Wrestling with Scripture: A Minister’s Journal”

This year, our fellowship set out on a mission: to grow past being  just members to being ministers —based on Paul’s charge in Ephesians 4:11–12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”

It’s a verse I’ve read and taught with excitement for years. But recently, something about it has been stirring me, bothering me even. Not because it’s wrong—God forbid—but because maybe… we’ve read it with assumptions(Assumpta 😁🤦). And if we’re going to contend for the faith once delivered, I must confront mine.

Let's keenly look into that line...

Paul says: “Christ himself GAVE...”

That’s past tense.

Not “is giving” or “will give.”

He gave —once. (You'll see why I use the word once when we get to Judas.)

That tense raises a question:

Was this appointment of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers a one-time act by Jesus while He walked the earth?

If yes, then what are we saying when we use these titles today?

This was not an easy observation for me—because I too run around the country, sometimes wearing or working under some of these titles.

Then I remembered the story of Matthias. The disciples voted him in to replace Judas. They prayed. They nominated. They cast lots. And he won.

Then… silence. No mention again of Mathias.

Where did that brother disappear to?

Compare that to Paul, who came after Jesus had ascended. He wasn’t voted in by men. But he had a personal encounter with the risen Christ—and that became his defense for apostleship (Galatians 1:1, Acts 9).

Galatians 1:1 reads thus... "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—"

Could it be that Matthias was man’s idea, but Paul was God’s plan?

Now I strongly believe that you should NOT function in any of the five offices if you have no special day or event when Christ appointed you.

Then there’s Jude (Aka Judas). His one-paragraphed book might be short, but it’s sharp: “Contend earnestly for the faith which was ONCE for ALL delivered to THE saints.” – Jude 1:3

What do I pick here?

1. It was DELIVERED in the past — not to be revised.

2. It was delivered ONCE — not repeatedly. (remember the once I mentioned earlier?)

3. It was delivered for ALL — not a private truth. That's where I come into play. We're part of the all.

4. It was delivered to specific SAINTS — not just anyone. Could this be the patriarchs, prophets, the 12 disciples or all?

I lean more towards the 12 for I do not see the word faith been used by patriarchs and prophets often. This leads me to believe that the original "faith" was handed to the 12 (including Paul), who were personally chosen by Christ or encountered Him supernaturally. From them, the gospel spread. It wasn't supposed to be re-invented by later generations. Paul boldly spoke on this when he said... "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:6-12

Those are heavy words from our brother Paul. Notice his confidence in his calling and commission? Christ!

Jesus’ own prayer divides us into two groups. I personally call this the Lords prayer and not the 'our father's one. Read John 17 carefully. Please do. I'll not paste it here. Give special attention from verses 6 to 21. There’s a distinction between:

* “Those you gave me out of the world” (the apostles)

* “Those who will believe in me through their message” (us)

He says:

> “I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me…

> My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through THEIR message.” (John 17:9, 20)

He sanctifies the apostles and sends them (apostles = "sent ones") into the world.

We, the second group, receive the message from them.

It’s sobering.

LET'S CLAW IN FURTHER.

In Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, the most practical books on church leadership, he never instructs them to appoint apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers. Did you notice that?

He tells them to:

* Appoint elders (Titus 1:5)

* Choose deacons (1 Timothy 3)

* Entrust to faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2)

(I had earlier brainstormed through titles and journalled here: https://mapstage.blogspot.com/2025/02/god-gathering-government.html)

Why not recreate the fivefold?

Could it be that the appointments had already been made—by Christ himself, and that was final? Remember Christ is not a name but a title meaning 'the anointed one'.

This is my honest conflict.

This isn’t rebellion.

It’s not doubt.

It’s the process of wrestling with truth—truth that sharpens obedience.

I still believe in the ministry gifts. I still preach, teach, disciple, and lead.

But maybe… instead of holding titles, I should hold responsibility. Instead of holding offices I should fulfill my ministry.

Instead of being obsessed with being called an apostle or prophet, I should focus on being faithful, fruitful, and found working when the Master returns.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?