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The word is used once in II Corinthians in its simple etymological sense. "They are
the messengers of the churches" (II Cor. 8: 23), and once in Philippians, "Your
messenger" (Phil. 2: 25).
The following is a synopsis of M'Lean's statement as to the essential features
characteristic of an apostle:
(1)
An apostle must have seen the Lord (John 15: 27). Paul is no exception--"Last of
all He was seen of me also" (I Cor. 15: 8); "Am I not an apostle? Have not I seen
the Lord?" (I Cor. 9: 1).
The "seeing of the Just One" was essential (Acts 22: 14, 15).
(2)
An apostle must have been immediately called and chosen for the office by Christ
Himself (Luke 6: 13; Gal. 1: 1).
(3)
Infallible inspiration was also essentially necessary to that office (John 16: 13;
Gal. 1: 11, 12; I Thess. 2: 13).
(4)
The apostolic commission was attested by "signs" (Heb. 2: 4; II Cor. 12: 12).
(5)
The apostles were not local ministers, but had "the care of all the churches"
(II Cor. 11: 28), and power to settle all controversies (Acts 16: 4), and to exercise
discipline (I Cor. 5: 3-6; II Cor. 10: 8; 13: 10).
If these things be true, it is obvious that the apostles could have had no "successors".
Their qualifications were supernatural and unique.
Such then was the office of Paul the Apostle, an earthen vessel indeed, but filled with
heavenly treasure.