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The Qualifications For Apostleship! In the first chapter of the book of Acts, many vital events take place that play key roles in the spreading of the Gospel and the further growth of Christ’s church. One key event that is worthy of consideration is the selection of a new apostle to take the place of Judas. Judas was an apostle who was a thief and a betrayer (Mt.26:21). Furthermore, he had such a guilt-ridden conscience that he took his own life(Mt.27:5). The gospel still had to be spread after Jesus had ascended, so clearly another had to take his place. Peter arose and quoted Psalm 109:8 that was a familiar psalm of judgment to the wicked. Contained within the psalm is the phrase “let another take his office”.(Acts 1:20, Ps.109:8). Thus Peter concluded that they better quickly fill the office of the bad man—Judas, with a good man. The selection of a new apostle was a grave and serious task. So it is clear that the apostles did not just randomly select just an average disciple to take the place of the misfit Judas. Acts 1:21-23 says, “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 Barsubus, who was surnamed Justas, and Matthias.” Here within these verses is a host of evidence that there was a core set of qualifications for the office of apostleship. The requirements for being an apostle included the following: 1.) They had to be men, and not women (Acts 1:21). 2.They were alive during the time that Jesus lived (Acts 1:21) 3.They were always personally studying with Jesus, and were with Him the whole time, not just during certain periods of His teachings (Acts 1:21). 4. Additionally, they witnessed Jesus ascend to heaven (Acts 1:22). These core set of qualifications were very strict even during the time of the first chapter of Acts. We can see this for a very simple reason— only two men were even suggested to meet the qualifications for apostleship “Joseph Justas… and Matthias” (Acts 1:23). It is quite clear to see that the Apostles were those who were delegates of the Church. When we have writings by the apostles, they have the seal of legitimacy of Jesus. Many around the globe seemed confused as to what an apostle was suppose to do. Scripture is clear; they were the ones who were working by the Holy Spirit of God, to convey the direct message of God (Mk:16:16-18; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 1:4-8). Some religious people today claim to be “apostles”. It is clearly seen in scripture, that the apostles were those who were alive at Jesus’ time and have met the qualifications discussed previously. Be skeptical of one who claims that they are an apostle, for many are as 1 John 4:6 says , teaching “the spirit of error.” In order to dismiss self-appointed-apostles today, there are simple questions one can ask such as: “how old are you”? If they say a number less than 2,015 they are clearly not an apostle” (for Jesus’ apostles lived over 2000 years ago). The apostle Paul told the Galatian church “if we or an angel from heaven…[or] anyone is preaching a Gospel contrary to the one you received, let Him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). Studying the qualifications for an apostle— makes it crystal clear that the apostles personally saw Jesus. Leadership is important, but many are under the false allusion that anyone can be an apostle. But beware! There is strict criteria for apostleship and nobody living on earth today meets and fulfills all the necessary requirements. By: J.R. Rosado |
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