Other Apostles

Some people argue that the presence of apostles beyond the original twelve supports the idea of apostolic succession. However, the fact that others were called apostles does not prove apostolic succession.

THE APOSTLE PAUL
Paul was chosen directly by Jesus (Acts 9:15) and was not appointed by human succession, which further weakens the idea that apostolic office must always be filled through human election.

Romans 1:1 – Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

MEANING OF APOSTLE
In the early church, the term "apostle" could be used for those sent by the church as missionaries to spread the Gospel.

📜 APOSTLE
apostolos (ap-os'-tol-os)
From G649; a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”), (with miraculous powers): - apostle, messenger, he that is sent.

Acts 13:2-3 – As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Beyond the Twelve, the word "apostle" began to take on a broader meaning to include people who were entrusted with leadership and missionary roles, although they didn’t have the same foundational authority as the Twelve.

BARNABAS
Barnabas is listed alongside Paul as an apostle during their missionary work. He was known for his encouragement and leadership in the early church.

Acts 14:14 – Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

JAMES
James, the brother of Jesus (not to be confused with James, the son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve), was also considered an apostle.

Galatians 1:19 – But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

ANDRONICUS & JUNIA
Paul mentions Andronicus and Junia, a pair of early Christians, as noteworthy apostles. This passage is debated, but it suggests that either Andronicus and Junia were considered apostles or highly esteemed by the apostles.

Romans 16:7 – Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

SILAS (SILVANUS) & TIMOTHY (TIMOTHEUS)
Silas (along with Timothy) is included in the group of apostles by Paul's reference to "we" as apostles when speaking of their ministry.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 – Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 – Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

APOLLOS
Apollos is not directly referred to as an apostle, but he functioned similarly to other apostles in spreading the gospel and teaching. He was a prominent figure in the early church.

1 Corinthians 1:12 – Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Apollos might be included in the broader sense of the term “apostles”.

1 Corinthians 4:6,9 – And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another… For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

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Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

- The Christian King