The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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A ministry is the sphere in which one exercises his spiritual gifts. This sphere may refer to a
certain group of people, as Peter was sent to the Jews while Paul was sent to the Gentiles (Gal.
2:7-8). Or this sphere may refer to a certain geographical area, as God calls some of His children
to a ministry on a foreign field but wants others to live for Him in their home country.
Certain offices, which represent the institutionalization of some of the gifts, were appointed by
Christ for the functioning of the local church (Eph. 4:11-12).
Purpose: Establish and Supervise Churches
THE GIFT OF THE APOSTLE
(I Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-16; 2:19-20)
Definition: “The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to
assume and exercise general leadership over a number of churches with an extraordinary authority
in spiritual matters which is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches.” 1
Description: The word “apostle” means “one sent out” or “one sent forth.” It occurs 77
times in the New Testament. An apostle had a special commission and authority during New
Testament times. Jesus Christ is “the Apostle” (Heb. 3:1).
The Twelve when referred to as apostles is a restricted use of the term apostle (Acts 1:26;
Rev. 21:14). Matthias was chosen to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26). He thus became known as one
of the Twelve (Acts 2:14; 6:2; 9:27; I Cor. 15:5,7). Matthias was chosen by the 120 assembled at
Jerusalem, waiting for the advent of the Holy Spirit, at the suggestion and under the supervision
of Peter. Others named “apostle” in addition to the original Twelve:
• Paul (Acts 14:4,14; Rom. 1:1; I Cor. 9:1-5; II Cor. 1-13).
• Barnabas (Acts 14:4,14; I Cor. 9:5-6).
• Adronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7). The name Junias could be either male or female.
Many argue it is more likely female. If so, that means a woman in the early church
was an apostle.
• Titus (II Cor. 8:23).
• Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25).
• Apollos (I Cor. 4:6,9)
• James (Gal. 1:19; 2:9)
• Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy (I Thess. 1:1; 2:7)
• “Apostles of the churches (II Cor. 8:23) and “All the apostles” (I Cor. 15:1-7).
Obviously this refers to a larger group than the Twelve.