Nougat 5

In recent years, many persons who minister have assumed titles derived from the Five-fold Ministry described in Ephesians 4:11; that is: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Nothing is wrong with the move toward this nomenclature, although it is better for there to be unanimity on these titles among the leadership and membership. In our reflections today, we aren’t focusing on unpacking the five-fold Ministry. Rather, we are looking at Paul’s use of one of the terms in teaching and admonishing the church at Corinth. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

1 Corinthians 4:9-10 CEVDCI

[9] It seems to me that God has put us apostles in the worst possible place. We are like prisoners on their way to death. Angels and the people of this world just laugh at us.

[10] Because of Christ we are thought of as fools, but Christ has made you wise. We are weak and hated, but you are powerful and respected.

The Ministry of the Apostle

Before looking at what Paul said of apostles in this Nougat, let’s ensure that we are familiar with its meaning:

Strong’s Greek 652, ἀπόστολος, denotes a person personally sent with full authority to represent the sender. In the New Testament it describes those chosen and commissioned by Jesus Christ, together with a small circle of later appointees, who bear foundational authority for proclaiming the gospel, establishing churches, and penning inspired Scripture.

To be an apostle therefore, is to be sent. In this context, the work of the apostle is less about the High office of ministry, as it speaks to one’s willingness and availability to go wherever God sends us.

Self-Check

How willing are we to go where God sends us?

Deeper Dive

In one sense being sent is a given one we offer ourselves in service to God’s ministry. It is not restricted to ordained persons only. We note that while Y’shua physically walked this earth, the Twelve and Seventy-Two were more frequently referred to as ‘disciples’. If we consider that during that time the disciples were trainees, then we realize that before being sent, we must gain understanding from God. Romans 10:14-15 puts it this way:

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Being sent doesn’t require ordination, it requires training and obedience. Moreover, it is important to note that the apostle doesn’t necessarily get to choose the path or the destination. When Y’shua sent forth the disciples in Acts 1:8; they were sent nearby (to people who knew their faults and who questioned their authority and witness), further away, to hostile territory, and beyond their comfort zones. In Paul’s words, an apostle is sent to the worst possible place … like prisoners on their way to death.

Would we be as willing to claim the ministry of the apostle if we knew not the way we are called to? Are we still open to be sent when we realize that after the training, God sends us by Y’shua’s grace to minister at home, in prisons, to our enemies, or the most uncomfortable and challenging places? For that’s what Y’shua asks of the apostle.

Siblings, the ministry of the apostle is not simple. It is honourable in God’s sight. It demands a passion for God and the ways of God. In our passion, we leave everything to tell others of Y’shua’s matchless love that sees beyond the mask to the vulnerability within. Salvation is free but it comes at a price – someone’s willingness to be sent, our openness to God, and – above all – Christ’s shed blood.

Point to Ponder

Having counted the cost, will we heed God’s invitation to be Y’shua’s apostle?

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May all we seek be found in Christ