Some hesitate to acknowledge apostles or prophets because they fear it might lead to abuse of authority. This fear often comes from the assumption that apostles and prophets hold a “higher rank” than the other ministry gifts.

But the ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4 are not a hierarchy of power within the Body of Christ. They are not like corporate positions where a higher title means more control. An apostle cannot simply walk into any church and overrule the pastor. And if you are a teacher — to bad for you, because you are at the bottom of the ladder.

True spiritual authority does not come from a title but from being called by God. The influence of any ministry gift only extends as far as it is received. An apostle’s influence reaches only as far as the church recognizes and welcomes it. A prophet’s authority is not in the title but in the message: if it is truly from God, we should listen; if it is not, we are free to throw it out the window.

Yes, there have been abuses by people calling themselves apostles or prophets. But misuse does not cancel the genuine. There have also been many cases of spiritual abuse by people calling themselves pastors, yet we do not stop using that title.

The solution is not to reject these ministries but to test them. Look at the fruit. Ensure they walk in humility and in alignment with God’s Word. True apostles and prophets are never afraid to be examined, because their calling stands up to the light of Scripture and the witness of the Holy Spirit.

-----
Ephesians 4:11–13 + 1 Corinthians 12:12–29 + Matthew 20:25–28 + Galatians 1:1 + 2 Corinthians 10:8 + 2 Corinthians 13:10 + John 10:4–5, 16 + 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21 + 1 Corinthians 14:29 + Matthew 7:15–20