepeatable | Based on Ephesians 2:20; Rev. 21:14 |
| Modified Continuationist | Apostolic function continues, not foundational office | Functional reading of “apostle” as missionary/leader |
| Full Continuationist (e.g. NAR) | Office of apostle restored in full | View Ephesians 4:11 as a permanent model for church governance |
6. Theological Cautions
- Abuse of authority: Claims of apostolic authority have sometimes led to spiritual abuse, authoritarianism, or cult-like control.
- Subjectivism: Without apostolic criteria (e.g. witnessing Christ), identification becomes ambiguous.
- Doctrinal drift: Elevating personal revelation over Scripture risks undermining biblical authority.
7. Conclusion
Ephesians 4:11 presents apostleship as part of Christ’s gift to the Church, though interpretations differ:
- Historically, apostles were foundational leaders appointed by Christ with eyewitness authority.
- Functionally, some interpret the apostolic gift as ongoing in missionary, pioneering, or governing roles.
- Discernment and doctrinal clarity are essential in assessing any modern apostolic claim.
8. References
- Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. Leicester: IVP.
- Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence. Peabody: Hendrickson.
- Hirsch, A. (2006). The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church. Brazos Press.
- O’Brien, P. T. (1999). The Letter to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
- Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King. London: SPCK.