7.5 The development of the ministries from the Apostle ministry

7.5 The development of the ministries from the Apostle ministry 7.5.2 Interruption in the activity of the Apostles The New Testament relates the death of Apostle James (Acts 12: 2). There is no information about the demise of the other Apostles. According to extra- biblical sources, John, the last of the early Apostles mentioned in the Bible, died near the end of the first century. Until the Apostle ministry was reoccu- pied in the year 1832 (see 11.3), the activity of the only ministry established by the Lord Himself was interrupted. This interruption in the personal presence of the Apostle ministry is rooted in the will of God. Ultimately, His sovereign rule remains a mystery to mankind. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit was also active after the death of the early Apostles (see 11.2), in order to ensure the preservation and development of the gospel. 7.5.3 The reoccupation of the Apostle ministry The Apostle ministry was again occupied in accordance with the will of God when the time for the final gathering and preparation of the bride of Christ had come. Thus the Apostle ministry is occupied by human beings both at the beginning of the church of Christ and in the time preceding the return of the Lord, during which He prepares His bride. Between the Apostle ministry of early Christianity and the end time, there is no difference in commission or effect, however, there are different points of emphasis in the practical exercise of the ministry. Although there is no histor- ical succession, there is certainly a spiritual succession. With the reoccupation of the Apostle ministry, ministers were once again ordained. Within the Catholic Apostolic Church a differentiated ministerial order came into being. In the course of its history, a number of ministries with different tasks have also developed in the New Apostolic Church. 293 7 Ministry SUMMARY The mandate of the Apostles is not limited to the early Christian period. (7.5.1) At the end of the first century there were no more Apostles. Up until the re- newed occupation of the Apostle ministry in 1832, the activity of the only ministry instituted by Jesus Christ had been interrupted. The interruption in the personal presence of the Apostle ministry is rooted in the will of God. It ultimately remains a mystery to human beings. (7.5.2) By the will of God, the Apostle ministry was once again occupied. While there may not be a historical succession between the early Christian Apostle minis- try and that of the end time, there is certainly a spiritual succession. (7.5.3) With the reoccupation of the Apostle ministry, ministers were again ordained. A differentiated ministerial order came into being. (7.5.3)