#15 Apostle Qualifiers Part 2
Signs Verified Apostleship
The Jews required a sign, (1 Cor 1:22). Signs verified the power of God and his prophesied word to his people, (Deut. 4:34, John 4:48). We’ll leave Jesus out of this qualifier and study his ministry extensively in the future.
1. The Twelve Apostles ministered to Israel performing many signs and miracles. Before Jesus ascended to heaven he told the twelve that signs would follow them, (Mark 16:17, Mark 16:20, Acts 2:43, Acts 5:12). This would prove that the kingdom of God had come, (Matt 12:22-28, John 10:25). The mystery of the cross was still a secret at this point in history, so of course, they did not know that the Gospel of the Kingdom would be put on hold in order that the Gospel of the Grace of God might be preached through Paul’s revelation to everyone including Gentiles! Don’t read hindsight into our 20/20.
Jesus told the apostles they’d do greater works than he, (John 14:12). As an example, Peter’s shadow healed people, (Acts 5:15)!
2. Paul, was the Apostle to the Gentiles, and a minister of Jesus Christ to the uncircumcision, (Rom 15:16, Acts 9:27, Acts 22:21, Rom 11:13, 2 Tim 1:10-11). His works by the power of the Holy Spirit were even greater than Peter’s! Luke writes about people beings healed by hankies and aprons that were in Paul’s possession and now had been sent for the purpose of someone receiving a healing! (Acts 19:11-12)
3. False Apostles and prophets were prevalent back in Jesus’ day, (Mark 13:22) performing signs and wonders, trying to deceive people. Paul warns against people who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine that he has been teaching, (Rom 16:17. Col 2:8), and says to avoid them. In the future, false prophets and false apostles will continue to try and deceive, if possible, even the elect, (Matt 24:22-24).
4. Other apostles: Spiritual gifts, and signs were common place (2 Cor 12:12) during the building of the early church. (1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 12:28). Though not many are named here are a few references. (Acts 15:22-23, Phil 2:25).
A word about signs. It’s important to note that at some point after the establishment of the early church, and a good deal of spiritual growth while digesting Paul’s new revelation, these signs and gifts were no longer needed, (1 Cor 13:10-11). The message that had now been revealed was far greater than the signs that were needed to prove and fulfill prophecy, (1 Cor 13:10).
We walk by faith, not by sight, (2 Cor 5:7) and have already been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ, (Eph 1:3) therefore as believers today we should trust the message that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient right now, and not put our hope in a sign, miracle or healing that may or may not come.
Tomorrow we’ll explore the last qualifier of being an apostle of God.
