Moving in the Apostolic

Apostolic Reformation

75

(Phil. 1:7, WNT, italics added). Paul later said, "I am appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:17). As we continue to seek the Lord concerning the ministry of the apostle, we are receiving more revelation about the purpose and function of this office. One of the job descriptions of the apostle is defender of the faith. There is an anointing that comes upon apostles to defend the truth. When the truth is attacked, there is an ability to confront opposition with the two-edged sword of the Word of God coming out of the apostle's mouth. When the truth is attacked, the anointing upon the apostle will quiet and confront those who attack the truth. The apostolic anointing is at times confrontational. Apostles will not, however, confront out of hurt or bitterness, but out of a desire to protect and defend the truth. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?" (Gal. 2:14). When people don't walk according to the truth, the apostle will confront and correct them. Here we see the apostle Paul rebuking and confronting Peter because he was not walking uprightly according to the truth. Paul was defending the truth. There are those who believe apostles to be troublemakers because they are confrontational. Some would say, "Let's overlook certain discrepancies for the sake of peace." But apostolic ministry does not see things this way. Truth cannot be compromised for the sake of peace. The truth will bring division. A man's foes will be those of his own household. Jesus said, "I did not come to bring peace but a sword" (Matt. 10:34). Truth is the sharp two-edged sword of God's Word that will cause division. Truth separates and divides (see Heb. 4:12). Thus the apostle's preaching and teaching is often confrontational. Apostles confront the false doctrines and teachings of men. They also confront tradition when it has made