Apostles and Prophets One More Time

Q

In Biblical times, both in the OT and NT, there have always been prophets inspired by the Word of God, and in the NT, Apostles of Christ’s teachings during His time on Earth. Since Paul wasn’t a direct follower of Jesus chosen before the resurrection, why do you think we haven’t been given any Apostles since Paul, if Apostleship is something that was/can be given by God after the Cross? Further, why are there no further recognized prophets since John the baptist?

A

The requirements for being an apostle were to have been taught personally by the Lord and have seen Him after the resurrection. Paul met both these requirements. In Galatians 1:11-12 Paul revealed that he had been taught by direct revelation from the Lord Jesus, and in Galatians 2:9 reported that he had been accepted by Peter, James and John. Paul also claimed to have personally seen the risen Lord (1 Cor. 15:3-8). As the men who had been personally taught by Jesus and had seen Him post resurrection were either martyred or died, there were no more who met the qualifications for the office.

The role of a prophet was to speak to the people for God. The writer of Hebrews identified Jesus as the last prophet of God (Hebrews 1:1-2). He related what we know as the Book of Revelation through John in what was God’s final word to man. During the Church Age we hear from God through the reading of His word.