The Ministry Anointing of the Apostle
Apostolic Authority
Acts 18:23 C.H. Rieu Translation
Imparting new strength to...
Acts 18:23 Williams Translation Strengthening the faith of all the disciples as he went Acts 18:23 Twentieth Century New Testament Apostles impart new strength to existing churches. Paul longed to see the church at Rome to "...impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established" (Romans 1:11). The Revised Standard version says: "to strengthen you". The Twentieth Century New Testament says: "and so give you fresh strength". This is why I believe we need apostolic anointing in order to have strong churches. The preaching and teaching of true apostles will bring fresh strength to the Church. The Lord desires to raise up strong churches. Strong churches will impact cities, regions, and nations with the gospel. It is not the will of the Lord for local churches to be weak and ineffective. The word of the Lord to the church in Sardis was: "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die" (Revelations 3:2). The Phillips translation says: "Now wake up! Strengthen what you have before it dies." The New English Bible says: "Put some strength into what is left, which must otherwise die!" Notice that churches that are not strengthened will eventually die! Churches must be continually strengthened so they will remain alive. When churches die, new ones must be planted. Churches that are planted need strengthening to remain alive and stay strong. Apostles pioneer and plant new works. They exercise spiritual oversight over the churches they plant. They operate in spiritual authority in the
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