Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Note in the last nineteen centuries no one (but those now believed to have been mistaken) has claimed to have been directly commissioned by the Lord in the manner Paul was.
Further, no historical spiritual giants whom above all others might seem to us to deserve the title of apostle has ever claimed it or accepted it.
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This is the most important point made. And while it has been made over and over, it is now beginning to be accepted as likely true.
The thing that is still a little disconcerting to me is what ZNP refers to as "apostolic authority." While I would not diminish whatever "commission" anyone actually has from God, whether explicit or just the truth without being stated as such, it is the "exercise of authority" that is presumed to come out of "apostolic authority." That then presumes that whoever is an apostle is exercising authority. And I would suggest that in this day and age (and the age has been going on since they first apostles began to die away) that no one is "exercising authority" but rather teaching with clarity and wisdom. Those who recognize it, like recognizing Jesus' speaking with authority, will take note. But it will not be an authority thing, but the clear speaking of God.