How Would an Apostle (shaliach) Be Functioning?

In Scripture the definition "one who is sent," a messenger, an envoy, or a representative for the Hebrew speaker is shaliach, and the Greek term is translated as called an apostolos.

As we seek to render as much accuracy and detail as we can muster, the language of the people of GOD always gives us that opportunity and resource pool.

It would be safe to say, Jesus is really good at determining who would GO and represent Him in a region (and people) He would send them to. It would NOT be us staking claim to that position or ability.

NOTE: There are passages together that show that Yeshua sent emissaries to specific regions, with clear instructions and authority, forming the foundation of the early believers’ global mission. (1) We CANNOT be self-appointed and not impact a region. (2) We CANNOT self-appoint and not have any authority that GOD works through to IMPACT people everywhere.

In Biblical Judean practice, the shaliach/apostle term refers to an authorized messenger who possesses the Full Authority of the Person Who sent them, exemplified by the phrase: "the one whom a man sends is the equivalent of himself."  

A shaliach/apostle is someone personally selected, empowered, and ordered to accomplish a specific task on behalf of Another. The primary purpose of the shaliach/apostle as shown in the New Testament, is to act as a witness to the resurrected Yeshua, preach the Good News, and establish the body of Messiah wherever that person is sent. Those people serve as foundational leaders, often accompanied by signs and wonders, bringing authority from the One Who sent them.

Shaliach/apostles were clearly depicted in the Scriptures. While there were many, many followers, the term "shaliach/apostle" is used in specific, limited ways. Today, we have numerous people walking around proclaiming this title, but nothing follows and people are falling away—instead of drawing near.

Jesus personally chose twelve original apostles (Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot). Matthias was selected by casting lots to replace Judas Iscariot, as seen in Acts 1:26. Later, Paul was referred to as the "apostle to the Gentiles" – Galatians 1:1.  Others are written down in the New Testament, and a few more are also called apostles in a broader sense:

• Barnabas is listed in the Acts 14:14

• James the brother of Yeshua is treasured in Galatians 1:19

• Andronicus and Junia are listed in Romans 16:7

• Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25

• Jesus Himself was referred to as the "Apostle and High Priest of our confession," found in Hebrews 3:1
  
  

NOTE: There are passages together that show that Yeshua sent emissaries to specific regions, with clear instructions and authority, forming the foundation of the early believers’ global mission. (1) We CANNOT be self-appointed and not go to the uttermost parts of the world where we are sent. (2) We CANNOT be appointed by man.

The New Testament provides clear evidence that Yeshua (Jesus) sent emissaries to particular parts of the world, most notably through the commissioning of the Twelve and later the expansion of the mission to “the ends of the earth.”

In Matthew 10, Yeshua sends out twelve disciples (the Twelve) with specific Instructions:

• “Go and make disciples (for My Father) of all nations, introducing (baptizing) them concerning the [character] name of the Father and [character] of the Son and of the [character] of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” – Matt. 28:19–20

• They are to be “witnesses in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Samaria, indeed to the ends of the earth” – Acts 1:8

NOTE: This shows a deliberate geographic scope beyond the immediate region of the Holy Land of Israel, or the town you were “appointed” in.

As the example, the address of Acts 1:8’s Mission to “the Ends of the Earth” gives details as to the assignment. After Yeshua’s ascension, the followers are told to “wait for the Ruach HaKodesh and then be witnesses “in Yerushalayim and in all Judah and Samaria, indeed to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This explicitly names specific regions (Yerushalayim, Judah and Samaria) and then extends the mission globally. We appointees are hanging out in Detroit and we are from Detroit. Really?

Paul recognized that he himself was emboldened as “an emissary,” sent by Yeshua and GOD the Father (Gal. 1:1). His authority comes from Yeshua’s direct commission, and he was sent to the Messianic communities in Galatia (central Turkey) and beyond (Acts 13:51–14:23) 

If you recall in historical documents, the “12” were killed in differing parts of the world. They “went.” Paul’s Gentilian Missions (Acts 13–28) took him o journeys that were realistically (outside of GOD’s help) impossible. Those journeys were to places like Antioch, Cyprus, Greece, and Asia Minor. This demonstrated that Yeshua’s messengers were sent to specific parts of the world, fulfilling the commission to “make disciples of all (Gentiles) nations” – Matt. 28:19


NOTE: There are passages together that show that Yeshua sent emissaries to specific regions, with clear instructions and authority, forming the foundation of the early believers’ global mission. (*) We CANNOT be self-appointed and not go to the uttermost parts of the world where we are sent. (*) We CANNOT be appointed by man. (*) We CANNOT be self-appointed and not impact a region. (*) We CANNOT self-appoint and not have any authority that GOD works through to IMPACT people everywhere.

QUESTION: Are the “appointed” functioning as shaliachs for GOD’s purpose or our own?

Being a functioning shaliach is not a position where you honk your horn, beat your chest or hand our business card to announce yourself, to gain recognition. Would the people you are encountering already know a special gifting within or on you? Is what we are doing for GOD’s purpose or our own?

Abraham’s servant (Eliezer), in Genesis 24, was sent to find a wife for Isaac. He was functioning as a shaliach. He carried Abraham's full authority to negotiate and finalize the marriage contract.

Joseph viewed his role in Egypt as being "sent" (shelachani) by GOD to “preserve life” in Genesis 45:5, acting as a GOD’s agent to save his family and the world.

Here is another… Moses was governed by GOD to operate as the ultimate shaliach of GOD and was given and sent with His Authority to deliver Israel and represent GOD's Presence before Pharaoh.

I found others: The Prophets, Elijah, Elisha, and Ezekiel. EVERY ONE of them were often viewed as representatives of the Almighty because they spoke and performed acts (like miracles) that belonged solely to GOD's Authority.

We can’t and HSOULD NEVER ignore the priests of Israel (GOD’s reps). They functioned as shlichim (responsible reps) for the nation of Israel, authorized to represent the people before GOD in the Temple.

We people have a good time proclaiming stuff form the Spirit of GOD and are not functioning accordingly. Do I believe that GOD still empowers us to do these things? WITHOUT A DOUBT!

NOTE: We CANNOT be self-appointed and not go to the uttermost parts of the world where we are sent. We CANNOT be appointed by man. We CANNOT be self-appointed and not impact a region. We CANNOT self-appoint and not have any authority that GOD works through to IMPACT people everywhere.

That would be nothing short than an affront to the Spirit and Authority of El Shaddai and we cause many people to not only fall away but become confused and disillusioned.

Be careful of the appearance of self-deception, and of those looking on.