Many in the religious world today fail to submit to the simplistic plan of God, because of biblical assumptions based on tradition or man’s logic. The church of Christ must teach the Bible and the Bible alone so all “members in particular” understand the various roles in the church, past and present.
In this article, let us briefly explore a few definitions in order to better identify these individuals and their roles in the church.
Apostle – These men were (1) commissioned by Christ (Luke 6:13; Acts 9:15; Acts 22:14); (2) were witnesses of our Lord’s resurrection (Acts 1:22; Acts 22:14,15; Acts 26:16; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8; 1 John 1:1); (3) received instructions from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:16-20; John 14:26; John 16:13-16; Acts 1:5,8; Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:4-16), or direct revelation from Christ as in the case of Paul (Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-5); (4) had the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Mark 16:17-18; Mark 16:20).
Prophet – The prophets were inspired to make known God’s will after it had been revealed to them through the apostles. Their service accompanied and supplemented the work of the apostles (1 Corinthians 14:37).
Evangelist – These were inspired men who acted under the direction of the apostles, preaching the “good news” or “glad tidings” of the gospel (Acts 8:5,35; Acts 8:40; Acts 21:8; cf. 2 Timothy 4:5). They were the missionaries of their day.
Pastor – These men were endowed to feed and teach Christian duties and obligations. They were the “shepherds”, “managers”, or “overseers” of the early church (Ephesians 4:11; cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-4). Note that the following words may be used to apply to the same office: (1) Elder=bishop=pastor (Acts 20:17,28); (2) Elder=bishop (Titus 1:5,7); (3) Elder=pastor=bishop (1 Peter 5:1-2).
Teacher – Christians who undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). The purpose of these endowed teachers was to instruct the early church in the full and complete will of God (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Conclusion
From the above list, apostles and prophets are no longer needed in the church today because (1) miraculous “gifts” are no longer necessary, and (2) no further prophecy is needed with the completed revelation of God’s word (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; James 1:25; Jude 1:3). The completed and inspired revelation of God’s word is today “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17; cf. 1 Peter 1:20-21 – NKJV).