What Does “Apostolic” Mean?
Doctrinal, Denominational, and Ministerial Uses of the Term “Apostolic” in Christianity 1. Question What does the term “Apostolic” mean in…
Category: Q&A
The Apostolic Church Denomination: Origins, Beliefs, and Distinctions from Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches
1. Question What is the Apostolic Church denomination, and how does it differ from broader Pentecostal or charismatic movements? What…
Apostolic Succession: What Is It, and Why Do Catholic and Orthodox Churches Emphasise It?
1. Question What is apostolic succession, and why is it considered essential by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches?…
Apostolic Ministry: Do Apostles Exist Today, or Were They Only the Original Twelve Plus Paul?
1. Question Do apostles still exist today as part of the Church’s ministry, or was the apostolic office limited to…
Apostolic Doctrine: What Is Meant by “Continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine” (Acts 2:42)?
1. Question What does the phrase “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) mean, and what are its…
How does the concept of apostles fit within the fivefold ministry outlined in Ephesians 4:11—“apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers”? Does this imply the apostolic office continues today?
1. Introduction: The Fivefold Ministry in Context Ephesians 4:11–13 states: “And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the…
Signs of an Apostle: What Qualified Someone as an Apostle in the New Testament?
1. Question What were the qualifications for apostleship in the New Testament, and how were apostles recognised? Were signs such…
What Do Modern Apostolic Churches Believe About Baptism, Holy Spirit Baptism, and Holiness?
1. Question What are the key beliefs of modern Apostolic churches regarding water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, and the doctrine…
What is Oneness Apostolic theology (“Jesus-only”) and how does it differ from Trinitarian Pentecostalism in doctrine and practice?
1. Introduction The distinction between Oneness Apostolic theology and Trinitarian Pentecostalism represents one of the most significant theological divides within…
Why do some Apostolic churches insist on strict holiness standards such as dress codes, hair regulations, and lifestyle restrictions? Are these biblically grounded or culturally shaped?
1. Introduction Many Apostolic Pentecostal churches are known for emphasising strict “holiness standards”, including modest dress, uncut hair for women,…
Were the apostles real historical figures who physically followed Jesus, or are they legendary founders constructed by early Christian communities to legitimise faith narratives?
1. Introduction The question of the historicity of the apostles is fundamental to Christian origins. Their existence underpins: Some modern…
Does claiming apostolic authority justify hierarchical or controlling church leadership structures, or is such use of authority inconsistent with biblical apostolic practice?
1. Introduction Apostolic authority is often cited to legitimise strong hierarchical church structures, particularly within: This raises ethical, theological, and…
Is apostolic succession historically unbroken, or is it primarily a theological claim without verifiable evidence of an unbroken lineage?
1. Introduction Apostolic succession is the doctrine that ecclesiastical authority is passed down through an unbroken line of bishops from…
Are the reported miracles of the apostles in the New Testament historical facts, or are they religious legends that developed later for theological purposes?
1. Introduction The Acts of the Apostles and Pauline letters record numerous miracles performed by the apostles, including: The question…
Are people today who call themselves apostles legitimate, or is it a self-appointed authority unsupported by biblical precedent?
1. Introduction In recent decades, especially within Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Restorationist movements, the title “apostle” has been revived, with individuals…
Other faiths have gurus, prophets, or spiritual leaders. How is Christian apostolic ministry unique compared to similar leadership or teaching roles in other religions?
1. Introduction Many world religions possess spiritual teachers, prophets, or enlightened leaders: The Christian concept of apostleship has distinct theological,…
Was the apostles’ devotion to proclaiming Christ’s resurrection due to genuine historical encounters with the risen Jesus, or can it be explained as group psychological experiences such as hallucinations, visions, or communal grief phenomena?
1. Introduction The devotion of the apostles, many of whom faced martyrdom for their testimony of the risen Christ, raises…
Has apostolic-style authority led to spiritual abuse or cultic control in some groups, and what ethical safeguards are necessary to prevent such outcomes?
1. Introduction The revival of apostolic-style authority within modern church movements, particularly in Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Restorationist contexts, has often…
Is the concept of apostles outdated in modern democratic church structures, or does it retain cultural and theological relevance today?
1. Introduction The concept of apostleship has been foundational to Christian identity, mission, and authority structures since the New Testament…
Has the teaching of apostolic succession caused unnecessary division between Christian denominations, and what are the historical, theological, and ecumenical implications of this doctrine?
1. Introduction Apostolic succession is the doctrine that ecclesiastical authority is derived through an unbroken line of bishops tracing back…
What does Logos mean in the Bible, and how is it understood in its various contexts?
1. Introduction The Greek term λόγος (Logos) is rich in meaning and usage across the New Testament and Greco-Jewish thought.…
Does Logos always refer to Jesus as the Word in Scripture, or is it also used more generally to refer to Scripture and other meanings?
1. Introduction The term Logos (λόγος) is central to Christian theology, especially due to John 1:1: “In the beginning was…
What does Rhema mean in biblical usage, and how is it understood within its original linguistic and theological context?
1. Introduction The Greek term ῥῆμα (Rhema) is commonly translated as word, saying, utterance, or thing spoken. While modern Charismatic…
How is Rhema different from Logos in biblical usage, and what is the theological significance of their distinction?
1. Introduction The terms Logos (λόγος) and Rhema (ῥῆμα) are both commonly translated word in English Bibles. In modern Charismatic…
Where are Logos and Rhema used in Scripture, and how are they translated in different contexts?
1. Introduction Both Logos (λόγος) and Rhema (ῥῆμα) are Greek words commonly translated as word, speech, message, or saying in…
How do preachers and teachers practically distinguish between Logos (the written Word) and Rhema (the spoken, specific Word), and what are the theological and pastoral implications of using this distinction in ministry?
1. Introduction Within Charismatic, Pentecostal, and some Evangelical traditions, preachers and teachers frequently use the distinction: While linguistically this distinction…
Is Rhema properly understood as a personal word from God, prophecy, or illumination of Scripture? How does the Bible define Rhema in relation to these experiences of hearing God’s voice?
1. Introduction The term Rhema (ῥῆμα) is used widely in Charismatic and Pentecostal theology to refer to: A robust understanding…
Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word (Rhema) of Christ.” Does this mean that faith is built specifically by Rhema words, as distinct from general Scripture (Logos)?
1. Introduction Romans 10:17 is frequently quoted in Charismatic and Pentecostal circles to teach that: This interpretation requires careful examination…
Is Logos in Scripture equivalent to the entire written Bible, with Rhema being a part of it applied specifically, as often taught in Charismatic theology?
1. Introduction In many Charismatic and Pentecostal teachings, it is commonly stated: The question is whether this distinction is biblically…
How can Rhema teaching be misused to justify subjective impressions over biblical truth, and what safeguards should believers and churches implement to prevent such misuse?
1. Introduction The concept of Rhema as a specific, personal word from God is widely taught in Charismatic and Pentecostal…
Does Rhema carry the same authority as Scripture (Logos), or is it always subject to testing by Scripture’s final authority within Christian theology?
1. Introduction Within Charismatic and Pentecostal traditions, Rhema is often described as: This raises a vital theological question about revelation…
How should believers seek and discern Rhema words from God while remaining rooted in the Logos (Scripture) to ensure healthy spiritual growth?
1. Introduction In Christian theology, especially within Charismatic and Pentecostal traditions, Rhema is understood as a specific, Spirit-given word for…
Did the Gospel of John’s use of Logos borrow from Stoic, Platonic, or Hellenistic Jewish concepts such as those of Philo, and how does John’s theology relate to these intellectual traditions?
1. Introduction The Prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:1–18) famously opens with: “In the beginning was the Logos, and the…
Isn’t the idea of Rhema, as personal words from God, inherently subjective and therefore open to manipulation and misinterpretation within Christian practice?
1. Introduction The concept of Rhema in Charismatic and Pentecostal theology emphasises: While many find Rhema experiences encouraging and faith-building,…
Has Rhema teaching been used to control followers, and what are the dangers when leaders claim to have a “word from God” as Rhema for others?
1. Introduction The concept of Rhema as a specific, personal word from God is central in many Charismatic and Pentecostal…
Are experiences of Rhema words simply psychological impressions interpreted spiritually, or do they genuinely reflect divine communication?
1. Introduction Within Charismatic and Pentecostal theology, Rhema is described as a specific, personal word from God—whether an inner impression,…
Do the Greek linguistic distinctions between Logos and Rhema support the modern Charismatic teaching that Logos is the written Word and Rhema is a specific spoken Word?
1. Introduction Modern Charismatic and Pentecostal theology often teaches: This distinction underpins teachings on personal prophecy, spiritual warfare, and faith…
Aren’t Logos and Rhema used interchangeably in some biblical contexts, and does this undermine any strict doctrinal distinction often taught in modern theology?
1. Introduction In modern charismatic and evangelical teachings, Logos is often defined as the general, written Word of God (Scripture),…
Many other religions claim to receive personal words or guidance from deities or spirits. How is the Christian concept of Rhema different, and what grounds are there for regarding it as true compared to such claims?
1. Introduction Across world religions, subjective experiences of divine communication are reported, including: This raises the critical comparative question: What…
Does reliance on subjective Rhema words undermine rational, critical thinking in the Christian life, and how should faith and reason be integrated in this context?
1. Introduction The Charismatic/Pentecostal emphasis on Rhema as a specific, personal word from God raises concerns about its relationship to:…
If Rhema words are understood as words from God, are they considered new revelation, and does this concept undermine the sufficiency of Scripture within Christian doctrine?
1. Introduction Within Charismatic and Pentecostal theology, Rhema is often described as a specific, spoken word from God to an…
What is the traditional linguistic view of Logos and Rhema in Scripture, and do these terms carry a significant doctrinal distinction?
1. Introduction In modern preaching, Logos and Rhema are often distinguished sharply (e.g. Logos as the written Word, Rhema as…
What is the Charismatic/Pentecostal view of Logos and Rhema, and how does this compare with biblical usage and theological interpretation?
1. Introduction Within Charismatic and Pentecostal theology, a popular teaching distinguishes Logos and Rhema as two different dimensions of God’s…
How does John’s use of Logos bridge Jewish and Greek philosophical concepts, and what is its theological significance in identifying Christ as the personal Word made flesh?
Answer 1. Introduction The Prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:1–18) begins: “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the…
Does the New Testament support a strict doctrinal distinction between Logos and Rhema, or is this a modern preaching construct?
1. Introduction In modern charismatic and evangelical preaching, Logos is often taught as referring to the written, general Word of…
What is the ecclesiological significance of believers being described as God’s temple in the New Testament, and what are its theological and practical implications for the Church?
1. Introduction The New Testament presents a profound ecclesiological application of temple theology, teaching that believers collectively are now God’s…
What Was Solomon’s Temple? When and Why Was It Built?
1. What Was Solomon’s Temple? 1.1 Definition Solomon’s Temple, also known as the First Temple, was: 1.2 Key Characteristics Aspect…
What Was Solomon’s Temple? Who Designed It, and What Was Its Spiritual Significance?
1. What Was Solomon’s Temple? 1.1 Definition Solomon’s Temple, also called the First Temple, was: 1.2 Key Features Aspect Description…
Where Is Solomon’s Temple Described in Scripture?
Biblical Description: 1. Primary Narrative Accounts 1.1 1 Kings 5–8 1.2 2 Chronicles 2–7 This is a parallel account with…
What Were the Dimensions, Materials, and Layout of Solomon’s Temple?
Biblical Description 1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple, constructed in the mid-10th century BCE, is described in detail in 1 Kings 6–7…
Why Did God Command a Temple to Be Built When He “Does Not Dwell in Houses Made by Human Hands”?
Purpose of the Temple 1. Introduction The question arises from an apparent theological paradox: God commanded Israel to build a…
What Types of Sacrifices and Rituals Were Performed in Solomon’s Temple?
Worship and Sacrifices 1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple served as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and covenantal rituals in ancient…
Was the Ark Placed in the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple, and What Happened to It?
Ark of the Covenant: 1. Introduction The Ark of the Covenant was central to Israel’s religious life, representing God’s throne,…
How Did God’s Glory Fill the Temple at Its Dedication (1 Kings 8)?
God’s Presence 1. Introduction The dedication of Solomon’s Temple in 1 Kings 8 is one of the most theologically significant…
When and Why Was Solomon’s Temple Destroyed, and By Whom?
Destruction of the Temple 1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple, known as the First Temple, stood for nearly four centuries as the…
What Is the Difference Between Solomon’s Temple, Zerubbabel’s Rebuilt Temple, and Herod’s Temple?
Rebuilding 1. Introduction The Jerusalem Temple underwent three major historical phases: This analysis systematically compares their historical contexts, construction features,…
How Does Solomon’s Temple Foreshadow Christ, the Church as God’s Temple, and the Eschatological Temple in Prophecy?
Prophetic Significance 1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple was not only Israel’s historical and liturgical centre but also carried typological and prophetic…
Where Was Solomon’s Temple Located, and What Currently Stands on the Temple Mount?
Temple Mount Today 1. Introduction The Temple Mount (Hebrew: Har HaBayit; Arabic: Al-Haram Al-Sharif) is one of the most contested…
Is There Archaeological Evidence That Solomon’s Temple Really Existed?
Historical Reliability: 1. Introduction The question of the historical existence of Solomon’s Temple (First Temple) is central to biblical archaeology…
How Could Ancient Israel Build Such a Grand Temple with the Resources Available at That Time?
Construction Details 1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple is described as a monumental project, featuring cedar and cypress wood, gold overlay, bronze…
Was Solomon’s Temple Design Influenced by Neighbouring Cultures (e.g. Phoenician Temples)?
Mythological Influence 1. Introduction The design and construction of Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 5–8; 2 Chronicles 2–7) have been a…
Did the Temple System Promote Exclusion and Ritual Purity Laws Discriminatory to Outsiders and the Poor?
Religious Exclusivity: 1. Introduction The Jerusalem Temple, as the centre of Israelite worship, operated within a system of ritual purity…
Why Did God Command So Much Wealth and Sacrifice to Be Concentrated in One Temple Rather Than Used to Help the Poor?
Moral Critique: 1. Introduction The building of Solomon’s Temple involved enormous wealth, including gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and costly…
Was the Temple More About Religious Devotion or Political Centralisation of Royal Power?
Temple and Power: 1. Introduction The Jerusalem Temple, particularly Solomon’s Temple, stood at the intersection of religious devotion and royal…
If God’s Temple Was Destroyed, Does That Show God’s Abandonment or Human Failure?
Destruction and Theology 1. Introduction The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple – first in 586 BCE by the Babylonians, then…
What Made Israel’s Temple Unique or Superior Among Ancient Temples?
Comparison with Other Religions 1. Introduction Temples were central to religious life across the ancient Near East and Mediterranean. While…
Why is there little archaeological evidence remaining from Solomon’s Temple compared to other ancient structures?
Absence of Evidence 1. Introduction The question of the lack of archaeological remains from Solomon’s Temple has generated extensive scholarly…
Why do some religious groups want to rebuild the Temple today, and what are the political and ethical implications?
Modern Temple Debates 1. Introduction The idea of rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple, particularly the Third Temple, remains a focal point…
What is the biblical theological significance of Solomon’s Temple as God’s chosen place for His name to dwell, and how was it central to Israel’s covenant worship and sacrificial system?
1. Introduction Solomon’s Temple, also known as the First Temple, was not merely an architectural marvel or political project; it…
How does the Temple foreshadow Christ as the true Temple, and what is the theological significance of John 2:19–21 in this context?
1. Introduction In Christian theology, the Temple is understood as a typological foreshadowing of Christ. This interpretation finds explicit articulation…
How do eschatological interpretations differ regarding temple prophecies such as Ezekiel 40–48, and what is their theological significance for understanding God’s future dwelling with His people?
1. Introduction Ezekiel 40–48 presents a detailed vision of a temple and its rituals far exceeding the dimensions and purity…