"Those Who Say They Are Apostles And Are Not " Part I
Johnny Enlow

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"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you can not bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars." Revelation 2:2

This one verse is very insightful concerning the ongoing debate in the body of Christ about apostles. This was a portion of a letter written to the Ephesians from the Lord Himself. He is acknowledging the good things that they have done while later on chastising them for a love that has grown cold.

Just as the Lord addressed the fact that the Ephesians had to "test those who said they were apostles," I believe He is still addressing the same issue in the church today. With the present proliferation of those calling themselves or others "apostles," we must learn to "test" as the early church did. Whereas about 10 years ago the title of choice was "bishop," we have advanced to where there now seems to be hundreds and maybe thousands of 'apostles'. The quantity of ?apostles' is in itself evidence that this title has at the very least been greatly watered down to something less than what it was in New Testament times. I believe that it is of spiritual benefit for there to be a season of debate in the Body of Christ on what an apostle is and who can be one. Out of this one verse in Revelation we can learn many relevant insights which will help lay a proper foundation in addressing how we as believers should test apostles.

Four Insights From Revelation 2:2

1. There was no standardized ordination system for apostles.

Apparently, in the New Testament church, the system for recognizing apostles was very different from the ordination process used for local church elders. To be an accepted elder you had to be ordained by the church as such, so there wasn't much danger of 'false elders'. You could not just say you were an elder and simply be recognized as one. Unlike elders, true apostles were not trained or 'set in' by others. An apostle was called out and commissioned personally by the Lord in a supernatural way. This fact set the office of an apostle apart from other ministries such as elders or deacons. That is exactly why the Ephesians had to address the issue of false vs. real apostles. Because there was no ordination for apostles, there was a need to test those "who say they are apostles." The Ephesian church determined that it was not wise to simply accept and believe everyone who called himself an apostle. Since many "liars" were calling themselves apostles there was a need to put them through a test to reveal true and false apostles.

2. The Lord considered it healthy that apostles be put to a test.

The fact that the Lord praises the Ephesians for having given themselves to testing apostles is another significant insight revealed in Revelation 2:2. A true apostle receives his commission personally from the Lord and not through study or an ordination service. This is both good and bad. It is good because it makes true apostles. It is bad because of the obvious fact that many can falsely claim that they have been personally commissioned by the Lord. A true apostle is a divinely empowered ambassador and delegate of Jesus Christ Himself. For this reason it was important and still is very important to know who are the real and who are the false.

3. There were more apostles than just the twelve.

There are those who believe that all of the scriptures concerning apostles are speaking only of the twelve. Therefore, when Ephesians 2:20 speaks of the church being built on " the foundation of apostles and prophets" they believe that it just speaks of the teachings of the twelve apostles and of the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets. They believe that the titles and roles of "apostles" and "prophets" are no longer applicable or acceptable. It is important to recognize that Revelation 2:2 disproves that concept. There would obviously be no need to "test those who say they are apostles" if it were just limited to the original twelve. The belief in only twelve apostles is for sure simpler, but not biblical. There were other apostles other than the twelve and the Ephesians applied themselves to the difficult task of testing those who were in fact legitimate and those who were not. The fact that Jesus warned of "false prophets" also in itself reveals that there would be genuine prophets who were not just the Old Testament prophets. He would not have to warn of "false prophets" unless true prophets were not being recognized.

4. There were tests that could validate true apostles.

The Ephesians realized that they didn't just have to be 'held hostage' by someone's claim of apostleship. If someone was going to claim to be an apostle they needed to be willing to go through a test that in itself could prove or disprove that claim. An apostle could not be validated on simply the claim that the Lord had called him. Even if the Lord had personally commissioned him there were secondary tests that could on their own verify this commissioning. The central debate didn't have to revolve around whether one really had or had not been personally called out by the Lord - there was an accompanying "proof in the pudding" so to speak. A true apostle would exhibit certain other qualifying apostolic traits.

Since the Ephesians were a church fathered and cared for by Paul the apostle, it is safe to assume that they used Pauline criteria in judging apostles. We know that Paul invested heavily in the Ephesian church including spending over 3 years with them. They knew what a true apostle looked like and they knew the apostolic criteria that they were taught by the very man who validated the existence of apostles.


In Parts II and III, I am going to present seven tests that I believe we can use to accurately discern between true apostles and those who are not. These seven tests may not be the definitive end-all in this ongoing debate, but I do believe that they will assist in the process of discerning between true and false apostles.

Johnny Enlow

Sep 29, 2003

"Those Who Say They Are Apostles And Are Not " Part II
Johnny Enlow

In Part I  of this three-part posting I highlighted four insights concerning the need to test those who say they are apostles in our generation. We saw that Revelation 2:2 provides a foundation for a healthy debate that seems to be endorsed by the Lord. In this posting I am going to present the first four of seven tests that I believe we can use to accurately discern between true apostles and those who are not. As I stated in Part I, these seven tests may not be the definitive end-all in this ongoing debate, but I do believe that they will assist in the process of discerning between true and false apostles.

II Corinthians 11 is probably the one chapter of the Bible that could give us the most insight on the apostolic debate that existed even in Paul's days. If you have time, I would recommend that you read all of this chapter in your Bible before you continue reading this, as it will be helpful to keep the verses I will be referring to in context. We see in this scripture that even back then the ?apostle debate' was alive and well.

In this chapter Paul is declaring and defending his apostleship as he is warning the Corinthian believers of false apostles. In his declarations are valuable keys to help us learn how to test and discern true apostles. Paul's motivation for declaring and defending his own apostleship, is so that he will be listened to. There were a group of men that had so fooled the people through their own self-authentication of apostleship that Paul found himself having to validate his own authority to challenge these impressive but counterfeit apostles.

"For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles." II Cor. 11:5 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into apostles of Christ." II Cor. 11:13 (verse 14 then goes on to liken them unto Satan!)

From the context of the entire chapter it seems as if Paul's statements in verse five are referring to the false apostles in verse thirteen. Evidently there had grown to be a group of "eminent apostles" who had gained a following and reputation as true apostles and Paul was in danger of completely losing the Corinthians to these men. Paul's concern for them was not for personal power and prestige, rather he knew them to be dangerous, self-authenticated apostles who would eventually shipwreck the entire Corinthian church.


THE TESTS OF APOSTLESHIP

1. The Test of Apostolic Doctrine


"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." II Cor. 11:3

This verse provides us with a key for recognizing false apostles. These false apostles of Paul's time were validating themselves based on supernatural experiences they were having. However, they were phenomena and experiences not based in a life in Christ. These false apostles were probably the equivalent of witchdoctors and magicians. That is why Paul likened them unto Satan - they were deceitful workers who transformed themselves into apostles of Christ. Of course, in the next chapter to the Corinthians (II Corinthians 12) Paul speaks of his own legitimate supernatural experiences. He lets the Corinthians know that he can compete with the supernatural experiences the false apostles were claiming were credentials for those who are apostles. He also lets them know that his infirmities are an even greater demonstration of his authenticity than his supernatural experiences. False Apostles bring along new doctrines that steer away from life and relationship with Jesus Christ. True Apostles are always leading and directing us back to life in Jesus Christ. Though the doctrinal test could be written about in depth, the simple test is this- does the apostle's doctrine lead to an enhanced relationship with Christ Himself, or does it deviate from simplicity in Christ?

2. The Test of Apostolic Power


"Even though, I am untrained in speech yet I am not in knowledge." II Cor. 11:6

Apparently the false apostles had validated themselves and invalidated Paul based on the Greek skill of preaching. In I Cor. 2:1 Paul had already established that he could not compete with the great orators.

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God."

This was an ongoing issue with the Corinthian church. They were so heavily influenced by the prevailing Greek culture that they confused natural gifting with anointing. They thought an apostle would surely be a gifted speaker with human charisma. This of course is still a prevailing influence in the Western church today. If we were to take a poll among Christians as to which leaders in the body of Christ were thought to be most anointed or respected, it is a certainty that the great orators of our time would dominate that list. It is very likely that a true apostle could be discounted sheerly on the merits of his stage presence and skill level as an orator. In 1 Cor. 2: 3-5 Paul continued,

"I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

If a false apostle is characterized by their impressive charisma, stage presence and speaking ability, then a true apostle is characterized by meetings where the Holy Spirit demonstrates His presence and power. You always knew when Paul was in the building because God's presence and power came along with him.

For clarity sake let me state that a true apostle CAN have a great stage presence and be a great speaker. However, neither of those are confirmation that an apostolic anointing is on him. Neither do manifestations of power on their own, confirm apostleship. They are part of the apostolic package, but not the full proof.

3. The Test of Apostolic Humility


"Did I commit sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God free of charge?" II Cor. 11:7 "And when I was present with you and in need, I was a burden to no one.and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself." II Cor. 11:9

Another issue that had come up is that these "eminent apostles" had been ones that heavily emphasized being monetarily recompensed for showing up and 'blessing' a place with their presence. Paul had done all he could not to be "burdensome" to the Corinthians, so much so that his lack of monetary demand was now being perceived as something that proved him less "spiritual" than these false apostles.

Consequently, we see another key for testing apostles. A false apostle has no trouble viewing his 'ministry' as something that demands monetary compensation and clearly focuses on financial remuneration. A true apostle, though understanding that he should be financially supported, will do all possible not to be a financial burden. A true apostle probably does not have a ministerial protocol demand that he must have a five star hotel. A true apostle would not seek a guarantee that he make a substantial profit based on his appearance. A true apostle does not respond to invitations based on the projected economic windfall. These would all be atop the list of a false apostle. This area is such a key test of who really is an apostle that it is possible to be genuinely called to be an apostle and then lose the calling by failing the 'money test'. Requesting that expenses 'be covered' and requesting a private room are not unreasonable ministerial requests. However, they should remain at a request level and not at a demand level. Jesus plainly stated that "the Son of Man came to serve and not to be served." If one is an apostle OF JESUS CHRIST then he must of necessity reflect that humble aspect of His character.

"You think you are so wise-yet you listen gladly to these fools; you don't mind at all when they make you their slaves and take everything that you have, and take advantage of you, and put on airs, and slap you in the face." II Cor. 11:20 (TLB)

The true apostle Paul is 'blown away' at how the Corinthians allow themselves to be taken advantage of by these pseudo apostles. Here is another key for testing apostleship. If interacting with an 'apostle' leaves you poorer and feeling condemned, insignificant, and beat down, then maybe you are dealing with a false apostle. A true apostle builds you up in Christ Jesus and you are not just another sheep to be shorn. A false apostle wants a crowd of 10,000 people because it means adulation and a large offering. A true apostle wants 10,000 in attendance because he desires to see 10,000 built up to a new place in the Lord. He wants 10,000 ministered to by the love and power of Jesus Christ. He wants 10,000 brought to a new place of intimacy with the Lord.

The false apostles in Paul's time "put on airs", or "exalted themselves" as it states in other versions of the Bible. A false apostle is ?full of himself' and a true apostle is not. He is transparent, real, and full of humility. That is clearly the apostolic example we see in Paul. We all know about his various struggles and victories not because someone else told us about him but because he put on no airs, but was transparent and real, boasting even in his weaknesses.

4. The Test of Apostolic Suffering

In verses 23-30 of II Cor. 11, Paul gives his 'knockout defense' for his apostleship and points out exactly where these false apostles have failed to measure up to the true standard. Lets look at it in the Living Bible for a fresher perspective.

They say they serve Christ? But I have served him far more! (Have I gone mad to boast like this?) I have worked harder, been put in jail oftener, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me their terrible thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I was in the open sea all night and the whole next day. I have traveled many weary miles and have been often in great danger from flooded rivers, and from robbers, and from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the hands of the Gentiles. I have faced grave dangers from mobs in the cities and from death in the deserts and in the stormy seas and from men who claim to be brothers in Christ and are not. I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food; often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then besides all this, I have the constant worry of how the churches are getting along; Who makes a mistake and I do not feel his sadness? Who falls without my longing to help him? Who is spiritually hurt without my fury rising against the one who hurt him? But if I must brag, I would rather brag about the things that show how weak I am." II Cor. 11:23-30

One of the unshakeable tests of true apostleship is suffering, specifically suffering for righteousness' sake. It is suffering that comes your way BECAUSE you carry so much authority. This is not simply pains that are common to all men, but rather pain, suffering, and persecution that come in the form of strike-back from the powers and principalities that are being challenged and pushed back. Let us note the nature of Paul's sufferings. He was put "in jail" and "whipped times without number". This was a suffering because his authority was challenging regional principalities and powers. Five times the Jews gave him 39 lashes. Again, this is a suffering brought on not because he ate bad salmon at the hotel buffet, but rather because when Paul showed up it challenged the ruling demonic powers. Paul says, "Three times I was shipwrecked." This statement is something to chew on for awhile. What are the odds of being in three shipwrecks? Well, apparently the odds are high when you are challenging demonic rulers. They must have been given permission to shipwreck Paul but not kill him. Paul goes on to say that he has OFTEN been in great danger from flooded rivers. Why do rivers flood so much when Paul is around? I believe it is because the apostolic authority that he operated in was a direct assault and challenge to principalities and powers - and they were striking back. That same verse tells us that he has faced grave dangers from mobs in cities and then again from stormy seas. What becomes obvious is that though the people Paul ministered to did not recognize his apostleship, powers and principalities knew of his apostleship and authority.

True apostles do not live in "ivory castles". Instead there is an expectation of difficulty and suffering. They don't just desire the "power of His resurrection", but also to know Him in "the fellowship of His sufferings" (Phil.3:10). There is no way around the correlation between "apostle" and "suffering". It will include ?persecution' by words, but it will also entail much more. The apostle's authority will bring upon the apostle a mark of suffering that exceeds the sufferings of most "normal" believers. Not one of the known apostles of the scriptures was an exemption to this fact. We should not expect it to be different today.

Johnny Enlow

October 10, 2003

"Those Who Say They Are Apostles And Are Not" Part III
Johnny Enlow

In Parts I and II of this posting, I highlighted four insights concerning the need to test those who say they are apostles in our generation. We saw that Revelation 2:2 provides a foundation for a healthy debate that seems to be endorsed by the Lord. I then presented the first four of seven tests that I believe we can use to accurately discern between true apostles and those who are not. In this final post I will present the last three of the tests that I recommend considering when attempting to determine true vs. false apostles. As I have stated before, these tests may not be the definitive end-all in this ongoing debate, but I do believe they can be helpful.

5. The Test of Apostolic Impact

A true apostle will carry such anointing and power on him that wherever he is sent as an apostle, there will be natural as well as spiritual atmospheric changes. Weather patterns are affected. Winds are affected. Rivers are affected. Seismic activity may be evidenced. Powers and principalities prepare a resistance that may or may not be successful.

In Acts 14, we see an example of the apostles' impact on a city. Verse four tells us that Iconium was a divided city. Half of the people were for the apostles and the rest were against them. This was a repeat standard situation for the apostles. Wherever they went they had a 'ripple effect' in the city they were in. They were in repetitive confrontations with natural and/or spiritual leaders. Anywhere they went as an apostle they carried the 'apostolic impact' associated with that mantle of authority. No place visited by an apostle would simply return to "business as usual". An atmospheric change in the spirit would be the byproduct of an apostle's visit.

6.The Test of an Apostolic Work

In 1 Corinthians 9 we find Paul again having to defend his apostleship. In verse one, as part of his defense, Paul asks, "Are you not my work in the Lord?" This test would today weed out many apostolic claims. An apostle will have the anointing on him to raise up a work from the 'ground up'. Paul's "work" here was the Corinthian church and I don't know if there is any other legitimate "work" that qualifies. Paul clearly sees their ongoing existence as a proof of his apostleship. Verse two of this same chapter says,

"If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are my seal of my apostleship in the Lord."

His apostolic work was "the seal" of his apostleship. This verse also shows us that there can be limits to one's sphere of apostolic authority. Even the great apostle Paul could only claim this title over those he himself had built up and apparently even they were 'examining' him as it states in verse three.

"My defense to those who examine me is this."

Again, I would like to point out that there seemed to be prevailing sentiment in the early church days that claims of apostleship were to be taken seriously. Paul, while himself being examined, begins to lay out the criteria for apostolic claims. Building a work was and is essential because the building of that work is part of the humbling and breaking process that can produce an apostle. There is a "death" that is required in order to raise up a legitimate work that is recognized on earth and in heaven. I say that because there can be artificial works raised up apart from the anointing. Today ?the anointing' is often a 4th choice of many leaders for raising up a work. Charisma alone can raise up a work. Money alone can raise up a work. Advertising and promotion can raise up a work. Works that are raised by those 3 methods or any combination of them, will be works that will be tested by fire and will be disproved as legitimate works. All works are tested by fire. An apostolic work will survive into the next generation because of the apostolic anointing it was planted under.

7. The Test of Apostolic Signs and Wonders

A final test for true apostleship is the test of apostolic signs. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, Paul said to the Corinthian church,

"Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds."

Again the Lord has given us an insightful verse into the whole apostolic debate that existed and that yet exists. There are "signs of an apostle" that are also a mark of apostleship. Those "signs" do not include how large of a crowd can be drawn nor how large of an offering can be raised by "the apostle". If you read Paul's writings closely you will see that getting any kind of offering at all seemed to be a challenge for him. I say that because there is a prevalent thought in the church today that "apostolic anointing" is proven by the ability to raise great amounts of money. You can not read Paul's writings in context and believe that he had this so-called anointing. It sounds more like those of whom he warned,

".who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." I Timothy 6:5

So the question is, "What qualify as signs and wonders?" Is it just anything supernatural that takes place? Does having the gift of healing qualify a person as being a carrier of signs and wonders? Well, to all the accompanying questions I have to say up front that the scripture is not clear on what manifestation of God's power qualifies as "signs of an apostle." Therefore it must remain a somewhat debatable issue, though I will share my perspective.

As a point of reference, let's look at Mark 6:5.

"Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them."

This verse seems to indicate that healing the sick did not fall under the category of being a "mighty work" and therefore unlikely to be something specifically ?apostolic'. The fact that 1 Corinthians 12 makes the gift of healing as something readily available to many, seems to indicate that Paul operated in a spectacular anointing that superceded just bodies being healed.

Acts 2:43 says.

"Then fear came upon every soul, and many signs and wonders were done through the apostles."

This passage doesn't say what the "signs and wonders" were, but the whole context of them is as something superior to a simple healing service. Undoubtedly, healings were a part of it, but something else was happening that caused "fear upon every soul".

Acts 4:29-31 gives us a little more insight.

"Now Lord look on their threats and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. And when they prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they spoke the word of God with boldness."

The apostles asked that "signs and wonders" be done along with the healings and then the whole assembly place was shaken. If one thought these healings were ?set up' or ?not provable' it then became hard to remain unimpacted when the whole building was shaking. This kind of phenomena was apparently commonplace for the apostles and was descriptive of the "signs of an apostle." Paul was quick to point out that his ministry was marked by these supernatural phenomena that took place in public settings. Again, if you read Paul's writings, it is very clear that it was not his oratorical skill that wowed a crowd to some high level of emotion. I Corinthians 2:1-5 tells us that there were "demonstrations of the Spirit and of power" that were impacting the congregation. We are still not good at recognizing the difference between an emotionally stirred congregation and an anointing touched congregation. One is soul based and the other is spirit based. The soul based 'anointing' is a crowd adrenaline not dissimilar to the effect of a football game on it's spectators. Something soulish is taking place that is stirring the adrenaline of all in the stadium. The anointing goes deeper and is spirit to spirit. The ability to manipulate a crowd does not establish anyone as an apostle, but an apostle's anointing will touch a corporate setting. This test of apostolic signs and wonders will require discernment.

IN CONCLUSION

In addition to these seven tests- Tests of Apostolic Doctrine, Power, Humility, Suffering, Impact, Work, and Signs and Wonders- I believe that every true apostle will also have been called personally by the Lord Himself. Obviously no test can be given to prove that unless there are witnesses to the calling (such as Paul had). Therefore these seven tests become more significant than if one simply believes that he were called out by God to be an apostle. These will be the proofs of not just a call to apostleship, but rather the actual fulfilling of that call. I also believe that true apostles will walk in ALL of the seven areas mentioned and not just some of them. We know that even Stephen, as a deacon, operated in "signs and wonders". Many can have great humility. Many may have Christ-centric doctrine. Many may and do suffer "for righteousness' sake", yet an apostle will have experienced all seven of these.

There is one last very important insight that comes to us from that original passage in Revelation 2, on the Ephesian church that "tested those who say they are apostles." That insight comes from verses 4 and 5.

"Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place- unless you repent."

OBSESSING OVER "APOSTLES" CAN COST YOU EVERYTHING!

This is an extremely important element of this whole issue of APOSTLES. Whether you are going about trying to establish them or going around trying to eradicate the "false" apostles, if you lose focus of the MAIN THING, you are in grave danger. The Lord was much more interested in the Ephesians walking in love than He was in them getting the apostle debate right. He was much more interested in them having a living and loving relationship with Him than He was in them knowing how to confirm true apostles. He was so much more interested in them returning to their simple lifestyle of true Christianity, that if they did not return to that original passion, He would shut them down as a church.

This is relevant to us today. As I have heard said, "The main thing is that the main thing remain the main thing." Though we are entering a season of the restoration of apostles that is not the main thing that is taking place nor the main thing that will take place. It is not even close to the main thing. The end-time release of His Glory over the whole earth is not contingent on all having a proper concept of where apostles fit. Many who will never even use the word APOSTLE will themselves be the greatest apostles. The Main Thing is Jesus. The Main Thing will always be Jesus. The Main Thing is that Jesus' followers exhibit love among themselves. On the priority scale, that will always far outweigh the need for apostles. If we pursue our "first love" as a church, then apostles taking their places will be a byproduct of a church in synch with the Head. If we take an exit on the 'apostles ramp' then we face the probability of receiving the same word the Ephesians received. The apostle debate can be good and healthy, BUT ONLY as it remains a distant priority to the "Main Thing". MAY ALL NECESSARY THINGS BE RESTORED TO THE ENDTIME CHURCH WITHOUT LOSING OUR FIRST LOVE.

Johnny Enlow