The foundation of the New Testament Church. 

                                                                                                                               By John Chopores

 

For the Apostles and Prophets of the Lord; is the foundation of the Church. Cf. Eph 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

 

It is the 12 Apostles of Jesus (Christ Himself being the cornerstone) with the Old and New Testament Prophets; that are the foundation of the Church universal. Cf. Re 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

 

As for local churches: every time an apostle helped found a new church (in this age), then that apostle is part of the foundation of that particular church.  However, the church universal already has its foundation in the Lord Jesus Christ, His twelve original Apostles, the Old Testament and New Testament prophets. 

 

But after, the new local church has been established: It is to send out apostles and prophets to help start other new churches. Cf. 1Co 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

 

Each local church, Is to be ruled by elders; but helped by prophets, Teachers and other ministries to help build up that particular church.  Cf. 1Ti 5:17 ¶ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

Tit 1:5 ¶ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—

 

An Apostle, can also be an elder. Cf. 1Pe 5:1 ¶ The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

 

All of the spiritual gifts are given to help build-up the local church. Cf. 1Co 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

 

Apostles, prophets and all the ministry gifts are to continue in the Church, until the Church universal is perfect: in other words until Jesus Christ comes back! Cf. Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.