The Ministry Anointing of the Apostle

Apostolic Authority

had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 2 Corinthians 7:5 Paul talked about being troubled on every side. Martin Luther knew he was in a warfare with many of the established churches of his day. In an open letter to Pope Leo X, he wrote the following words: "Living among the monsters of this age with whom I am now for the third year waging war, I am compelled occasionally to look up to you, Leo, most blessed father, and to think of you. Indeed, since you are occasionally regarded as the sole cause of my warfare, I cannot help thinking of you." Martin Luther lived in constant fear for his life. There was an edict issued that declared him an outlaw. Legally, anyone could strike him dead and not be punished for murder. He had to go into exile for a period of his life, hiding for fear of death. He was attacked viciously by theologians of his day calling him a heretic worthy of death. But Luther used the Scriptures to refute every charge brought against him, and this he did skillfully. He became a prolific writer with the ability to persuade and move the masses. His writings did much to bring reformation to the Church. Although the writings were condemned by many, the truth released through them was sufficient to deliver many from the false teachings of the established church. Apostles must also discern this anointing and know how some people will react to it. Apostles must not react to opposition in the flesh by becoming bitter or judgmental. Notice Paul's reaction: "being reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we suffer it, being defamed, we intreat." Apostles can easily become bitter and begin to operate in the wrong spirit because of so much persecution.

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