Covenant Reformed News – November 2007 • Volume XI, Issue 19
This article from Covenant Reformed News examines Ephesians 4:11 to refute Pentecostal and charismatic claims about a "Fivefold Ministry," arguing that only four offices are mentioned (apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers) and that three of these are not permanent in the New Testament church. The author provides detailed biblical qualifications for apostles, demonstrating that no one can legitimately claim apostolic office since the apostolic age ended, directly challenging both charismatic theology and Roman Catholic claims.
Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists One of the glorious purposes of our Saviour’s victorious ascension into heaven (Eph. 4:8) was to give His beloved church men to teach her the truth of His Word: “And he [i.e., Christ] gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (11). This text, Ephesians 4:11, is appealed to in many Pentecostal/charismatic circles as proof for their ongoing “Fivefold Office” or “Fivefold Ministry.” This is mistaken, first,...