Apostles

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Igzy

I think it's important to note that in the 1st century the true apostles functioned as the equivalent to our word of God.

I don't understand what you mean by this. I think it is clear from Paul's writings that he was not given that much respect from the church at large and that large regions rejected his ministry. I think it is also clear that for many genuine Christians either never saw his letters or did not receive them as the word of God.

It was Peter who referred to Paul's writings as "Scripture", but it was done in such a way that it gives me an impression that there was a debate going on about Paul's writings and that many were twisting his words. So we know that some turned away from Paul and rejected him, some taught differently from Paul, some twisted his words, some didn't understand his teachings, and some considered his teachings "scripture". Whereas today only fringe groups and cultic groups would not consider Paul's writings to be authoritative scripture.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

I don't understand what you mean by this.

Okay, I tell you what I mean: As far as New Testament revelation goes, the apostles' word was the highest authority, until the NT scripture was established.

A lot of Christians in that day questioned the apostles? Well, a lot these days question the Bible. That doesn't take away from their authority.

[Cal]

Paul made clear that he had the authority to pass on direct commandments from God. 1 Cor 7:6, 25; 14:37; 2 Cor 8:8; 1 Thes 4:2,11; 2 Thes 3:4, 6, 12; 1 Tim 1:8;

John did, too. 1 John 2:8;

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Igzy

Okay, I tell you what I mean: As far as New Testament revelation goes, the apostles' word was the highest authority, until the NT scripture was established.
A lot of Christians in that day questioned the apostles? Well, a lot these days question the Bible. That doesn't take away from their authority.

So then, if someone speaks the word of God from the NT does it have any less authority than the word spoken by the apostles in the first century?

[Cal]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

So then, if someone speaks the word of God from the NT does it have any less authority than the word spoken by the apostles in the first century?

Why not simply ask if scripture has less authority than the early apostles? The answer would be no. Who speaks it or whether someone speaks it or not is irrelevant to its authority.