If the ministry gift of apostle passed away with the original twelve, then Paul could not have been an apostle (Romans 1:1-5). But we know that Paul was an apostle. Although, he was not apostle number twelve nor even apostle number 13.
Matthias was apostle number twelve (he was numbered with the eleven: Acts 1:26). That means Matthias was likely included in that special group that will be represented in the foundations of the New Jerusalem known as "The Apostles of the Lamb," those who walked with Jesus from the baptism of John until he ascended (Revelation 21:14, Acts 1:20-26).
If the ministry gifts listed in Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 have passed away, then we no longer have evangelists, pastors, or teachers either, as no difference or division was made in any of the lists as to perpetuity, aside from the fact that none of the gifts will be needed once the Body of Christ is complete.
If the ministry gift of apostle had passed away with the original twelve apostles, then Barnabus could not have been an apostle, but the Bible says he was (Acts 14:14).
Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before Paul, and the Bible says that among the apostles, these two were notable (Romans 16:7). Andronicus and Junia were apostles.
Paul included the gifts of apostle and prophet when he expounded on the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31.
In 1 Corinthians 15:7 and Galatians 1:19, James the brother of Jesus is named as an apostle. So far, just in this article, we find six apostles who were not included in the original twelve. That makes 18 apostles. And they were not the only ones.
In 2 Corinthians 11:13 Paul wrote of false apostles, but nowhere did he say the gift and calling had passed away or would pass away before the return of Christ. He simply said that some who claimed to be apostles were frauds. I write about in more detail in my book. But Paul's warning did not mean that all who claimed to be apostles were frauds or the gift passed away.
In Ephesians 2:19-22 we are told that God's building is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. We are told that Jesus is the capstone (cornerstone) of God's building.
Only one structure in the world has a capstone, and that is a pyramid. The Holy Jerusalem is foursquare. A pyramid is a foursquare structure with a capstone. The Holy Jerusalem is not a cube like the Borg in Star Trek have. Cubes do not have capstones.
Where is the capstone located on a pyramid? At the bottom? No. The capstone is located at the top. Jesus is the Capstone of his building made of Living Stones.
Ephesians 2:19-20 does not even hint that the ministry gift of apostle has passed away, only that the gifts are significant to the foundational building of the Body of Christ. Now this goes for the ministry gift of prophet as well.
Ephesians 4:11 is written in the present tense. English-translation-theology erroneously teaches that Jesus gave (past tense). But the Greek is written in present tense. Jesus GIVES. Still today, Jesus continues to GIVE his people apostles and prophets, as well as evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Ephesians 4:12 tells us what he gives them for. Ministry gifts are given FOR the adjusting (literal Greek) of his people. Don't we constantly need adjusting in our faith walk and spiritual growth? When did the need for God's people to adjust pass away?
Ephesians 4:12 goes on to tell us that ALL the gifts are given for THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY. When did the need for the work of the ministry pass away?
Lastly, Ephesians 4:12 tells us that ALL the gifts are for the edifying--the enlightening and enriching--of the Body of Christ. When did the Body of Christ lose the need to be enlightened and enriched?
We can never forget that Jesus said it was upon the rock of revelation that he would build his Out-Called (both individually and collectively. God's Building made of Living Stones. Each stone is an individual member of The Body of Christ, built into the collective whole of the Body.
None of the ministry gifts can operate without revelation, including the commonly accepted gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Those who hate revelation, hate the ministry gifts they believe require it. Sadly, those who hate revelation deny the "lesser" gifts need it--hence, pastor's toolboxes and organizations dedicated to teaching pastors and teachers how to regurgitate someone else's ideas in how to fulfill their callings, without the need for personal revelation.
But ALL the gifts include revelation. If a so-called evangelist, pastor, or teacher does not depend on revelation from the Holy Spirit, and the anointing and teaching of the Holy Spirit, then they are frauds.
Ephesians 4:13 tells us exactly when ALL the ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit will no longer be needed. Jesus gives (and will continue giving) these gifts, for the adjustment, enlightenment and enrichment of his people, and for the work of the ministry to continue, UNTIL we are all in unity and complete in our knowledge of Christ--i.e., until Jesus comes and we see him as he is, for, at that time, we will be like him.
Ephesians 4:14-16 tells us that ALL these gifts will protect us from being tossed about from here to yonder with every wind of doctrine that any charlatan decides to throw at us.
That is why, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we judge every word by the WORD OF GOD. What we do not do, is throw the baby (the Spiritual Gifts) out with the bathwater because we are afraid of the supernatural spiritual gifts that Jesus still GIVES today.
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