What does it mean God has set some in the church 1st apostles?

July 21st, 2022

By: David Hoskins

1 Corinthians 12:28-29 (KJV)

28 And 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. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

They are 1st in breaking open new territories

They are 1st in displaying the power of the Kingdom

They are 1st in sharing the gospel of the Kingdom

They are first in developing a leadership team

They are 1st in personal sacrifice

They are first in persecutions

They are 1st in sacrifice

They are first in service

They are first to be delivered unto death for Jesus sake

2 Corinthians 4:1-12 (KJV)

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

There is a huge sacrifice that true apostles must be willing to make on behalf of the saints. When you run into true apostles who lay down their lives for the sheep then you will know and appreciate their sacrifice and their willingness to be the first.

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (KJV)

1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Verse 10 speaks of the uncommon characteristics of a being a true apostle

1. Sorrowful yet always rejoicing

2. Poor yet making many rich

3. Having nothing yet possessing all things

True apostles give themselves to the success of the saints. They do this many times at their own expense. True apostles are worthy of the honor due them.

In a day where spiritual leaders are into position and title, these scriptures are a sober reminder of what is the true portion of being and apostle.

Peter was an apostle and an elder in the body.

How many are ready to stand in line and be counted among the ranks of those whom Jesus calls as apostles.

Peter understood that his role in the body of Christ as an apostle and fellow elder was to be the example and standard setter. Not an easy or forgiving task but one that must be ahered to accurately. Peter asked the other elders to lead well.

1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV)

To the Elders and the Flock

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

When true apostles lead then the standard is clear for the elders that follow after them.

1. Be shepherds of the flock under your care

2. Watch over the sheep out of willingness and not just duty

3. Serving with eagerness and never for dishonest gain

4. Never operating like a boss who Lords over the ones under their care

5. Being an example to the flock with the way you live your life

1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV)

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.