THE DESTINY of APOSTLES

Dr. Kluane Spake

God expected apostles to be exhibited (as in a theatre) as a spectacle to the world, to the angels, and to be the last in receiving honor and the recognition of men (1 Cor. 4:9).

Apostles have the sentence of death in them. They put trust only in the God who raises the DEAD (2 Cor. 1:9). The apostles were doomed to die (1 Cor. 4:9). They were often martyrs, though in most cases it was not a physical death, but rather a total loss or struggle of reputation. The Apostles were often defamed, made the offscouring (scraps of food on a dirty plate and the dirt on the floor) of the world (1 Cor. 4:13).

The highly esteemed among men are an abomination in God’s sight (Lk. 16:15).

Apostles willingly become fools (literally “morons”) to the world, but wise in Christ. They are honorable but despised (without respect) (1 Cor. 4:10).

In order that others can partake of God’s power, apostles must sacrifice to not hinder the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:12). Sometimes apostles are hungry and thirsty, naked (without good clothes) and beaten. Often, they have no home of their own. They sometimes work with their hands. When they are abused by others, they bless them. When they are persecuted, they patiently endure it (1 Cor. 4:11-12). No matter what the circumstance or how bad it gets, their behavior exhibits the ways of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:13).

THE AUTHORITY OF APOSTOLIC LEADERS

God gives authority to His apostles (2 Cor. 10:8).
Apostles have the authority to forgive sin. “... If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive, they are not forgiven.” (Jn. 20:23).

Apostles have the authority to correct others (1 Cor. 1 MSG). They can do that through their authority IN Christ (1 Cor. 5:4-5). Apostles speak, exhort, and rebuke with ALL AUTHORITY (Titus 2:15). They can admonish (1 Thes. 5:12).

Apostles can ask others to FOLLOW them: “... I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (1 Cor. 4:15-16, 11:1, 16:15-16; 2 Thes. 3:7; Phil. 3:17).

Apostles know whether you are obedient in all things (2 Cor. 2:9). If people don’t obey them, apostles have the authority to tell others to have nothing to do with them (2 Thes. 3:14).

Apostles have authority from God to try to perfect that which is lacking in your faith (1 Thes. 3:10).

The apostle decrees and it is established (Job 22:28).

They are sent to know your faith (1 Thes. 3:5-6).

They are to be helpers of your joy (2 Cor. 1:24).

They are to feed you with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15).

Apostles are bold against some (people) who think that they live by the standards of this world (2 Cor. 10:2, NIV).

They often boldly order others to do certain things. “In Christ I could be (very) bold and order you to do what you ought to do” (Phil. 1:8, Literal).

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