[B-Greek] APOSTOLOS in 1 Cor 12

Iver Larsen iver_larsen at sil.org
Tue Aug 31 12:10:36 EDT 2004


>
> However, I contest that Paul's application of the title
> APOSTOLOIS to these brothers is consistent with the term
> APOSTOLOS in I Cor. 12, 9, 15 etc. as well as 2 Cor 1:1.  And
> while I don't agree with you that it is idiosyncratic (there has
> been diversity on this passage--I'm taking it literally), it is
> not the consensus.

This is the claim that I would like to see evidence for, especially since it
goes against the consensus.

> APOSTOLOS has a full range of meaning.  Coincidentally, so does
> PROFHTHS.  I suggest that the term in 1 Cor 12 encompasses that
> range.  Not every APOSTOLOS has the same function (or field, in
> Pauliine terminology).  The two common elements appear to be
> commissioning (by primarily the Holy Spirit and secondarily the
> churches), and "sent" = the geographic crossing of boundaries
> between the local churches.  The authority of any apostle would
> be in direct proportion to the assigned field.

The common element to the two senses of APOSTOLOS is the sending or
commissioning which does imply a good deal of travel.

What distinguishes the two senses is partly who has commissioned them: 1)
the local church leadership or 2) God or Jesus either directly or through
divine intervention such as casting of lots or prophetic calling.

Another distinctive feature is their ministry/task and level of authority.

These distinctions are the ones that cause all versions to use the term
"apostle" for sense 1 and another term like representative/envoy for sense 2
(I agree with you against (N)RSV and NET that "messenger" misses the mark
for both senses.)

Iver Larsen




More information about the B-Greek mailing list