Saturday, April 6, 2024

Ephesians 4:11a

 

Ephesians 4:11a

Apostles and Prophets

Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

         1.     The Apostles and Prophets are the foundation stones of our beliefs

a.      Ephesians 2:19-20 

         2.     Apostles

a.      Capital “A” Apostles

                                               i.     Are those that witnessed the ministry of Christ

1.     Acts 1:21-26 

                                             ii.     Paul was the actual replacement for Judas

1.     Paul saw the risen Lord

a.      1 Corinthians 9:1-2 

2.     Paul, even though he was born out of due time was an Apostle

a.      1Corinthians 15:8-9 

3.     Unfortunately, this is something Paul had to continually defend throughout his ministry, even in the face of vicious attack

a.      1 Timothy 2:7 

4.     Paul also defends the Apostleship of Peter

a.      Galatians 2:8   

                                            iii.     These men were Authorized to write the New Testament

1.     Peter wrote his Epistles - 1 Peter 1:1 

2.     Paul wrote his epistles - Galatians 1:1 

3.     John wrote his gospel, epistles and Relation - Revelation 1:1-2 

4.     Luke writing on behalf or for Paul wrote Acts, his gospel and possibly Hebrews - Luke 1:1-4 

b.     Lower Case “a” Apostles

                                               i.     They are simply “sent ones” - Romans 10:13-15 

                                             ii.     They do not add to the cannon of Scripture - Revelation 22:18-19 

        3.     Prophets

a.      Capital “P” Prophets – Foretellers

                                               i.     These Prophets are the authors of the Old Testament

1.     Their message was from God’s Himself - 2 Peter 1:20-21 

2.     Christ did not come to overturn their message - Matthew 5:17 

3.     Christ did however define their message - Matthew 22:37-40 

b.     Lower Case “p” prophets – Forth tellers

                                               i.     These prophets must submit themselves to the authority of the revelation of the Apostles and Prophets

1.     1 Corinthians 14:37 

                                             ii.     These prophets are to boldly proclaim God’s Word

1.     2 Timothy 4:1-2 

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