04/12/2026
The more someone insists they are an apostle, the less apostolic they often are, because true apostolic authority lies in humble submission to the Word already given. Christ is the cornerstone and the apostles and prophets the foundation. Christians are the stones with which the church, the dwelling place of God in the Spirit, is continuing to be built. (Eph. 2:20-22)
“The Church is apostolic because it rests on the doctrine of the apostles, not because it is descended by an unbroken succession from them.”
— Institutes of the Christian Religion, IV.2.3
“The apostles had a special office… to spread the same doctrine throughout the world. This office was not established to be perpetual.”
— Institutes, IV.3.4
“They falsely boast of a succession which avails nothing unless doctrine be preserved.”
— Institutes, IV.2.2
“Those who, satisfied with secret revelations, despise Scripture, are led by a spirit of giddiness.”
— Institutes, I.9.1
“Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ’s institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists.”
— Institutes, IV.1.9