Quote:
Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah
Matthew Henry — ducks the issue, probably disagrees with Igzy as he emphasized the fact that each member is growing and maturing in grace. Also he defines apostles as “messengers, sent forth to proclaim His kingdom." The impression I get is he sides with the idea that every believer has the capacity to experience these gifts in some measure but is afraid to say that there are still apostles.
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I just highlighted in bold the part about being "afraid to stay there are still apostles". It is interesting you write that as it fits with my theory.
My theory is that a general fear pervades Christianity in both Catholic and Protestant churches to claim or admit that apostles and prophets exist today or could exist today. The reason is that the denominations both Catholic and Protestant are headed by men put in those positions by other men and not God. Apostles and prophets appointed by God are a threat to their control. To think that any God-appointed no body could rise up and take over their role is a threat.
Apostles and prophets, as being represented by Moses and Elijah, are the two main functions which Satan would surely seek to destroy. His tactics are the same used as in ancient Israel - destroy the prophets and the leaders.
Interestingly, this corresponds to limiting the function of the first two and most important roles in the church (1 Corinthians 12:28).
I might accept a view that "helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues" might cease, but I cannot see how or why God would limit or restrict the role of apostles and prophets for 2000 years. This would be equivalent to a company, removing the roles of CEO and Executives but keeping middle and lower management. Or a country, removing the role of President but keeping other roles such as the communications director.
If we believe that apostles and prophets have ceased then all the other functions should cease as well, because apostles and prophets are the first and second.
It is a strange position that some Christians hold, that God would remove the first and second most important, and leave the third , fourth and fifth (teaching, miracles, tongues). This is clearly a deception to remove the most important and leave the less important. If these are truly God's gifts to the church, then he has removed the best gifts? Today in Christianity the less important roles (teaching, evangelism, and tongue speaking) are emphasized and the most important - prophesy and apostle, are not. This contradicts scripture where Paul said to desire prophesy and tongues is the least gift (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1).