I read something you wrote about apostles. You said "an apostle would need to be an eyewitness of the resurrection and have been personally spoken to by the Lord Jesus." I agree with your view of apostles, but, in my study of apostles, I could only find one biblical reference that defines who is/is not an apostle. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, Paul speaks of the "things that mark an apostle," and he lists these as being signs, wonders, and miracles. I want to be confident about my understanding of apostles biblically, and I would like to know where I can find scripture to back up your statements. -- Jeff Miksch (New Orleans)
The other classical passages for the apostolate (not apostles in the secondary sense as missionaries) are Acts 1:22 and 1 Corinthians 9:1. 1 Corinthians 15:7 refers to a group of apostles seemingly distinct from the Twelve. In addition, we should read carefully John 14:25-26 and 16:12-13, which link apostleship with inspiration, and (by implication) with the New Testament itself.
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only.
