Bible Discussion Thread

Is Paul is the last of an apostle?

Thank you

I'm in agreement with the other responses you received, StandTro, that Paul was the last apostle. Of course, when we think of apostles, we understand that they had to have been with Jesus in His earthly ministry & also appointed by Him to take the Gospel into all the world. Paul seems like the exception, though we know that Jesus spoke to Him on Damascus Road via the brilliant light from Heaven & Jesus' discussion with him & his appointment ( Acts 9:3-6) - so this would qualify Paul to be included with the twelve.

And we also have references to other 'apostles', such as Barnabas ( Acts 14:14); James (the Lords brother, Galatians 1:19); Epaphroditus ( Philippians 2:25, note: 'messenger' in the Greek is 'apostolos'); & Titus & a few others ( 2 Corinthians 8:23; again 'apostolos' used here). I understand these men, though referred to as apostles, were apostles in the general sense of doing the apostolic work (today, we would call them 'missionaries'). So, Paul spoke of them as apostles, yet were not numbered with the original twelve, plus Paul. In that sense, today's missionaries taking the Gospel to unreached peoples could also be considered as apostles, doing the same work that Jesus commanded the twelve plus one, to do.

Dear StanTro,

I agree with Mishael. I believe that the time of Apostles and Prophets ended with the death of John (who was the last apostle appointed by Jesus to die in A.D. 98 or so.

The 12 Apostles and Paul Appointed Pastors and Bishops in the churches they either started or lead (or both). These appointed pastors and bishops led the congregations after the apostles died. No one else was appointed as an apostle after the conversion of Paul as recorded in the N.T.

Personally, I would never put myself under the spiritual oversight of anyone who claims to be an Apostle appointed by Jesus nor a Prophet in today's times, as I do not see biblical support for this current practice.

Yes.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Mark 13:22

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

2 Peter 2:1

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Luke 6:13

And when it was day, he (Jesus) called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Yes.

It is my opinion that anyone in these present days who present themselves as Apostles, are false prophets and false teachers.

Mishael