True or False Apostles?

–

What does Paul say about this?

–

There are many today claiming to be apostles, because they provide their scriptural views to others.

It is nice to have a “title” in order to gain status and acceptance.

–

But do the modern apostles match the original ones in spirituality and behavior?

The original ones were chosen directly by Yahshua / Jesus.

But WHO chose these people today who claim this title?

–

–

Signs of a True Apostle

From 1 Corinthians 4:

A spectacle of suffering for Christ, despised

9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised.

Hungry, naked, buffeted

11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place;

Labor with their own hands, persecuted, but bless others

12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

Defamed

13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the off scouring of all things unto this day.

–

Fathers to converts

15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

–

Not puffed up

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Walks in the power of God

20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

–

–

Marianne’s opinion

I could also add here: NOT PAID

None of the apostles drew a salary, or had their house paid for by the church.

–

–

Reference : https://www.gotquestions.org/false-apostles.html

Question: "What are false apostles?"

Answer: False apostles are people who masquerade as Christian leaders, get other people to follow them, and then lead them astray.

A true apostle is one who is “sent” by God as an ambassador of Jesus Christ with a divine message.

A false apostle is a pretender who does not truly represent Christ and whose message is false.

In

2 Corinthians 11, the apostle Paul addresses the problem of false apostles invading the Corinthian church.

He describes the false apostles as “those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about” (verse 12).

The book of 2 Corinthians is one of Paul’s more “sarcastic” letters, as he contends with the church to recognize the error that had crept into their midst.

He contrasts his selfless service with that of the “super-apostles” (verse 5) who were seducing the church with their smooth speech and apparent wisdom.

These impostors were pretending to be true servants of Christ, but they did not know the Lord.

They were deceivers, preying on gullible Christians in Corinth to profit themselves and boost their ego.

Paul chides the church that they “even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face” (verse 20).

He even compares these impostors to Satan himself, who also “masquerades as an angel of light” (verse 14).

Paul warned the Ephesian elders about false apostles as well: “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.

Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29).

They must have heeded his words, because in Revelation 2:2, Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for spotting the false apostles in their midst and rejecting them.

False teachers and false apostles have been plentiful throughout the history of the church. They still infiltrate unsuspecting churches and have even led whole denominations into heresy and apostasy (see 1 Timothy 4:1–4).

Scripture gives us clear warning if we will pay attention. First John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

–

Stolen valor

My impression of false apostles is the same as for the military concept of “stolen valor.”

They want the credit, but have not made the sacrifice to qualify, and have not been sent by Yahweh, or commissioned by Him to do the job.

They called themselves or by others, and walk in their own glory.

–

–

If someone has to tell you they are sent by Yahweh God, then they are not commissioned by Him.

It should be obvious if they are God sent.

–

–

See also:

False Prophets and Teachers

Seed Time and Harvest _ False Doctrine of Money

Are False Christian Websites Putting You in Bondage