Apostles in The Church: Yesterday and Today

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Igzy

Another characteristic of a true apostle is he is not shy about declaring his apostleship. Paul did it. Peter did it. Paul plainly acknowledged the 12 Apostles.

Yes, his claim to have been called to be an apostle to the Gentiles by the will of God is a cornerstone of his ministry.

How do you test an apostle?

2 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness; 6 nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

You asked about Rev 2:2, how did they test the apostles. Here Paul says that God tests them. Their experiences put them through trials to see if they would use flattery, or a cloak for covetousness, seek glory of men, uncleanness, guile or "pleasing men".

Paul is referring to this to the Thessalonians that they did not see any of these things during his trials. Therefore I think it is a reasonable conclusion from this that uncleanness, guile, pleasing men, flattery, covetousness or seeking glory from men would all indicate someone who is not fit to be an apostle.