The word apostle is not one we use in our everyday conversation. If we understood the word like the Greek speakers of the first century, we might consider its general meaning as “someone who is sent.” In that sense, many people could be apostles. There are times the Bible uses the word that way. Epaphroditus was a messenger (same word as apostle) of the Philippians who was sent by them to help Paul (Phil 2:25). Jesus was a unique One who was sent by the Father to be our High Priest, the Chosen One of God, and Savior. He’s called an Apostle in Hebrews 3:1. While those sent by the brethren in Philippi may have been called “apostles of the Philippians,” no one will be an apostle like Jesus was.
Similarly, God only designated a specific group of men as apostles of Jesus Christ. These were the ones appointed by Him in Matthew 10:1-4 (See also Luke 6:12-16). Matthias was selected to replace Judas in Acts 1:26, and Paul was selected later, an apostle born out of due season (1 Cor 15:8-9).
When Matthias was selected, Peter outlined the requirements of the apostle to replace Judas.
“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22, Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved).
Paul explicitly states that he was an apostle of Christ, and the authority for his apostleship was from God (Col 1:1).
Today, while there are innumerable people sent, for countless reasons, there are no more apostles of Christ. Such an apostleship was a temporary office that fulfilled its purpose, according to Jesus’ promises.
They waited in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Helper to guide them into all truth (Acts 1:8; John 14:25-26; 16:5-11). They, with the other prophets, spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (1 Pet 2:20-21). The Words that were meant for us to have were inspired by God. That is, the very words were chosen by the Spirit, through the men who would speak and/or pen them. These make up Scripture (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Cor 2:11-13; Rom 1:1; 16:22).
Others had miraculous abilities from God, but these were transmitted to them by the laying on of the apostles’ hands (Acts 8:18). After the apostles accomplished their purpose in the establishment of the church, the office ended.
Regarding those who were sent directly by Jesus, there are no more apostles.
Van
