✨ Do Apostles Still Exist Today?

Debunking the Myth of Cessation

There’s a common belief circulating in many churches today that apostles and prophets no longer exist—that those roles ceased with the early church. This teaching, known as cessationism, suggests we now live in a “post-apostolic era.” But is that truly what Scripture teaches?

Let’s go to the Word of God and examine it honestly and carefully.

📖 What the Bible Actually Says

🔹 Ephesians 4:11–13 – The Fivefold Ministry Continues

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints… till we all come to the unity of the faith…” (Ephesians 4:11–13)

This passage doesn’t give a deadline for the ministry of apostles and prophets. In fact, it declares that these roles will continue until the Church reaches full maturity in Christ—a goal we’ve clearly not achieved yet.

So if the Church is still growing, still learning, and still striving for unity, why would the very roles Christ gave to help us be discontinued?

🔹 Amos 3:7 – God’s Consistent Pattern

“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

This principle remains unchanged. God speaks through messengers. In the New Testament, we find apostles like Paul and prophets like Agabus continuing this divine tradition. There is no Scripture that says God has stopped using apostles or prophets. In fact, Revelation—written well after Christ’s resurrection—is full of prophetic visions given to the apostle John.

❌ Misusing 1 Corinthians 13 to End Apostles

Some point to 1 Corinthians 13:8–10 to argue that prophecy, tongues, and knowledge would vanish after the Bible was completed:

“But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

But what is “that which is perfect”?

Paul answers in verse 12:

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face…”

This can’t refer to the Bible. No one sees Christ face to face simply by reading Scripture. This is about the return of Christ—when we will fully know and be fully known.

Until that day, the Church still functions in part. That means prophets still prophesy, and apostles still work.

🔍 Myth vs. Truth 

📜 How Did Cessationism Start?

Cessationism didn’t originate from Scripture—it developed over time due to changing church traditions and reactions to abuses of spiritual gifts.

• Early Church: After the original apostles died, many assumed their roles ended too.

• Canonization of Scripture (4th century): Some leaders argued the Bible replaced the need for prophets and apostles.

• Reformation (16th century): Reformers like John Calvin reacted against corruption in the Catholic Church and emphasized Sola Scriptura, sometimes to the point of denying ongoing revelation.

• Modern Times: The rise of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements triggered pushback, reinforcing cessationist teaching in some denominations.

But theological reaction is not a substitute for biblical truth.

🔥 Why Apostles and Prophets Still Matter Today

• Apostles help plant churches, set doctrine, and bring oversight with divine authority—not writing new Scripture, but establishing Christ’s work.

• Prophets provide Spirit-led insight, encouragement, warning, and direction for individuals and congregations alike.

These are not optional or outdated roles. They are gifts from Jesus to His Church (Ephesians 4:11), and the Church needs them until we all come to the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

🌍 A Word for Today

We still live in the “last days”, as declared in Acts 2:17–18:

“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh… your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…”

That means the Spirit is still working. God is still speaking. The offices of apostle and prophet are still active—because Christ’s Church is still growing.

🛑 Don’t Limit God Based on Human Tradition

God’s Word never says He stopped using apostles or prophets. That idea is the result of centuries of tradition, not Scripture.

To reject these roles today is to ignore the very tools God uses to build His Church. Let’s not box God in. Let’s open our hearts to His Word, His Spirit, and His divine order.

“Let us be careful not to limit God’s ways by adopting human traditions that contradict His Word.”

🙏 Final Thought

If we truly want to see the Church flourish in power, truth, and maturity, we must embrace all that God has given—including apostles and prophets.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7)

Grace & Peace
Dr. John Roberts THD