Apostles of Christ!

"The Work of the Apostle"

By Cleve Sharp

Every one of the Apostles were first called to be disciples of the Lord. They were radically committed to the service of the Lord. They left all and followed Him. When the Lord asked them in John 6 if they would leave him also, Peter replied, where would we go, you have the word of life. If one is not a disciple of the Lord he can never be an Apostle of the Lord. Apostles are wholly given to the purposes of God. Apostles are the currency of the Lord to be spent in anyway he sees fit. Of all the “Apostles of the Lamb” only John died a natural death, though he had been boiled in oil and banished to the isle of Patmos. True Apostles become dead to their self interests to serve the interests of Christ.

Apostle - Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries G652 ἀπόστολος apostolos ap-os'-tol-os From G649; a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”), (with miraculous powers):—apostle, messenger, he that is sent.

Thayer Definition:

1) A delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders

1. Jesus is the Chief Apostle

a. Ephesians 2:20 (KJV) ²⁰And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

b. Hebrews 3:1 (KJV) ¹Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

2. Two types of Apostles

a. Apostles of the Lamb

i. Matthew 10:2 - 4 (KJV) ²Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; ³Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; ⁴Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

b. Other Apostles

i. Appointment of Mathias
Acts 1:26 (KJV) ²⁶And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

ii. Appointment of Paul and Barnabas
Acts 13:2 - 3 (KJV) ²As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. ³And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Romans 11:13 (KJV) ¹³For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
2 Timothy 1:11 (KJV) ¹¹Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

iii. James the Brother of Jesus
Acts 21:18 (KJV) ¹⁸And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
1 Corinthians 15:7 (KJV) ⁷After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

iv. Apollos – The Church viewed Apollos alongside Paul and Peter
1 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV) ¹²Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:4 - 6 (KJV) ⁴For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? ⁵Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? ⁶I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

v. Epaphroditus
Philippians 2:25 (KJV) ²⁵Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Because of the restoration of the gift of Apostle there are many that have become self appointed, mama called, and daddy sent “apostles”. The following words should sober the minds of those that aspire to this office apart from the will of God.

3. Appointed for Death and to be a Spectacle to the World, fools for Christ sake

a. 1 Corinthians 4:9 - 10 (KJV) ⁹For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. ¹⁰We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

4. True apostles do not serve themselves – they serve only the interests of Christ

a. Matthew 16:24 (KJV) ²⁴Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

b. Philippians 2:20 - 21 (KJV) ²⁰For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. ²¹For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

5. Understand and teach the “Mystery of the Church”

a. Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (KJV)

b. Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known By The Church The Manifold Wisdom Of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:(KJV)

6. Perform miracles

a. 2 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV) ¹²Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

b. Hebrews 2:3 - 4 (KJV) ³How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ⁴God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

7. Set the Church in order by Spiritual authority

a. 1 Cor 11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. (KJV)

b. Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (KJV)

8. Collect and distribute funds for the relief of the saints

a. 1 Cor 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (KJV)

b. 2 Corinthians 9:1 - 2 (KJV) ¹For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: ²For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

2 Corinthians 9:12 (KJV) ¹²For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

9. Addresses areas that are wanting, lacking, coming behind

a. Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (KJV)

b. 1Thes 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? (KJV)

c. 1 Cor 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (KJV)

10. Solves disputes

a. Acts 6:2 - Acts 6:4 KJV ¹And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ²Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

11. Address Structure/Government in the Church

a. 1 Cor 12:27 - 1 Cor 12:28 KJV ²⁸And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

b. Heb 13:16 - Heb 13:17 KJV ¹⁷Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

c. Titus 1:6 - Titus 1:9 KJV ⁶If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ⁷For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; ⁸But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; ⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

d. 1 Tim 3:2 - 1 Tim 3:15 KJV ¹This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ⁶Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; ⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁴These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: ¹⁵But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

12. Sets in Elders, ordains them

a. Titus 1:4 - Titus 1:5 KJV ⁵For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

b. Acts 14:23 (KJV) ²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

13. Sets a life pattern before the people

a. Acts 20:17 - 21 (KJV) ¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. ¹⁸And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, ¹⁹Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: ²⁰And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, ²¹Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

b. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - 6 (KJV) ⁵For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. ⁶And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

c. 1 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV) ¹⁷For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

14. Plants, Waters

a. 1 Corinthians 3:6 - 9 (KJV) ⁶I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. ⁷So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ⁸Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. ⁹For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

15. Establishes doctrine, and by relationship

a. Acts 2:42 (KJV) ⁴²And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

b. Romans 6:17 (KJV) ¹⁷But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

c. Romans 16:17 (KJV) ¹⁷Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

d. 1 Timothy 1:3 (KJV) ³As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

e. Titus 1:9 (KJV) ⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

16. The authority of an apostle is by relationship and spiritual life impact, not by organizational hierarchical structure

a. 1 Corinthians 4:15 (KJV) ¹⁵For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

b. 1 Corinthians 9:1 - 2 (KJV) ¹Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? ²If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

17. They instruct and correct

a. 1 Corinthians 4:19 - 21 (KJV) ¹⁹But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. ²⁰For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. ²¹What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

18. Make disciples

a. Matthew 28:19 - 20 (KJV) ¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

b. Mark 16:15 (KJV) ¹⁵And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

19. Bring accountability to the word

a. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 - 15 (KJV) ¹⁴And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

b. James 1:18 (KJV) ¹⁸Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

c. James 1:23 - 25 (KJV) ²³For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ²⁵But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

d. Titus 1:9 - 11 (KJV) ⁹Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. ¹⁰For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: ¹¹Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

20. Apostles are people of prayer

a. Luke 6:12 (KJV) ¹²And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

b. Acts 1:14 - 15 (KJV) ¹⁴These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. ¹⁵And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

c. Acts 6:4 (KJV) ⁴But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

d. Philippians 1:3 - 6 (KJV) ³I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, ⁵For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ⁶Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

21. Carry the care of the church in their hearts

a. 2 Corinthians 11:28 (KJV) ²⁸Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

b. Colosians 2: 1 (LB) I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.

22. Confront false apostles

a. 2 Corinthians 11:12 - 15 (KJV) ¹²But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. ¹³For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. ¹⁴And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. ¹⁵Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

b. Revelation 2:2 (KJV) ²I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

c. 2 John 1:7 - 11 (KJV) ⁷For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. ⁸Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. ⁹Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: ¹¹For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

23. Attack the paradigms that take us from the Lord, his purpose, his ways, and his word

a. 2 Corinthians 10:1 - 6 (KJV) ¹Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: ²But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. ³For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ⁶And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Website: www.clevesharp.com