03/16/21 "APOSTOLIC" IS NOT ALWAYS APOSTOLIC

03/16/21 "APOSTOLIC" IS NOT ALWAYS APOSTOLIC

"Apostolic" properly refers to the message of the N.T. apostles; not to anti-Trinitarian cultists or other present day impostors.

Christians need to BEWARE of modern day CHARLATANS who take the title of "Apostle," implying that they have specially Divine enduement or knowledge beyond Scriptural revelation. The so-called "Jesus Only" and "Oneness," movement and teaching uses the term "Apostolic" as if they are teaching Divine Truth. The Mormons (Latter Day Saints, so-called) also apply the title "Apostle" to a group in their structural leadership. Some Christian groups (usually ministries among African American churches) use the term, but I think it is intended as a title of honor rather than a Biblical office.

The definition of "apostle" is, SENT ONE. However, the New Testament qualifications for the OFFICE of Apostleship included following Christ since His baptism and seeing Christ after the resurrection. Paul qualified in a special category, as an apostle "born out of due time," because he met Christ on the road to Damascus.

New Testament believers were sometimes sent on MISSIONS and therefore were referred to as "apostles." However, the title of apostle applied to a believer being sent on mission is not to be confused or equated with a New Testament believer holding the OFFICE of "Apostle."