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 KJV 1900

By whom 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 KJV 1900

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that 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 KJV 1900

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

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

In appointing leaders

Acts 14:23 KJV 1900

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they 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 KJV 1900

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

Fruit confirms apostolic ministry

2 Corinthians 3:1–3 KJV 1900

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Signs confirm apostolic authority

2 Corinthians 12:12 KJV 1900

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.