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 CSB

Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles,

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

Apostolic authority derives from Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:40 CSB

“The one who welcomes you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me.

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

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 CSB

For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

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

In appointing leaders

Acts 14:23 CSB

When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed 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 CSB

If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, because you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Fruit confirms apostolic ministry

2 Corinthians 3:1–3 CSB

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Signs confirm apostolic authority

2 Corinthians 12:12 CSB

The signs of an apostle were performed with unfailing endurance among you, including signs and wonders and miracles.