Ras Robinson
September 2, 2010
Have you noticed? Apostles are cropping up everywhere.
Today, some supposed apostleships seem to know not gender, age nor traditionally recognized biblical foundations. While some are still debating the authenticity of currently recognized apostleship being recognized today. Others are elevating even those who seem to have but a sniff of the apostolic within them.
The word “proliferate” means to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring. There is nothing negative in that definition so long as the production is coming from the vine, Who is Jesus the Lord. Any other parts, cells, buds or offspring will be short-lived, if they live at all.
Following are some things to consider when assessing present-day apostles:
1. JESUS SAID THE APOSTLE IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED AS BEING LAST AND THE SERVANT OF ALL. Mark 9:35 “And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
2. THOSE WHOM GOD CHOOSES, AFTER THE ASCENSION OF JESUS, MAY SURPRISE US: PAUL AND BARNABAS WERE BOTH APOSTLES AFTER THE ASCENSION. Acts 14:14 “But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out.”
ANDRONICUS AND JUNIAS WERE APOSTLES AFTER THE ASCENSION. Romans 16:7 “Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”
APOSTLES WERE THE FIRST TO BE APPOINTED IN THE CHURCH, AFTER PENTACOST. 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?”
1 Corinthians 15:9-10 “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
HAD YOU EVER CONSIDERED THAT THE SECOND LEADER OF THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM AFTER PETER (APOSTLE OF THE LAMB JESUS) WAS JESUS’ HALF-BROTHER JAMES WHO WAS NOT ONE OF THE TWELVE? Galatians 1:19 “But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.”
AS JESUS ASCENDED, THE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB, HAVING ALREADY BEEN RECOGNIZED BY HIM, HE SENT OTHER APOSTLES TO JOIN THEM:
Ephesians 4:11 “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.”
GOD’S RECOGNIZED AND APPOINTED APOSTLES ARE MULTI-GIFTED. 2 Timothy 1:11 “For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.”
Let me give you a “heads up.” The apostles are coming, in all shapes, colors and dimensions. Some will be the real thing. Others will not be. Pray for discernment and entertain no fear. Instead, embrace what you see in God and with wise and Godly counsel from the seasoned, experienced and proven apostles already functioning in the body of Christ.
May I please recommend some good resources to you? All of these are available at: http://www.amazon.com/ MOVING IN THE APOSTOLIC – John Eckhardt APOSTLES AND THE EMERGING APOSTOLIC MOVEMENT – David Cannistraci SPHERES OF AUTHORITY – Peter Wagner APOSTLES – THE FATHERING SPIRIT – Bill Scheidler
As we consider apostles, let us for example and patter to our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.”
Copyright 2006 Fullness in Christ Ministries, Inc. Use by written permission only. With written permission, include the following as part of the article: Used by permission on this website only. Further use requires written permission from the Author/Publisher. All use of this article requires listing of this entire signature and copyright line.
Ras Robinson, President
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Ras and Bev Robinson Blog 
Dear Ras,
Thank you for your clarifying teaching of the Apostolic Proliferation…God’s perfect timing is astounding! Yes, as believers, we know what we know through the study, meditation, and application of the Holy Scriptures. Where we are in the gifts bestowed upon us by God, (and through our savior Jesus Christ), depends on our willingness to go the distance for Him, trusting Him in all things, and giving thanks to Him for all things for His will, purposes, and victorious Glory and praise. As doers of the word (with hearts of Jesus), as we grow closer to Him in obedience, seeing or hearing all that He shows or speaks to us, He leads us! We must follow the path which he sets before us, establishing our journey through Him (our faith), knowingly that we are at the head, not at the tail, that we are the church, and that our Lord God, provides for us every measure of the foundation we need to be built up in Him, through Him, and for Him. The (strengthening) that comes to His chosen one’s, in any way that He manifests His Gifts (or multi-talents) are not of this world, but are of and by the promises, mercy, and grace of the Holy spirit which resides within our earthly forms. Apostles, disciples, prophets, teachers, healers, and heavenly messengers of God—Peace be with you all, in the name of Jesus Christ our King. Amen
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I appreciate your understanding of this topic Michele. Let’s stay in touch. Soon I will be publishing a few more articles God has given me. Be watching for them.
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It is with the deepest honor, and God leading for His will and purposes that I shall do so, as He commands me and provides in all things, the path upon which my steps have thus far followed! Peace
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