Prophets and self-proclaimed apostles: what the Bible says.
I still remember this conversation.
A man I had just met looking straight to me in the eyes and launched me in a solemn tone:
“I am the so and so, anointed of God for this generation. »»
I smiled. Not because God cannot call someone. But because the call, according to the Bible, does not work like that.
However, before accepting such declarations, it is essential to turn to the scriptures to understand what they really teach about the apostles and the prophets.
The apostles, according to Jesus.
If we opened the Bible at that time, I would have asked him only one question: “Brother, have you seen Risen Jesus?” »»
Because this is one of the conditions to be Apostle. The first apostles were not just charismatic men. They had been chosen directly by Jesus, they had walked with him, and especially … they had witnessed his resurrection (acts 1: 21-22).
Paul, the last to be added, saw Jesus on the way of Damascus (1 Corinthians 15: 8-9). He received a divine call, confirmed by the Church, and he suffered for the Gospel like no other.
John, the last of the twelve, died around the year 100 AD. This ended the apostolic era. Since then, no apostle has been established by God. Those who took over were disciples of the apostles, known as apostolic fathers.
But today one of the most controversial titles is that of “apostle”. Some award it, claiming an apostolic authority which, in the New Testament, was reserved for a very specific group.
But the Bible teaches us that to be Apostle, it was necessary:
- Have been a direct witness to the resurrected Christ (Proceedings 1: 21-22).
- To have been chosen personally by Jesus (Luke 6:13, Proceedings 9:15).
- Make miracles attesting divine authority (2 Corinthians 12:12).
So where do all these “apostles” come from today?
The phenomenon of self-proclaimed.
Self-proclamation in the ministry is not just a matter of pride, it represents a threat to the Church.
Jesus had warned: “Take care that no one seduces you.” Because several will come under my name, saying: I am the one. And they will seduce a lot of people. (Matthew 24: 4-5).
And Paul added: “Because such men are false apostles, misleading workers, disguised as apostles of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:13).
They are there. Everywhere. They arise on social networks, organize crusades, attribute impressive titles and promise miracles and prosperity. Some even sell “anointing oils” and “prophetic coats”.
But anointing is not bought. The appeal does not proclaim oneself.
One of the most serious consequences of these drifts is the distance from the authentic gospel. Many of these modern “prophets” preach a theology of prosperity, extra-biblical revelations and doctrines distant from healthy doctrine. The writing is clear:
“But, when we ourselves, or an angel from heaven, would announce another gospel than that which we have preached to you, whether it is anathema! (Galatians 1: 8).
The role of Christians is therefore to watch and examine any teaching in the light of the Word of God (1 John 4: 1, Acts 17:11).
How does God establish his servants?
In the New Testament, no one had self-proclaimed. Jesus Christ himself did not start his ministry without the validation of the Father and the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3: 16-17). Paul never decided one morning that he would be Apostle. Although called by Christ on the way to Damascus, he did not directly exercise. It was tested and confirmed by the church. (Acts 13: 1-3, Galatians 1: 15-18) Timothée and Tite either have not launched their own ministry on YouTube. They were established by men of faithful God (1 Timothy 4:14, Tite 1: 5-9).
In the Old Testament, even the prophets did not self-proclaim. Elisha was anointed by Elijah. Moses imposed hands on Joshua. Real prophets are called directly by God, often against their own will.
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews reminds us: “And nobody attributes this dignity, if he is called from God, as was Aaron. (Hebrews 5: 4).
So, if God calls a man, he does it according to the order established in his word.
Why is it important?
Because a man who proclaims himself “apostle” or “prophet” without the divine appeal becomes a danger. He teaches his own thoughts, not those of God. As for the false prophets, they are legion and stand out by their flattering and false prophecies (Jeremiah 23: 21-22).
Jeremiah shouted against these false prophets of his time:
“” I did not send these prophets, and they ran; I did not tell them, and they prophesied. (Jeremiah 23:21).
And Jesus warned us: “” It is not all those who say to me: Lord, Lord! who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but this one alone who makes the will of my father who is in heaven. Several will say to me on that day: Lord, Lord, haven't we prophesied by your name? Haven't we chased demons by name? And haven't we did a lot of miracles by your name? So I will tell them openly: I have never known you, withdraw from me, you who commit iniquity. (Matthew 7: 21-23).
It is not enough to wear a title. You have to be known to God.
How should the call to the ministry take place?
Rather than decree yourself pastor, prophet or doctor, a biblical model could rest on:
- An inner appeal of God, felt deeply and confirmed by a life of piety.
- Ecclesial recognition, where the Church and its officials discern the call.
- A rigorous training, where the candidate is taught, proven and strengthened in faith.
- A legitimate ordination, by the imposition of the hands of the ancients, according to biblical custom (1 Timothy 4:14).
The pastoral and prophetic ministry should never be a self-promotion platform, but a humble service rendered to the Church under the authority of Christ.
A simple test.
So, next time a man tells you: “I am the so -and -so apostle”ask him these three questions:
- Have you seen Risen Jesus?
- Who imposed your hands and you have established?
- Where are the biblical fruits of your call?
You will be surprised by the answers.
Stay blessed, my friend.
