Do Apostles Still Exist Today? Why Apostles and Prophets Don’t Exist Anymore

By Dave Jenkins
A Contending for the Word Feature

Short Answer:

No. Scripture teaches that apostles and prophets were unique and foundational leaders in the early church. Their purpose was to testify to the risen Christ and deliver God’s Word during a time when the New Testament was not yet complete. Today’s claims of restored apostles and prophets—especially within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—undermine biblical authority and promote spiritual confusion.

Introduction

From revival stages to YouTube channels, many leaders today claim to be modern apostles and prophets. These self-appointed figures often promise new revelations, national revival, or direct messages from God.

But behind the charisma and spiritual hype lies a serious theological question:

Do apostles still exist today? What does Scripture actually say—and how should we respond to movements that claim they do?

Behind many of these self-proclaimed apostles lie failed prophecies, spiritual manipulation, and deep confusion among God’s people. This issue isn’t fringe—it’s pastoral, global, and growing.

Let’s look at what Scripture actually says, how the Church has historically understood these roles, and why this issue matters more than many realize.

1. Do Apostles Still Exist Today? What the Bible Actually Says

To be a biblical apostle, you had to be personally chosen by Jesus and be an eyewitness of His resurrection.

• Acts 1:21–22 – “One of the men… must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
• 1 Corinthians 9:1 – “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?”

Apostles were entrusted with foundational authority:

• Planting churches (Acts 14:21–23)
• Receiving direct revelation (Galatians 1:12)
• Writing Scripture (2 Peter 3:15–16)

Ephesians 2:20 – The church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”

You only lay a foundation once. So, do apostles still exist today? Not according to the New Testament’s criteria.

2. Prophets Spoke Direct Revelation—Not Impressions

Old and New Testament prophets didn’t share vague impressions. They spoke with divine authority, declaring: “Thus says the Lord.”

• 2 Peter 1:21 – “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

In Acts 11 and 21, Agabus prophesied specific events—before the New Testament was complete. These prophets served a transitional purpose as God’s revelation unfolded.

Hebrews 1:1–2 – “In these last days [God] has spoken to us by His Son.”

Now that we have the full counsel of God in Scripture, we no longer need new revelation. So again, do apostles still exist today? No, and neither do prophets who speak new revelation.

3. What About the “Fivefold Ministry” in Ephesians 4:11?

Many use Ephesians 4:11 to argue for continuing apostles and prophets:

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers…”

But the text says He gave—past tense. Paul already explained that apostles and prophets were foundational (Eph. 2:20; 3:5). The roles of pastor-teacher and evangelist continue, but apostles and prophets do not.

So, do apostles still exist today? Not when we understand what Ephesians 4 truly teaches in context.

4. 🔍 What Is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)?

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a modern movement that teaches God is restoring apostles and prophets to govern the Church and lead it into end-times victory.

While not a denomination, it includes global networks, media ministries, and conferences united by shared beliefs about spiritual authority, prophetic revelation, and dominion over society.

🧱 Definition:

The NAR teaches that the Church must be governed by restored apostles and prophets, often through official networks like:

• International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders (ICAL)
• Harvest International Ministry (HIM) – Che Ahn
• Bethel’s Global Legacy Network – Bill Johnson
• Generals International – Cindy Jacobs
• Glory of Zion / Global Spheres – Chuck Pierce

🗣️ Notable NAR Leaders:

• C. Peter Wagner – NAR architect; taught that the Church is in a “second apostolic age.”
• Bill Johnson – Bethel Church; promotes signs, wonders, and apostolic revival.
• Mike Bickle – IHOPKC; promotes end-time prophecy and intimacy theology.
• Che Ahn – Leader of HIM; advocates for “apostolic centers.”
• Lou Engle – Founder of TheCall; promotes national prophetic intercession.
• Cindy Jacobs – Prophetic figure known for national decrees and “strategic warfare.”

5. 📣 A Biblical and Historical Response

What Scripture Says:

• Galatians 1:8 – Any “new gospel” must be rejected.
• Jude 3 – The faith was “once for all delivered to the saints.”
• Revelation 22:18–19 – Do not add to the words of this book.
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture is sufficient for every good work.

🧲 Ongoing Revelation Defined:

NAR leaders often claim that God speaks new words beyond Scripture. These “words” are treated with functional authority, even when untested or unbiblical. But God’s Word is already complete and sufficient.

What Church History Teaches:

• The Didache (1st century) warned about false prophets abusing hospitality.
• Irenaeus (2nd century) refuted Montanists who claimed new prophecy.
• Athanasius (4th century): “Let no one add to these; let nothing be taken away from them.”
• John Calvin – “The office of apostle was not meant to be perpetual.” (Institutes, 4.3.4)
• The Reformers fought Rome’s claim of ongoing revelation and upheld Sola Scriptura.

🧎 A Word to the Weary

If you’ve followed a so-called apostle or prophet and now feel betrayed or confused, know this: you are not alone. Many sincere Christians have been caught in false movements. The Lord is gracious. His Word is clear. You don’t need a new revelation—you need the old, trustworthy gospel. Run to Scripture. Rest in Christ.

6. Why This Matters

This isn’t just theological hair-splitting. It’s about authority and truth.

If apostles and prophets still exist today:

• Then God’s Word isn’t final
• Then spiritual authority becomes subjective
• Then abuse and error flourish unchecked

The NAR substitutes the sufficiency of Scripture with an ever-shifting stream of visions, dreams, and decrees. It replaces the voice of Christ in His Word with the voice of man.

❓ FAQ: Common Objections

• “But they perform miracles!”
  Signs and wonders alone don’t prove apostolic authority (Matthew 7:22–23). Even false prophets can deceive with signs.
• “What about dreams or visions?”
  God is sovereign and can use dreams—but they are never equal to Scripture, nor have they ever God’s primary means of communication to man (Deut. 13:1–3). They must be tested (1 Thesalonians 5:21).
• “Apostles are for today because we need more authority!”
  We don’t need more apostles—we need more faithful pastors and Christians grounded in God’s Word.

🎥 Dive Deeper on Video

Want to explore this topic further? Watch the full teaching:
📺 The Dangers of Bethel and the NAR Movement with Holly Pivec

📚 Related Article on Servants of Grace

For a thorough response to the theological drift behind movements like the NAR, read:
📝 Why the Authority of Scripture Still Matters: A Biblical Response to Theological Drift

7. How Should Christians Respond?

• Reject movements that claim new revelation or restored apostolic authority
• Test everything by the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
• Cling to Scripture as our only rule for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
• Contend for the truth in love, but without compromise

Conclusion

There are no apostles today. There are no prophets receiving fresh revelation from God.

So, do apostles still exist today? No. Christ is the final Word (Hebrews 1:1–2), and Scripture is sufficient. The church does not need new apostles. It needs faithful pastors, sound doctrine, and the unchanging gospel.

The church is not built on the declarations of self-appointed apostles. It is built on Christ, through the Word, by the Spirit—for the glory of God.

🛡️ Explore More from Contending for the Word

This article is part of our *Contending for the Word* series—exposing error, exalting Christ, and equipping the Church with biblical truth.
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