This chapter reviewed relevant literature on the ministry and ordination of apostles from biblical, ecclesiastical and theological reflection of the cessationist and the proponents view. At the same time, the historical significance and tradition of ordination is reviewed briefly.
2.1. Divergent Views on the Ministry of Apostleship from Biblical Point of View
Biblical scholars and theologians have diverse views on what the Bible teaches about the ministry of Apostleship. Benjamin G. McNair Scott identified the modern day apostles in three distinctive nature and widely discussed the divergent views of scholars based on their interpretation of scripture. According to Scott’s identification, the first category is “Supreme Apostles”. These are, …show more content…
The Cessationist view
There are many NT scholars; such as B. B. Warfield, John Macarthur, J. I. Packer, Tenny Merrile C., Vincent Marvin R., and Wuest Kenneth who wrote against the apostolic ministry in today’s church. The researcher selected two writers (Wayne Grudem and John Stott) believing that they could well represent the view of cessationist, because they have done substantial work concerning such issue. Wayne Grudem and John Stott, who were among evangelical scholars opposed the ministry of apostles in the present-day church. Grudem argued by citing four reasons for ceasing of the ministry of apostles. First, the New Testament scripture replaces apostles. Once scripture was completed there was no need for apostles and hence, no more would be given. Otherwise it makes an open canon. Secondly, he argued that the role of apostles was foundational. He based his argument on Eph. 2:20; 3:5 and Rev. 21:14 that these verses talk about the foundation nature of apostles. Grudem’s argument is that these scripture texts show that apostles were foundational to the church structure. Thirdly, Grudem stated that Paul was the last apostle (1Cor. 15:3-9). A confirmation to be an apostle is to see the risen Lord, and Paul was the last apostle – as he was the last to witness to the resurrection. So Grudem identifies the twelve apostles plus Paul, James and Barnabas, and might be Androncus and Junias of Rom. 16:17. Finally, he argued that the tense ‘gave’ used in …show more content…
T. Lincoln, F.F. Bruce, Ernest Best and J. D. G. Dunn - who agree with Grudem and Stott and say apostleship is not an ongoing ministry that could ever be repeated . According to Bruce, when the ministry of apostles ceased, their message continued through pastors, evangelists and teachers. Still others such as J. B. Lightfoot, Watchman Nee suggests the existence of other apostles than the twelve as mentioned in scripture like (2 Cor. 11:13; Rev. 21:2) – to say there were apostles of the church. This last group seems in the middle of the rejectionist and the
2.1. Divergent Views on the Ministry of Apostleship from Biblical Point of View
Biblical scholars and theologians have diverse views on what the Bible teaches about the ministry of Apostleship. Benjamin G. McNair Scott identified the modern day apostles in three distinctive nature and widely discussed the divergent views of scholars based on their interpretation of scripture. According to Scott’s identification, the first category is “Supreme Apostles”. These are, …show more content…
The Cessationist view
There are many NT scholars; such as B. B. Warfield, John Macarthur, J. I. Packer, Tenny Merrile C., Vincent Marvin R., and Wuest Kenneth who wrote against the apostolic ministry in today’s church. The researcher selected two writers (Wayne Grudem and John Stott) believing that they could well represent the view of cessationist, because they have done substantial work concerning such issue. Wayne Grudem and John Stott, who were among evangelical scholars opposed the ministry of apostles in the present-day church. Grudem argued by citing four reasons for ceasing of the ministry of apostles. First, the New Testament scripture replaces apostles. Once scripture was completed there was no need for apostles and hence, no more would be given. Otherwise it makes an open canon. Secondly, he argued that the role of apostles was foundational. He based his argument on Eph. 2:20; 3:5 and Rev. 21:14 that these verses talk about the foundation nature of apostles. Grudem’s argument is that these scripture texts show that apostles were foundational to the church structure. Thirdly, Grudem stated that Paul was the last apostle (1Cor. 15:3-9). A confirmation to be an apostle is to see the risen Lord, and Paul was the last apostle – as he was the last to witness to the resurrection. So Grudem identifies the twelve apostles plus Paul, James and Barnabas, and might be Androncus and Junias of Rom. 16:17. Finally, he argued that the tense ‘gave’ used in …show more content…
T. Lincoln, F.F. Bruce, Ernest Best and J. D. G. Dunn - who agree with Grudem and Stott and say apostleship is not an ongoing ministry that could ever be repeated . According to Bruce, when the ministry of apostles ceased, their message continued through pastors, evangelists and teachers. Still others such as J. B. Lightfoot, Watchman Nee suggests the existence of other apostles than the twelve as mentioned in scripture like (2 Cor. 11:13; Rev. 21:2) – to say there were apostles of the church. This last group seems in the middle of the rejectionist and the