True and False Apostles

Inside the Ark of the covenant there was laid an almond rod. There it remained with the tables of the Law and the pot of manna as long as the cherubim spread their wings over the mercy-seat. It was the eternal vindication of Aaron’s priesthood. Cora, Dathan and Abiram had contested his exclusive right to officiate in the presence of the Lord. Jehovah caused the earth to swallow them up. But, the more effectually to identify the family which he would “cause to approach unto him” he required each of the heads of Israel to deposit an almond rod, near the tables of the law until morning; when upon their being produced Aaron’s rod and his only, had budded, bloomed and matured almonds, showing the dead stick, life in all its stages of advancement. Thus did God defend the rights which he had vested.

But if the Divine Father thus cared for the officials of a politico-ecclesiastical establishment, it might well be asked whether he would not more especially identify and defend the ministers of the New Covenant, who served “not in the oldness of the letter, but in the newness of the spirit.” Indeed, this transaction and the budding of Aaron’s rod were typical of a more modern vindication of the Apostolic office. Any one can see an analogy between the fruits of the rod under the mercy-seat, and the fruits of the spirit issuing from the throne of Heaven.

The original twelve had their seats in the college of Apostles contested. While they were yet alive, there were efforts made to divide their authority, especially in the churches of Ephesus, Corinth, Galatia etc. Attention shall be directed for the present, to the church of Ephesus.

While Paul was in that city on the occasion of his first protracted visit, seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, invaded the apostolic prerogative by trying to dispossess a maniac of the evil spirit which tormented him. “Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are ye,” was the reply of the infuriated man as he leaped upon them like a raving wolf. The apostolic office was vindicated by Providence, though diabolic agency was employed. The same church furnished a second instance, some thirty years later, as we learn from the epistle addressed to it, from the isle of Patmos, by him who was called the Alpha and Omega; “thou hast tried them who say they are apostles and are not, and hasty found them liars.” It is probable that those who troubled the churches of Corinth and of the Province of Galatia, were of the same character, and it is to be noted that the severest condemnation from the Holy Spirit, was always awaits the counterfeit.

It was to be expected that when Christianity had commenced making an impression would become objects of attention and envy. The love of notoriety and of power, stimulated such men as Simon and the false teacher at Corinth and in Galatia. Was this emulation of the apostolic character allowable? No. However, we may wish to emulate their virtues, we must not attempt to assume their powers. Several reasons may be assigned for this conclusion

Jesus chose twelve Apostles of the circumcision, and but one of the uncircumcision
He never enlarged that number.
He never substituted any person for either of them except in the place of the traitor Judas.
The original apostles still fill the office, and supplanting them is treason against the King, who appointed them.
As they were the only ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven to men, it is more than folly for any modern Minister, Bishop, Elder or Evangelist to call himself ambassador.

This last proposition will be abundantly verified by noticing the history the history of the Apostles. Jesus devoted his ministry mainly to them. “For their sakes I sanctify myself, through the truth.” He made few converts. Six times many were baptized on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33, as crowned his ministry of years. His labors were expended upon the Apostles. He converted them, commissioned them, and taught them personally. His appearances after his resurrection, were principally to them. To them he sent the Holy Spirit visibly and audibly from Heaven, making them the depository of miraculous powers, to be distributed by imposition of their hands. Moreover, when an Apostle was required for the uncircumcision there was none on earth who would call or qualify him. Nor could he be called as were the ancient prophets, even. He must see the King in his royal robes, and receive the commission from his mouth. Therefore, Jesus descends the Heavens and requires the suppliant and prostrate Apostle, Acts xxvi.16, to stand upon his feet and see and hear his lord, though his eyes perish in the attempt. This is purely to make an Apostle and not to make a Christian; for his conversion was completed three days after in Damascus xxii.10-16. Then no other man or men can be ambassadors of God, whatever may be their dignity or success, their vanity, or influence. No one intelligent in the Sacred Scriptures will apply the expression, ambassador of Christ, to himself or any other living man.

Nothing shall be said by me to undermine the true dignity of the man of God, or the respect due to the office, so sparingly conceded, now a days; but none may assume with impunity, the particular prerogatives of the Apostles now in glory and whose power was to be, by the original grant in the commission, co-eval with the world, while I can wield voice or pen. As well might John have claimed to be the Alpha and Omega, because he was the amanuensis to record his sayings, as for one who merely repeats and enforces the lessons of the Apostles, to claim their honor and power.

D.S. Burnet Proclamation and Reformer 1850