First, we probably need to define the word Apostle from scripture: Greek: APOSTOLOS is, lit., one sent forth (apo, from, stelló, to send). (VINE’S) What you will find as you study the New Testament is that there were only twelve Apostles chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ. One, Judas betrayed Jesus and went out and hung himself, so he was replaced by, Matthias.

We see in the choosing of Matthias as Apostle what their qualifications had to be, and that was that they had to have been with them for the full time of Jesus’ ministry (probably three-and-a-half years) "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection. And they proposed two Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, ‘You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.’ And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:21)

These were the foundation of the Church and their names are engraved on the foundation stones of New Jerusalem. "Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb." (Revelation 21:14) So will there be any more Apostles like the first twelve that were with Jesus His whole ministry? No, it would be impossible today for anyone to meet those qualifications.

Now, on the other hand the word "Apostle" means "sent one" as we saw in the Greek definition of the word. With that general meaning Jesus is an Apostle because He came from heaven to reach us. "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house." (Hebrews 3:1-2)

St. Paul was an Apostle to the Gentiles, mainly, and He was chosen by God to do this ministry. "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?" (1 Corinthians 9:1) "After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:7-9)

"The word has also a wider reference. In Acts 14:4, it is used of Barnabas as well as of Paul; in Romans 16:7 of Andronicus and Junias. In 2 Corinthians 8:23 (R.V., margin) two unnamed brethren are called ‘apostles of the churches;’ in Philippians 2:25 (R.V., margin) Epaphroditus is referred to as ‘your apostle.’ It is used in 1 Thessalonians 2:6 of Paul, Silas and Timothy, to define their relation to Christ." (VINE’S) So we sometimes call missionaries apostles, but we more commonly call them missionaries, which basically means the same thing.

I know there are those who try to prove that they are anointed by someone anointed before them who were anointed as apostle, etc. However, nowhere in scripture do we see instructions to keep passing the office down. Yes, we are to lay hands on people to be prayed for, and set apart for ministry. "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership." (1 Timothy 4:14) I have been prayed for in such a manner. This is not for apostleship, though, but to use the gift or gifts that God has given me.

You also asked why there is a movement to reestablish it. If there is such a movement, then it is wrong and not of God. I believe they would say this to try to make themselves look like somebody special. Sometimes when people do this they want to lead people astray, by claiming they have a new revelation from God or new scripture. We know the Bible is complete in the 66 books and anyone who would try to add to it would be wrong.

We believe that the book of Revelation was the last book of the Bible to be written and what does it say about anyone who would add to it? Some say, "It is only referring to adding to the book of Revelation." My comment to that person would be, "Do you want to take that chance?" "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things. God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19)

To answer your question, no, there is no new apostleship today, and those who make such claims are going against the clear teaching of the word of God!

Thanks for the question,

Gary T. Panell