And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-13
In the 4th installment of the “Get to Know the 5 Fold Series”, we are exploring the Gift of Apostle. The word Apostle means “one who is sent”. One who speaks and writes on the authority of the one who sent them. Today we are discovering the 3 main attributes that identify the Gift (or Office) of Apostle active in someone. As with the other 4 Christ given gifts, we are all “sent” in one form or another. Many people speak for Christ. The difference is the level of authority we speak with and who is sending us.
The first qualifier that marks an Apostle is that they have had a personal supernatural experience/encounter with Christ. The Apostle Paul’s encounter with Christ (Acts 9) is a prime example of this. Paul was not one of the original Apostles of Christ. However, he had a supernatural experience on the road to Damascus that set his life, ministry, and identity apart. From then on, he served as a foundation for many churches. He didn’t gain his knowledge from studying or listening to others preach. He attained what He knew of Jesus through his personal experience and subsequent ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The second identifying aspect of an Apostle is that they are directly commissioned by the Holy Spirit, just as the original 12 were commissioned by Jesus in Matthew 10. The Lord chose them and gave them their marching orders. It was not for other men to determine where they should go or what they should say. They were commanded to speak that which the Holy Spirit had given them and given specific guidelines, warnings, and wisdom.
The third common thread is that Apostles are given miraculous signs as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:12. In other words, they operate in the miraculous for the purpose of authenticating Jesus. As a Bible teacher once stated “Miracles are platforms for people to accept Jesus.”. The Christ given gift of Apostle is known for performing miracles that testify to the presence of the Holy Spirit and His abilities. God can use anyone to perform the miraculous. However, miracles are a way of life for someone who has accepted the mantle of Apostleship.
As Prophet Hagin says in the in depth teaching below, “Apostles plant churches and exercise authority over them naturally.” The Christ given gift of Apostle encompasses all of the 5 fold gifts for the purpose of edification. Apostles carry God given authority for the churches or ministries God has assigned them to establish. Apostles are called to provide a foundation, the cornerstone being Christ Himself, for many ministries to be built upon. Let’s pray. Father, we praise your name that, even today, you have set forth your bond servants, just as you did Paul and your original Apostles, and called them out to testify to a personal encounter with you. We praise you that you send your Apostles according to your will. We thank you for the miracles you display through them and the foundations their ministries lay for so many other kingdom efforts to be built upon. Father, we lift them to you and ask for your continued hand of guidance and protection. Help us to recognize and honor you in them. Use this article to confirm the gift of Apostle in those you have chosen. Help them accept the mantle you have given them and bless their journey of discovery. Bless you for your words today and your display of loving kindness. We love you and praise you. In Jesus name, Amen.
For more understanding of the gift of Apostle, the attached video from Kenneth Hagin’s “He Gave Gifts unto Men” explains it in greater measure.
Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?
If you would like to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please pray the following prayer:
"God, I believe in you and your son Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to save me. Today, I invite Jesus into my heart to stay. I make you Lord over my life. Make me new. Wash me, Lord, and cleanse me. In Jesus Name, Amen"
If you have just prayed that prayer, we want to celebrate your new victory with you. Please contact us at prayers@awministries.org so we can welcome you into the kingdom. We don't want you to have to walk alone and we have some resources we would like the opportunity to share with you.
