Brief Introduction to the Topic
In this article I examine the doctrine of the apostleship in the New Apostolic Church (NAK) and evaluate it biblically. The goal is an objective, theologically sound analysis beyond polemics, but with a clear orientation to the New Testament.
In the New Apostolic Church (NAK), the apostleship is far more than a traditional leadership office. Apostles are regarded as divinely legitimized “ambassadors in Christ’s stead” (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20). Especially the Chief Apostle, the international head of the church, is viewed as the highest spiritual authority.
While in global Christianity the apostleship is often regarded as historically concluded — with the Twelve and Paul as the foundation of the early church — the NAK teaches that the apostleship remains necessary as preparation for Christ’s return.
Two Preliminary Bible Passages
I begin with two Bible passages that are foundational for the view of Scripture regarding the necessity of human mediators:
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.”
1 Timothy 2:5–6 (ESV)
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (ESV)
1. The Apostles’ Claim in the NAK
1.1 The Apostle Claim in the NAK Catechism
1.1.1 Historical Re-instatement of the Apostleship
The NAK Catechism (7.5.2 and 11.3) describes that after the death of the biblical apostles, the apostleship “rested” until the 19th century, when it was “reinstated” in the Catholic-Apostolic movement. This reinstatement is claimed to have come by direct calling from God.
1.1.2 Apostles as Mediators of Salvation
According to the Catechism (chapter 8), the apostles of the NAK, as successors to the first apostles, hold the same claim to authority. They — and especially the Chief Apostle — have teaching authority.
Since apostles are allegedly uniquely effective in conferring the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands, their existence is presented as essential for salvation. The Catechism states, “the proper administration of the sacraments belongs to the apostles.” Though baptism and the Lord’s Supper are also practiced by other offices in the NAK, these are said to be in an “apostolic relation.” Thus the apostles serve as mediators of salvation, which contradicts the biblical understanding that Christ alone is mediator.
1.1.3 Apostles as the Source of All Offices
In chapter 7.5 it is taught that all other church offices derive from the apostleship. Thus the office is not service, but hierarchical source — a structural misunderstanding of New Testament concept of service ministry.
1.1.4 Authority to Bind and Loose
The Catechism (ch. 7.6.2) refers to Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 and asserts that apostles can make decisions with divine authority. In particular, the office of the Chief Apostle is defined as “key authority” and thus deemed necessary for the purification and further development of doctrine. This contradicts the principle of Scripture being the norm, that the Bible itself is the standard, with no need for doctrinal development through new revelations.
1.1.5 Apostles in the Power of the Holy Spirit
According to chapter 3.5.5.3, apostles proclaim “in the power of the Holy Spirit” — just as the first apostles: “Through the apostles of modern times the Holy Spirit works in the same fullness as in the time of the first apostles.” Hence they are ascribed the same authority as Peter or Paul, which is biblically untenable.
1.2 Authority of the Chief Apostle
1.2.1 Chief Apostle as Successor of Peter
In the Catechism the Chief Apostle is interpreted as the successor of Peter: He holds the “key authority” and assumes leadership within the church. A claim Peter never made. Peter calls himself merely a “fellow elder” (1 Peter 5:1), never as supreme leader.
1.2.2 Highest Instance in All Matters
Although some formulations regarding the representation of Christ on earth via the Chief Apostle have since been softened, the central role of the Chief Apostle remains undisputed. He ordains all other apostles and determines his own successor. It is emphasized that all apostles must be “in unity” with the Chief Apostle (cf. NAK Catechism 7.6.6). Thus he is the central authority with whom all apostles must be “one” (cf. 7.6.6).
2. The Apostleship in the New Testament
The New Testament knows no permanent, institutional “office” of apostle. It speaks of a one-time commission as witnesses of the risen Christ. Their ministry was historically and salvation-historically unique.
2.1 Biblical Conditions for an Apostle
The Greek word apostolos means “sent one” or “delegate.” In the New Testament it designates people who were called by Jesus himself and sent on a concrete mission. Mark 3:14 describes that Jesus “appointed twelve whom he also named apostles, so that they might be with him and he might send them out to proclaim.” Thus the apostleship is clearly tied to a personal calling by Jesus. No person, church, or council can confer this office upon itself or “continue” it.
After the death of Judas, the apostles chose a replacement only once — by prayer and casting lots under the following condition:
“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Acts 1:21-22 (ESV)
Paul is the only apostle who came later — and that by direct appearance of the risen Christ. He explicitly states, “I am not an apostle from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:1). Thus it becomes clear: the apostleship was not a transferable office one could pass along, but a divine special calling with a time-limited purpose.
Interestingly, Paul refers to himself as “last of all” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:8: “Last of all, as to one untimely born”) — indicating that he received a distinctive calling beyond the twelve apostles, outside the usual sequence.
2.2 Tasks of the Apostles in Early Christianity
The apostles in the New Testament had a singular task: they were to be witnesses of the resurrection (Acts 1:22) and bear witness to the Gospel. They laid the foundation for the church (Ephesians 2:20). After the completion of the biblical canon, this function is not continued. The early church did not understand “apostolic” as personal succession, but in terms of the apostles’ teaching, which is recorded in the writings of the New Testament.
2.3 A Chief Apostle?
On this I have written a separate article: The Rock – Jesus, Peter or the Chief Apostle? The New Testament presents a clear picture of Peter, who never acted as a supreme head. On the contrary: he referred to himself as a fellow elder among the elders of the congregation (1 Peter 5:1) and never claimed a hierarchical primacy. Dissent was even allowed and encouraged, as the event in Antioch (reported by Paul in Galatians 2:11–14) shows.
2.4 Leadership by Scripture and the Holy Spirit
Jesus himself never promised that after His ascension additional apostles would be appointed. On the contrary: He promised believers the Holy Spirit as a constant helper (John 14:16–17), not a permanently necessary human office. The letters of the apostles likewise contain no indication of a continued apostolic succession. Rather, we read that God leads the church by the Holy Spirit — through gifts, not hierarchies (1 Corinthians 12).
The apostolic doctrine is fully contained in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Churches are called to study, interpret, and proclaim the Word. The gospel is complete and unchangeable — it needs no further development via modern revelations.
3. Theological Evaluation and Spiritual Consequences
The doctrine of the New Apostolic Church concerning a continuing apostleship contradicts central biblical statements. It leads to spiritual dependence on the apostleship, while the New Testament emphasizes direct access of every believer to Christ.
This shift away from Christ as the center toward an institution can foster authority-worship that hinders spiritual maturity and personal acquaintance with Scripture.
Many New Apostolic believers feel reverence and gratitude toward “their apostles.” Such emotional attachment is humanly understandable, but it becomes problematic when it leads to dependence for salvation. Salvation is accomplished by Jesus Christ alone. No apostle, priest, or chief apostle can “confer salvation” or “forgive sins.” Whoever believes they cannot be saved without apostleships abandons the foundation of the gospel. Faith in Jesus Christ alone is fully sufficient — the New Testament teaches this clearly.
4. Conclusion
The Bible presents a clear picture: Jesus Christ alone is mediator, redeemer, and head of the church. The apostles were His witnesses, not His representatives. A renewed “calling” of new apostles contradicts both Scripture and the structure of the early church.
The apostleship was a one-time, time-limited testimony to the resurrection. Scripture shows no succession or continuation. God’s Word itself carries apostolic authority. Whoever believes in Christ stands directly in fellowship with God — without mediation by an office.
The New Apostolic doctrine of the apostleship is therefore not biblically sustainable. It can obscure the gospel when people trust more in office-bearers than in Christ Himself. Scripture calls us instead to personal faith, repentance, and discipleship.
5. FAQ on the Apostleship of the New Apostolic Church
What does the apostleship mean in the New Apostolic Church?
In the NAK the apostleship is regarded as a divinely instituted institution through which sacraments are administered and thus salvation is mediated. The Chief Apostle is deemed the supreme authority. However, this understanding clearly diverges from the biblical depiction of the apostles.
What does the Bible say about new apostles?
The New Testament knows no lasting succession of apostles. The apostles were personally called by Christ and laid the foundation of the church. Afterwards, the gospel was carried by believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not through a new line of offices.
Is the apostleship necessary for salvation?
No. According to biblical testimony, Jesus Christ alone is the mediator of salvation (1 Timothy 2:5). Faith in Him suffices. No human can mediate salvation.
How should New Apostolic Christians deal with this doctrine?
With openness and trust in God. Those who study Scripture will discern that Christ suffices. It is permissible to examine critically — even church teachings. Jesus says: “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
6. Notes
There is much more to say. Do you want to go deeper? Feel free to write me via the contact page.
Sources
In creating this article I used the NAK Catechism and the New Testament. The article was produced in collaboration with an AI-assisted writing tool and was fully edited.
Further Reading
Overview of all my articles on the New Apostolic Church
On Chief Apostle / Rock office: The Rock – Jesus, Peter, or the Chief Apostle?
Are you an ex-member or thinking about leaving? Feel free to contact me.
