Introduction

The authority of apostles and prophets is a foundational concept within the Christian faith, rooted in the belief that these individuals were divinely appointed to convey God's will and establish the early Church. Their authority is derived from their unique roles as messengers and leaders, entrusted with the revelation of God's truth and the guidance of His people.

Apostles

The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His primary messengers and witnesses to His resurrection. The Twelve Apostles, including Peter, James, and John, were given authority by Christ Himself. In Matthew 10:1, it is written, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness" .

The apostolic authority extended beyond the original Twelve, as seen in the case of Paul, who was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. In Galatians 1:1, Paul asserts his authority, stating, "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" . The apostles were instrumental in laying the foundation of the Church, as described in Ephesians 2:20: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" .

Prophets

Prophets in the biblical context are individuals who are called to speak on behalf of God, delivering His messages to His people. The role of the prophet is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were pivotal in guiding Israel, often calling the nation to repentance and foretelling future events.

In the New Testament, the role of prophets continues, as seen in the early Church. Prophets were part of the Church's foundation, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:11: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers" . The prophetic ministry was essential for edification, encouragement, and consolation, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14:3: "But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort" .

The Interplay of Apostolic and Prophetic Authority

The authority of apostles and prophets is complementary, with both roles serving to establish and edify the Church. Apostles were often the primary leaders, establishing churches and providing doctrinal instruction, while prophets provided guidance and revelation from God. This dynamic is evident in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders, along with the whole Church, came together to address doctrinal issues, demonstrating the collaborative nature of their authority.

The New Testament emphasizes the importance of testing prophetic messages to ensure they align with apostolic teaching and the truth of the Gospel. In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" .

Conclusion

The authority of apostles and prophets is integral to the establishment and growth of the early Church, with their teachings and revelations forming the foundation upon which the Christian faith is built. Their divinely appointed roles continue to influence the Church's understanding of doctrine, leadership, and spiritual guidance.