In scripture there is recognized a special group of Apostles referred to as the twelve and "the Apostles of the Lamb", who will be memorialized in the Kingdom of God in the heavenly city as stated in the book of Revelation: "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and on them were the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14) The 12 Apostles were chosen by Jesus directly!
“And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), etc.” Mark 13:16.
Paul was selected by Jesus on the road to Damascus. “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” Acts 9:6
And Paul says about that: “then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle 2 Cor. 11:13” So Paul says he was the last Apostle!
The only exception to Jesus picking the Apostles directly, was the replacement for Judas, and the criteria for that Apostles selection is biblically clear:
“one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection. So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas” Acts 1:22 “must become a witness with us of His resurrection” is the criteria!
In Ephesians it is clear the office of Apostleship was to be a temporary office.
“and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” Here the twelve Apostles are seen as the foundation of the Church, all buildings have only one foundation which is laid at the beginning of its inception. Foundations do not continue to be laid down, it is laid down once, then it is finished, no more foundations being laid!
So, the Biblical criteria is, personal selection by our Lord Jesus Christ and or a personal eyewitness to his resurrection. Which is also why I think Paul will be the twelfth "Apostle of the Lamb", not Matthias, since Paul was chosen directly by God. None of these criteria can be met today. So no "modern" day Apostles exist!!
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:13
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