What’s an Apostle?

1 Cor 12:28

Apostles - There is a new danger, based on the attempt to restore the title of Apostle.  While I may not be concerned, some say it borders on false apostles (2 Cor 11:13).

The original definition of apostles is based on three foundations; a direct witness of Christ’s resurrection, someone specifically called by the Holy Spirit, and has the ability to perform signs and wonders.  This would limit the title to the original Apostles that hung around with Jesus, and a select few that developed soon after his resurrection.  Why then would the term still be used in the book of Corinthians?

Should we be concerned?

This is a case where we might just be getting wrapped up in the terminology rather than the spirit of what Paul is trying to convey.  Today I would choose to use the word ambassador (2 Cor 5:20), ones who are sent out to be preachers of the good news.   You might use the term missionary, but that sometimes give a sense of going to foreign countries or remote regions.  Your mission may be more local, from the city to the country, from the country to the city, or maybe just from your home to your neighbor.

Let’s elect to forgive the title and anoint those that have been led to leave the comfort of their homes to minister to others.