Daren’t designate yourself with the HOLY APOSTLES, PROPHETS, TEACHERS…

From the beginning of time, Prophets were chosen and anointed by God Himself. It was a premeditated work of God. Listen to this statement: God spoke to Jeremiah, Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).

At sundry times, God would command a chosen prophet to fill a horn with oil—-and what does a prophet do with oil? He anoints, right? Who does he anoint? Usually, the person that is chosen by God to be the king or a judge to reign over His people, but not all earthly nations per se.

This is the record that God gave of His Son: Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and man. Unlike other prophets, this man Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God Himself to be a Prophet, an Apostle, and a High Priest – Deut 18:15/18:18/Acts 3:22/Heb 3:1. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power (dunamis) – Acts 10:38.

Anointed = Greek – Christos/ Hebrew – Messiah.

CHRIO – Consecrated to an office.

That being the case, could a minister of the gospel be reckoned as “the anointed of God”? Absolutely not! If one considers as “anointed of God,” then it means, he/she is identifying themselves as the Christ or the Messiah. That is why Jesus forewarned us that people shall designate themselves as Christ – If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ (Anointed of God), or there; believe it not (Matthew 24:23) – Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (Anointed of God); and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them – (Luke 21:8) – For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Matthew 24:24).

Now having an Apostle and a high priest – Heb 3:1 – which lives forever; and God has made Him be the only Mediator between God and man – 1 Tim 2:5, do we need other mediators to stand in the gap for us? Before, there was such a gap to be filled in—and God sought for a MAN among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Him for the land, that He should not destroy it: but He found none – Ezekiel 22:30 – And he saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor – Isaiah 59:14-16. God found none righteous – Rom 3:10 – and the Word of God had to take upon Himself a sinful flesh to fill that gap and to condemn sin in the body of His flesh – Rom 8:3/Heb 2:14/4:15/ John 1:14/11:50/ 1Tim 3:16.

Having said that, are there New Testament Prophets? Yes, there were up until the laying of the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ (the holy Apostles and Prophets inclusive). They held their offices until the day they died. They did not just prophesy—but were the mouthpieces of God. They spoke the word of God.

What does a prophet do? The prophet was chosen to Mediate between God and man – Jeremiah 42:1-9/37:3. The prophet spoke for God. Like other diviners, Prophets served as conduits for divine blessings and warnings. During the time of Israel’s transition, we see the prophet Samuel being used as the key player – 1Samuel 1:8. He was appointed by God to be a prophet – 3:19-4:1, priest – 2:35/7:2-10,17, and a Judge  7:5-17 – to keep the rulers on track; to that end, he even formed a “school of prophets” – 19:20/2 Kings 2:3-7/Deuteronomy 17:14-20. People rejected God as their monarch and desired to be ruled by a human figurehead, which was a fatal mistake. Samuel anointed Israel’s first two kings – 10:1,17-25/16:11-13. Unlike Jesus of Nazareth – Acts 10:38, the kings of the past were anointed by the prophets.

The message of the prophet was, “Thus saith the LORD.” He usually says—REPENT — “Thus saith the Lord,” or, “The word of the Lord came unto me,” – Jeremiah 36:27,32/Ezekiel chapters 26,27,31,32,39. Rejecting the voice of an ordained prophet was like rebelling against God, which would invite inevitable retribution. The righteousness of God without the law–which later manifested was being witnessed by the law and the prophets – Romans 3:21/1Pet 1:10. They were the forerunners for Christ (a shadow of good things to come – Col 2:17/Heb 10:1). And most of the prophets were killed – Luke 11:47,49,50/Rom 11:3/1Thess 2:15/Rev 18:20. They even killed the last Prophet Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Old Testament and the Prophets.

Why were such offices of Prophets, Apostles, and Teachers crucial?

We are aware of the fact that there is the “GENERAL REVELATION OF GOD” given to mankind – Psalm 19:1,2/Rom 1:19,20/2:14,15. This revelation may suffice for Pelagians, Rationalists, Deists, and such.

1. The Pelagians (deny the doctrines of original sin and predestination; they defend the innate human goodness and free will)
2. Rationalists (deny that God is incomprehensible)
3. Deists (admits the revelation of God in nature, but denies the necessity, the reality, and even the possibility of any special revelation such as we have in Scripture).

But the truth is that as the blight of sin had obscured God’s creation (the creature was made subject to vanity – Romans 8:20-23), SPECIAL REVELATION* (the plenary verbal inspiration that is infallible and inerrant) *became an indispensable factor that alone could liberate mankind from their fallen state – Numbers 12:6-8/Heb 1:1/2Pet 1:21. The miracles of the Bible are means of revelation too – Exodus 16:11/Psalm 72:18/Num 16:28/Jeremiah 32:20/John 2:11/ 5:36. Now there was a man of the Pharisees (the most rigorously religious of all the Jewish groups) named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

God gave the unique revelation using the following methods:

1. Theophanies (God’s apparent manifestations – Ex 13:21-22/ 33:9/ Ps 78:14/ 99:7/ in stormy winds – Job 38:1/ Psalm 18:10-16/1 Kings 19:12/Gen 16:13/ 31:11/Ex 23:20-23/ Mal 3:1/John 1:14),
2. Direct communications – Deut 5:4/1 Pet 1:11/John 14:26/1 Cor 2:12/13/1 Thess 2:13,
3. Dreams and visions
4. Urim and Thummim – Num 12:6/27:21/Isa 6
5. Miracles

This kind of revelation not only enriched us with knowledge* (Gnosis = light – whose antonym is ignorance (Choshek = darkness) is past), *but also holds the power to convert a sinner into a saint. And through the Spirit of God the holy prophets and the holy apostles of the lamb had become the mediums of such revelations – John 14:26/1 Cor 2:12,13/1 Thess 2:13; not to mention, the miracles of the Bible too, remain as parts of God’s special revelation (progressive).

Scripture* (the INFALLIBLE and INERRANT AUTOGRAPHIC text of Scripture – written by mortals, but prepared and overseen by the heavenly Author, the Holy Spirit) *is God’s revelation, not just a record of it (Holy Spirit bears witness to the Scriptures, assuring believers of the truthfulness of God’s written Word)— The Spirit of the Father which spake in them (Matthew 10:20) – the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify – 1Pet 1:11. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John’s gospels, as well as Acts and Paul’s letters, were considered immediate revelations of Jesus.

Infallible: denotes the attribute of neither deceiving nor being deceived, and so ensures categorically that Holy Scripture is a sure, safe, and reliable rule and guide in all circumstances.

Inerrant: refers to the attribute of being free of all lies or errors, ensuring that Holy Scripture is true and trustworthy in all of its declarations.

          They–the holy prophets and Apostles were identified with:

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience (James 5:10). Trial of cruel mocking and scourging, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they have sawn asunder (Jewish tradition says that Prophet Isaiah suffered martyrdom by being sawn in two under the orders of Manasseh), were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented – Hebrews 11:36-37

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets Luke 6:22-23

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets (Luke 6:26)

All the prophets of old have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you (1 Peter 1:10). The mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:5/1Pet 1:12,21). In essence, all the prophets converged in Christ (until the foundation of the Church was laid). To him give all the prophets WITNESS (Acts 10:43). They foretold about the days of Jesus – Acts 3:21,22,24 – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you – 1 Peter 1:10,11/Romans 1:2.

If a person dares call him/herself a prophet (ess) just because he/she could prophesy this and that, not only puts him in the category of a false prophet or false apostle but also is asserting that he acts as a mediator between God and man. By doing so, he is invading the office of the only Mediator God hath ordained – 1Tim 2:5. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ – 2 Cor 11:13 – who are at Satan’s bidding – transformed as the ministers of righteousness – 2 Cor 11:15.

Having said that, I am not propounding that the gift of prophecy and other gifts are done away with the first-century Church. I am not a Cessationist. I believe, if properly administered, the gift of prophecy and other gifts of the Spirit are crucial for edification, exhortation, comfort and to bring a sinner to repentance – 1Cor 14:4,5,24,31. We are stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).

“Believe all the prophets” (Luke 24:25) – This is a clichéd remark that professing prophets frequently employ as a persuasive hook.

“Believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20) – These words we could take to the bank, but not anymore. Why? Among many others, this verse too, cannot be taken into consideration by the church for the contrast and discrete context that it stands for; besides, it was spoken to the nation of Israel. Israel should have believed their prophets, as they all were speaking about the coming redeemer of Israel. Jesus said, the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, have written concerning me (Luke 24:44). Instead, they killed them all – 1Thess 2:15/Rom 11:3 – and denied the Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14,15) – whom the prophets hath predicted. Moses also prophesied that God would raise them a Prophet from among their brethren – Deut 18:18 – he shall ye hear (Acts 7:37). But they denied and crucified him.

Jesus Christ and Precious Holy Ghost now warn the body of Christ not to be deceived. Holy Ghost through the holy Apostle and Prophet John, warns the believing fold: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets (not proposed by God – self-appointed) are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). These are the grievous wolves, which the Apostle Paul predicted would infiltrate into the fold of God (Acts 20:29). Jesus predicted that many false (unofficial, unsanctioned) prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many (Matthew 24:11). Apostle Peter monitions, there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you (2 Peter 2:1).

What did Jesus say? Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you (John 15:16). The holy Apostles, Prophets, and the Teachers who were to become the foundation stones of the church were handpicked by the Master Himself – John 15:16. They all held a holy office, which had a specific purpose. Apostle Paul said, Him (Jesus Christ) God raised the third day and showed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses (that cloud of witnesses – Heb 12:1) chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead – Acts 10:40-41. Apostle Peter said, for we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Peter 1:16).

Simply put they were bond slaves (doulos) to Christ – Rom 1:1/2Pet 1:1/1Cor 7:22. Unlike us, they had to give up on everything the world has to offer to keep their offices; even many of them had to repudiate their families (forsook houses, brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, lands, for the name of Christ – Matt 19:29). In other words, they had to deny themselves to gain what the Master had promised and called them to occupy (Luke 9:23). They were to be slaughtered – Rom 8:36.

And others had trial of cruel mocking’s and scourging’s, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they have sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:36-38

In the Old Testament, the law demanded that a false prophet must die or be killed – Deut 18:20,22. And the Jews did kill all the prophets except the false ones. They killed the good ones; even they did not spare the Lord of glory, the Prince of Life. They did have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). And the true prophet-to-false prophet ratio was around “one to four hundred.”

What is left for our take?

But when it comes to the body that is built upon them – Eph 2:20 – Paul said, to covet earnestly the best gifts – 1Cor 12:31! It means, here in this dispensation, you can pick your choice, so to speak, but THEY were foreordained.

And this manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal (1 Corinthians 12:7) – Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church (1 Cor 14:12). Follow charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy (1 Cor 14:1).

But there were false (self-proclaimed, self-ordained) prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you (2 Peter 2:1).

On many occasions, I have prophesied to many people and have exercised the gifts of healing (Physical, emotional, spiritual); and creative miracles had taken place by the laying of my hands. Now does that make me a Prophet or an Apostle of God? Absolutely not. Were all my prophecies accurate? Not all, for many a time, I have also spoken presumptuously – Deut 18:22. Why? Because now we prophesy in part – 1Cor 13:9. When the genuine prophets and apostles spoke, it was the word of God–they could say, thus saith the Lord; but when we speak, we’ve been warned to try the spirits, and to analyze, and to prove all things – 1John 4:1/1Thess 5:21. That’s the difference.

He, therefore, ministers to you the Spirit and works miracles among you (Gal 3:5). Where faith is active, the Spirit of God does perform – Gal 3:5. Another thing is that, if we all are encouraged to prophesy according to –1Cor 14:24,31 – then we must reckon the gift of prophecy as a GENERAL gift. That should put us all in the prophet’s office, shouldn’t it? But that would be unseemly and incongruous! The Spirit says, let all things be done decently and in order – 1 Cor 14:40.

The phrase “Thus saith the Lord” is now defunct as the canon of Scripture is compiled. The word CANON, which signifies a rule or standard, is a pointer to authority, which means the right to rule and control. The word of God is our authority!

Now we are all the sons of God, aren’t we? 1John 3:2.

And the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you (in the corporate body – not in one individual), and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing (that flows from Christ the head) teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him (1 John 2:27) – for that anointing to flow continually, we must but abide in him – 1John 2:28/John 15:4,5.

With that said, I don’t mean to imply that we don’t require instruction or instructors. The Bible commands us to study so that we may present ourselves to God in a way that pleases Him (2 Timothy 2:15). We are weaned through the members of the body of Christ, who are the learned ministers that the Holy Ghost has appointed in the church. Depending on how well it functions, each joint contributes (Ephesians 4:16).

Apostle Paul even alluded “though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ – 1 Cor 4:15 – using the Greek term paidagogos, which is whence the English word pedagogue comes from and means lecturer, teacher, instructor, guru, mentor, etc. He continued, “When for the time ye ought to be instructors (didaskalos = doctor, master, teacher), ye require one to teach you again which are the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Heb. 5:12–13)..

This proves that God ordained and mandates the need for educators in the Christian faith, to impart instruction in righteousness, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph 4:12/2Tim 3:16)

The Holy Spirit enlightens believers’ hearts to all truth, He teaches, directs, and reveals God’s thoughts to them. The Paraclete, the counsellor, the supervisor–he guides believers into all truth.

Jesus warned, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ (chrīstós – anointed one), or there; believe it not – Matt 24:23.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who makes thee to differ from another? 1 Cor 4:6-7 – for we are all one in Christ Jesus – Gal 3:28. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread – 1Cor 10:17. For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7) And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all (Mark 10:44) – and didn’t our chief proved by his conduct? Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind (1 Peter 5:2). Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:4)

Wherefore, not only is it unscriptural to go after prophets for guidance in this dispensation but also there are no distinct/privileged persons anymore in the body of Christ. We all are compacted and knit together by the Spirit into one body – 1Cor 12:13 – whose Head is Christ, from which all the body by joints and bands nourishment ministered – Col 2:19 – From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supply – Eph 4:16. God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another – 1Cor 12:24,25. You see every joint supply–not just an anointed man or woman. No parts of the body could sustain itself, could it? In the same way–each genuine believer is in-dwelt by the Spirit of God – Gal 4:6/1Cor 3:16 – we are interdependent. All members minister in the body— priesthood of all believers (1 Pet 2:9).

The Spirit of truth has come, he will guide you into all truth (John 14:16,17/16:13). Ye (irregular plural) have an unction -1 John 2:20. The unction from the Holy One – 1 John 2:20/Acts 3:14 – now percolates through the corporate body of Christ. We ARE endued with power from on high – Luke 24:49. The Comforter – John 14:26 = Paraclete = Gr. helper, counselor, advocate, intercessor, standby, strengthener has already come. Be led by the Spirit of God – they are the Sons of God – Rom 8:14.

The holy Apostles and Prophets of the Lamb were distinct and they along with the Master had a task at hand that would alter the course of human history.

• That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:2)
• Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:5)
• They held the ministry of reconciliation, even to remit sins – 2 Corinthians 5:18/James 5:15.
• They were given the authority to forgive sins – John 20:23
• They were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever they would bind on earth would be bound in heaven: and whatsoever they would loose on earth would be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19)
• They had the power to punish a soul – 1 Cor 5:5 – for they had the first fruits of the Spirit (Romans 8:23/Acts 26:18).
• Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Romans 16:25-26
• And the wall of the city had twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb – (Revelation 21:14).
• Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28)
• A priest represented the people before God, while a prophet represented God among the people. Both were “Teachers,” but the former taught moral law, and the latter, ceremonial law.
• Apostles were “Teachers” too— they had to expound the Holy Scriptures in the light of the New Testament life—to the Jews. Example: 1Pet 1:10,11 – they had to explain to the Jews what the Old Testament prophets meant. Paul said, whereunto I have been ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity – 1 Tim 2:7.
• It was the apostle Paul who made the connection between the word gospel and Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins apparent – 1Cor 15:1-3.
• The law and Jesus confirmed that God called them “god” unto whom the word of God came – John 10:34,35/Gal 4:14/Acts 28:6/14:11.
• The apostles of the lamb were endowed with the spirit of holiness – Rev 18:20/21:14/2Pet 3:2/Eph 3:5/Acts 8:18.
• They were the servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God – 1 Cor 4:1
• Apostle Paul was a skilled master builder called to lay the foundation of the Church of God – 1 Cor 3:10

The Apostles were identified thus:

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds (2 Corinthians 12:12).

Then there are the New Testament holy Apostles and holy Prophets – Ephesians 3:5/2Pet 3:2/Revelation 18:20 – upon which the Church is BUILT UPON – Eph 2:20 – the New Testament was FOUNDED UPON their blood, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator (the holy Apostles and Prophets were the testators and the witnesses—for they handed us down the legacy as well— they betrothed us to Christ, didn’t they? – 2Cor 11:2 – they gave us the gospel – Rom 2:16/Acts 15:7 – they filled up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in their flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church, and also for the word of God – Col 1:24/Rev 1:9). For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives – Heb 9:16,17. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14).

The woman (which typifies a sect, a religious order) who first seduced the members of the Church into apostasy is “that woman Jezebel,” who set aside the true prophets of God with her falsities, led the Church into spiritual adultery. Their Church still was active in faith and love but was caught in the web of an adulteress, under her power (Rev 2:24). I would say the woman Jezebel typifies a whoring church, which hath a form of godliness but that denies its power, which is Christ and the fruit of His Spirit.

There are two mysteries now contending for people’s souls. One is a mystery of iniquity; the other is the mystery of godliness. One would have to reject the mystery of Godliness to embrace the spiritual mysteries that come from Satan (depths of Satan – Rev 2:24). We cannot follow both at the same time. We need to understand that Satan is the greatest creature ever made by God; there is no indication that he has lost his knowledge although it had been corrupted – Ezekiel 28:17. We cannot underestimate him—as he has great power and influence in spiritual matters. The whole world lies in the lap/power of the wicked – 1 John 5:19; and among all his schemes, his prime objective is to leaven and deceive the Church.

The Old Testament writers are repeatedly instructed to write what the Lord commands them – Ex 17:14/34:27/Num 33:2/Isa 8:1/30:8/Jer 25:13/ 30:2/Ezek 24:1/Dan 12:4/Hab 2:2.

The prophets were conscious of bringing the word of the Lord – but the modern self-proclaimed ones—they function as mere foretellers, which the heathen sorcerers and witches perform better; not to mention, they draw away disciples after them – Acts 20:30 – and not after Christ and sound doctrine – Col 2:8/2Tim 4:3,4. Them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars (Revelation 2:2)

Paul refers to his statements as Spirit-taught language (1 Corinthians 2:13), argues that Christ is speaking through him (2 Corinthians 13:3), and identifies his message to the Thessalonians as God’s word (1 Thess 2:13). The Epistle to the Hebrews frequently mentions Old Testament texts as utterances of God or the Holy Spirit – Heb 1:6/3:7/4:3/ 5:6/7:21 – “given by inspiration of God, and useful for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

The concept of verbal inspiration is abundantly supported by Scripture. In various instances, such as Lev 3 and 4/6:1,24/7:22,28/Josh 1:1/4:1/6:2, we are taught that the Lord had told Moses and Joshua exactly what to write. Didn’t Jehovah place His words into their mouths and commanded them to speak His words to the people in Jeremiah 1:9 and Ezekiel 3:4,10,11? Paul’s words are described as Spirit-taught language in 1 Corinthians 2:13, and both he and Jesus base their arguments on a single phrase, Matt 22:43-45/John 10:35/Gal 3:16.

1 Cor. 2:13. “Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Spirit teaches; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.”

1 Thess. 2:13. “And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God.”

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles (2 Timothy 1:11) – I teach everywhere in every church – 1Cor 4:17 – Whereunto I have been ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity (1 Timothy 2:7) – For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:12) – Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? (1 Corinthians 12:29)

In the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; such as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul (Acts 13:1). Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him (John 3:2). They all taught the Bible that we get to read now. They that held the office of a teacher ought to be proficient and well-versed in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages, especially the law and the prophets.

They didn’t have the canon of Scripture nor the vast resources of Bible commentaries and myriad of Christian literature as we do now but had only letters and parchments from which those whom God had chosen would teach. They taught the first principles of the oracles of God (Hebrews 5:12). And they expect all of us to be teachers, able to instruct in righteousness – 2Tim 2:25/3:16. We now instruct, not necessarily teach as they did – 1 Cor 4:15/2Tim 2:25/3:16. They taught the word of God that they received directly from God; and we instruct from the word of God, which they handed down to us. They spoke the word of God (the engrafted word/ the Rhema word – James 1:21); and we expound on that. They were fools for Christ’s sake, but we are wise in Christ and reign as kings – 1 Cor 4:8-15. They endured tribulation for our glory – Eph 3:13/ 2Cor 4:15. It is for our consolation and salvation they were afflicted – 2Cor 1:5-9.

The human writers of the Bible didn’t write down their made-up ideas. They wrote down what God had shown them. As the apostle Peter put it, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty… Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:16-21)

Paul said, “The gospel I preached is not something that man made up… rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12). Paul knew that the truths he taught came directly from God, and he knew that this was the case with all biblical writings. He said, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Listen, just because I can teach certain subjects doesn’t qualify me as a teacher, does it? No. To occupy the office of a teacher, there is a certain route that one must take to reach that goal. Does that mean, then only authorized teachers could teach? No, anyone who has the knowledge could teach. But to take the office of a teacher, one must be authorized by the authority. Likewise, the office of the teachers was ordained by Christ but now anyone could teach. But just because he/she could teach doesn’t place such a one in the office of a teacher.

The prophets and apostles that received directly from the LORD also held the office of teachers. Those who received first-hand information, the eyewitnesses, who had the first fruits of the Spirit alone were authorized to teach.

Office of Teachers

• Scripture itself teaches us – because its words are spirit
• Jesus Christ, the holy apostles, prophets, and teachers teach us – God-taught writers and their proteges – for example, Timothy
• anointing teaches you (1 John 2:27)
• the Holy Ghost teaches (1 Corinthians 2:13)
• the Lord thy God which teaches thee (Isaiah 48:17) – who teaches like him? (Job 36:22)
• ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teaches you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God (Hebrews 5:12)
• the grace of God that brings salvation, teaches – Titus 2:11-12

The office of “Teacher” was only held by the chosen witnesses to whom the Lord conveyed orders and revealed the mysteries. Just as other offices have ceased to operate, the gift of prophecy and other gifts continue to work, if imperfectly, so does the gift of teaching.

A Teacher should be well versed in Hebrew and Aramaic – Importance of the study of Biblical Hebrew? “Reading the Bible in translation is like kissing your bride through a veil” Rabbi Haim Nacham Bialik

Neither be ye called masters (kathegetes – teachers): for one is your Master, even Christ (Matthew 23:10)

Moses, who served as a mediator between God and His people during the Exodus, is the first in a long line of prophets into whose mouths and writings God entrusted His messages for delivery to Israel.

God’s purpose in this succession of messages was to maintain His covenant by causing His people to know His Name—that is, His nature—and His will both of precept and purpose in the present and for the future. This line of prophetic spokesmen from God came to completion in Jesus Christ, God’s incarnate Word, who was Himself a prophet—more than a prophet, but not less—and in the apostles and prophets of the first Christian generation. When God’s final and climactic message, His word to the world concerning Jesus Christ, had been spoken and elucidated by those in the apostolic circle, the sequence of revealed messages ceased. Henceforth the Church was to live and know God by what He had already said and said for all time. The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

Do we now require the office of the prophet when their purpose has already been fulfilled? The Bible is clear that those that would come afterward claiming to be prophets and apostles of God are falsehood carriers, whose God is their belly. If you carefully study them, prosperity is their prime subject. And they draw away disciples after them and not after Christ.

By the time of Jesus, it appears that the Old Testament canon had been established. The canon of the New Testament has thus been closed, as no new apostolic witness to the historical Christ can now be given. Because no new revelation (as opposed to Spirit-given comprehension of existing revelation) is required until Christ returns, there is no need for such prophets and apostles.

The spirit of divination

“I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’ … Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully… ‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?… I am against those who wag their own tongues and yet declare, “The Lord declares.” Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,’ declares the Lord. ‘They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them'” (Jeremiah 23:25-32).

What do their offices contribute?

First and foremost, there was a time when the Bible was incomplete and the revelation process was still ongoing. Throughout the Old Testament period, inspired works were occasionally added to Scripture.

Finally, Jesus came to earth, fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy. When eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were still alive, God encouraged the writing of the truth of Christ in its clearest and fullest form. These books are currently included in the New Testament part of the Bible. Once Jesus had arrived and the full witness concerning him had been written, the Bible was complete. What had started to develop in the Old Testament was now completely revealed in Jesus and the New Testament’s testimony concerning him.

As the New Testament book of Hebrews puts it, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening (Acts 28:23). God’s final revelation is Jesus, and the writings that bear witness to him are God’s final Word. No other book can compare to God’s.