PAUL vs APOLLOS (Apostolic vs Pastoral)

The aim of this post is the EXALTATION OF GOD AHEAD OF MAN.

Definition of terms:

APOSTLE: The One Sent Forth. The Sent One. Messenger.

PASTOR: Derived from a Latin word for Shepherd. In Acts 20:28, Paul again refers to pastors. Here, however, he uses the verb form of the word, which is translated “to feed” (ASV) or “to care for” (ESV). Pastors feed, tend, and protect the church. They are to do all the things that a shepherd would do for a flock. Note in this verse that the church is called “the flock.”

Similarly, in 1 Peter 5:2, Peter encourages these servants by saying, “Tend the flock of God”. The word “tend” is again the verb poimaino, which W. E. Vine defines as, “to act as a shepherd” (Jason Jackson - Christian Courier)

Jesus was an EMBODIMENT of ALL FIVE MINISTRY GIFTS and He showcased them all while on earth. His PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT, (but not all of His assignment ) was an APOSTOLIC ASSIGNMENT because an Apostle exhibits the other ministry gifts as and when needed.

John 20:21 (NKJV)

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father HAS SENT Me, I also send you.”

In that scripture, He identified Himself as an Apostle( The Sent One) and also commissioned the disciples as apostles too.

The ministry gift which heads the list is the apostle Ephesians 4:11. However, that does not mean it is the most important ministry gift in the local body today, nor does it mean that apostles are to dominate over other ministry gifts in the Body of Christ.

In other words, Paul was not establishing a hierarchy for local church government by the way he listed the ministry gifts here. (Kenneth Hagin Ministry Gifts)

The Apostolic & Prophetic ministries are not to be referred to as 'government' found in 1 Corinthians 12:28.

The reason is because, the need for a government is for administrative purposes. And if any comparisons are to be made to that list and the ministry gift list In Ephesians 4:11, the most likely administrators are PASTORS.

At the end of Jesus' ministry on earth, He got a commitment from Peter as He handed over to Peter, to focus on Pastoring. Jesus realised for the stability of the church, the Pastoral Ministry is VERY IMPORTANT.

John 21:15 (NKJV)

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

Peter though an Apostle, spent most of His years in Jerusalem pastoring as well setting the standards for the church (Apostolic Assignment). Before embarking on Apostolic missions to Antioch then the Rome where he died.

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NKJV)

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

MY TAKE: AM NOT DEMOTING OR EXALTING ANY OFFICE, I DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT NEITHER DO I HAVE THE AMBITION TO. But I want us to look at that verse critically and not negate the weightier matter. Which is, GOD GIVES THE INCREASE.

SO I CAN SAY MY AIM IS PROMOTING GOD AHEAD OF MAN! I STAND BY THIS ANY DAY.

Final Word

It is God's divine plan that each ministry gift provide a check and balance to correct and complement the other.

1. The prophet is to inspire the teacher.

2. The teacher is to steady the prophet.

3. The evangelist is to continually remind us of the lost and dying world and its need for the gospel.

4. The pastor is to demonstrate to us that souls still need much nurturing and care after they have been won to the Lord .

5. And the apostle, above all, is to inspire and lead the way for gaining ground by establishing new works for the Lord.

(Ministry Gifts Kenneth Hagin 1992)

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