Apostle Politics

 

Hi Everyone!

I have wanted to do this blog for over a year but, haven't felt the exact moment was right. This week, it is.

Have you ever met someone who introduced themselves as an apostle? Or maybe you saw a billboard for a crusade with someone using the title of the apostle; maybe it read, "Come, receive your blessing!" I have run into this all across the world. I even consider people friends who would introduce themselves this way, and people sometimes claim to experience miracles when they pray. The book of Matthew says this can happen, and the person is not doing the will of the Father. For clarity, I'm not saying I don't believe in Apostleship, Prophetic ministry, or any other aspect of what's known as the fivefold ministry of the early church structure. I'm just pointing out that such "Apostles" are not what scripture is referring to. Some may be genuine in their belief or motive, others may not. What I am saying is I think it wise we understand what scripture says an apostle is at a basic level.

When we look at 2 Corinthians 10,11 and 12, Paul, the actual Apostle, advocates for his Apostleship against false Apostles called Super Apostles. I have heard that the Church of Corinth would have likely been obsessed with miracles and money, much like today's world. This would create a challenging environment to be received by someone like Paul, who lists many things and emphasizes that his suffering for the Gospel makes him the Apostle. In a class teaching suffering, the students came up with quite a list of differences between Paul and the Super Apostles. I wasn't smart enough to take notes, so I asked Microsoft's co-pilot, and it had many of the same points the students had made.

Co-Pilots List:

In 2 Corinthians chapters 10, 11, and 12, Paul contrasts himself with the so-called "super-apostles" in several ways:

1.       Authority and Credentials:

    • Paul: Paul defends his apostolic authority, emphasizing his direct calling from Christ and his sufferings for the gospel. He highlights his humility and the authenticity of his ministry.
    • Super-Apostles: These individuals boast about their credentials and seek to undermine Paul's authority. They emphasize outward appearances and rhetorical skills.

2.       Suffering and Weakness:

    • Paul: Paul openly discusses his sufferings, weaknesses, and the thorn in his flesh, which he sees as a means to demonstrate God's power through his weakness.
    • Super-Apostles: They likely present themselves as strong and successful, avoiding any mention of personal weaknesses or sufferings.

3.       Financial Support:

    • Paul: Paul refuses to accept financial support from the Corinthians to avoid being a burden and to maintain his integrity.
    • Super-Apostles: They may demand financial support and use it to assert their superiority.

4.       Preaching Style:

    • Paul: Paul’s preaching is straightforward and focused on the message of Christ, without relying on eloquence or persuasive speech.
    • Super-Apostles: They likely use eloquent and persuasive speech to impress and gain followers.

5.       Vision and Revelations:

    • Paul: Paul shares his visions and revelations reluctantly, emphasizing that boasting is foolish and that his experiences are meant to glorify God.
    • Super-Apostles: They may boast about their visions and revelations to elevate their status.




I find it striking how much in common the "Super Apostles" had with most modern ministries. Would we recognize Paul's Apostleship? Another critical detail in the apostles' pattern is that they established God's kingdom in tribes that didn't have the Gospel. This is part of the basis for the concept of missions. It is also what makes apostles so interesting. They suffered with Joy to establish God's kingdom in tribes who didn't have the Gospel. They serve not for money but to use what is generated to build God's kingdom instead of themselves. Not Lording pride and power but walking in humility and love like Christ did for us.

So next time someone says, "I am an Apostle," before melting before them, fawning over their gold rings, and smooth-talking, ask them how they have suffered for God's kingdom.

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