The Ministry of the Apostles and Our Ministry

Abstract

John F. Brug examines the origin and nature of the New Testament ministry, focusing on whether the public ministry derives from Christ through the apostles or through the church. He argues that while the apostles held a unique foundational role, Scripture consistently shows that other ministers were appointed by Christ through the church, not by apostolic succession. Brug traces ministry practices in Acts and the Epistles, highlighting congregational involvement in selecting ministers. He distinguishes the apostolic office by its direct call from Christ, inspiration, and miraculous gifts, but notes these were shared with contemporaries and not transmitted beyond the apostolic era. Brug also addresses terminology and confessional interpretations, clarifying that the Lutheran Confessions support ministry originating from Christ through the church, not through apostolic hierarchy. The essay affirms that all faithful ministry is apostolic in doctrine, but not in lineage. Generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).