Authority of apostles

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Apostolic authority derives directly from Jesus Christ, who commissions apostles. It is rigorously upheld within the church.

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Apostolic authority is based on divine commission

Romans 1:5 NKJV

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

See also Ro 1:1; 2 Co 1:1; Ga 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1; 1 Ti 1:1; 2 Ti 1:1

Apostolic authority derives from Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:40 NKJV

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

See also Mt 28:18–20; Mk 6:7; 2 Pe 3:2

The authority of apostles is related to their ministry role

1 Co 12:28 There appears to be a definite order of priority with apostles at the head.

The exercise of apostolic authority within the church

In building up the body

2 Co 13:10 Paul had special authority as founder of this church.

In general oversight

Ac 4:34–35; Ac 6:2–6; Ac 15:6; Ac 15:22–23; Ac 16:4

In teaching

1 Thessalonians 4:2 NKJV

for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

See also Ga 1:11–12; 1 Th 2:4; 1 Th 4:8

In appointing leaders

Acts 14:23 NKJV

So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

In church discipline

Ac 5:3–4; Ac 5:7–9; 1 Co 5:3–5

The right to be supported

1 Th 2:6 Paul did not demand such support (see 1Th 2:9).

See also 1 Co 9:4; 1 Co 9:11–14; 2 Co 11:7–9

The marks of a true apostle

False apostles exist

1 Corinthians 9:2 NKJV

If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Fruit confirms apostolic ministry

2 Corinthians 3:1–3 NKJV

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Signs confirm apostolic authority

2 Corinthians 12:12 NKJV

Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.