Do Apostles Still Exist? Sam Storms on Gifts, Discernment, and Abuse
In this preview clip from our full conversation with Sam Storms, the discussion turns to one of the most difficult and misunderstood questions in the spiritual gifts debate. If gifts continue today, why do apostles not continue in the same way? How should Christians think about “big A” apostles versus church planters and leaders? And how can churches pursue spiritual gifts without falling into abuse, manipulation, or celebrity driven movements? Sam Storms responds directly to concerns raised by the New Apostolic Reformation, explains why biblical authority must remain central, and addresses why bad actors and abuses should never determine our theology. This segment explores: Whether Scripture teaches the continuation or cessation of apostles The difference between foundational apostles and ongoing church leaders Why abuse does not invalidate biblical teaching How continuationists should distance themselves from the NAR Why Scripture, not reaction, must govern theology How discernment protects the church without fear Why guilt by association is not a biblical argument The role of testing, humility, and accountability This clip is one portion of a much longer conversation that also covers spiritual gifts, eschatology, church history, and pastoral wisdom. Watch the full episode to hear the complete discussion and how these arguments fit together. https://youtu.be/bd93j2yf2nc Chapters: 00:00 Do apostles still exist today? 01:20 Big A apostles versus church leaders 03:10 Paul and the “untimely birth” argument 05:00 Ephesians 4 and the role of apostles 07:10 Why Scripture does not say apostles continue or cease explicitly 09:00 Distinguishing apostles from inspired Scripture writers 11:00 The New Apostolic Reformation explained 13:40 Guarding against abuse of spiritual gifts 16:30 Why bad examples should not shape theology 19:00 Guilt by association and discernment 22:10 Scripture as the final authority 24:30 Why abuse must be confronted, not ignored 27:30 W
## Key Takeaways
* **Foundational vs. Ongoing Apostleship:** The video distinguishes between the unique, unrepeatable foundational apostles of the early church ("big A" apostles) and ongoing leadership roles like church planters and missionaries who may be called "apostles" in a broader sense. * **Scriptural Authority is Paramount:** Sam Storms emphasizes that our theology concerning spiritual gifts and apostleship must be firmly rooted in Scripture, not driven by negative reactions to abuse or by guilt-by-association arguments. * **Abuse Does Not Invalidate Truth:** The existence of abuse, manipulation, or celebrity-driven movements within charismatic circles does not negate the biblical possibility of spiritual gifts or the continued existence of certain apostolic functions. * **Discernment Protects the Church:** Rather than fearing spiritual gifts due to potential abuse, the church is called to exercise careful discernment, testing spirits, practicing humility, and upholding accountability to protect against error. * **Distancing from the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR):** Continuationists should actively differentiate their views from the teachings of the NAR, which often elevate modern "apostles" to a position of unbiblical authority and new revelation. * **Paul's Unique Apostolic Call:** Paul's description of himself as one "untimely born" underscores the unique, unrepeatable nature of the foundational apostolic office directly commissioned by Christ.
Understanding the Apostolic Office: Then and Now
The question of whether apostles still exist today is one of the most contentious topics within the broader discussion of spiritual gifts. Sam Storms, in this insightful discussion, unpacks the nuances of biblical apostleship, offering clarity on what separates the unique, foundational apostles of the early church from contemporary church leaders and planters. The core of the matter lies in understanding the distinct roles and authorities granted to the original twelve (and Paul) and how those differ from individuals today who might be referred to as "apostles" in a less authoritative, broader sense.
The "Big A" Apostles vs. Church Leaders
The video meticulously differentiates between two categories: the "Big A" apostles—those directly appointed by Christ, who were eyewitnesses to his resurrection, and had a unique, foundational authority to lay the groundwork of the church and provide inspired Scripture—and other church leaders or missionaries who, in a functional sense, may be called "apostles" (meaning "sent ones").
* **Foundational Apostles:** These individuals, like Peter, James, John, and Paul, held a unique, unrepeatable office. Their authority included: * Direct commission from Christ. * Eyewitness testimony of Christ
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