What do we really find? Let's take a look at a biblical comparison between the two.

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1 One of the biggest reasons why Mormons and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) feel that they alone constitute the 'true church' is they claim to have the sole authority on the earth to carry out the ordinances of the church and priesthoods (baptism, temple marriages and other rites). A big part of this authority is supposed to be derived of the fact that they have modern day Apostles in the strictest sense (like the original 12: Peter, Paul, James, John, etc.). Is this the case? If so, we would naturally suspect to see the same qualifications and miraculous works of the Mormon Apostles to rival those of the original 12 as outlined in the New Testament. In simple terms, we should be able to see an exact match when we compare the two. What do we really find? Let's take a look at a biblical comparison between the two. The LDS hierarchy* First, a quick word about where the Mormon Apostles actually fit in the LDS hieracrhy. The order of the LDS Church is as follows: 1 / 5

2 - The President/Prophet (receives revelation & inspiration from God) and his counsellors (usually two) - The Quorum of the 12 Apostles (with the First Presidency, are responsible for making policy and executing administrative duties of the LDS Church) - The 70's Quorum (these serve as Area Presidents distributed around the world) Stakes (these are under the Presidents) - Wards (these are under the Stakes) - Bishops (each Ward has a Bishop which heads that church's congregation) *Please note that this order does not adhere to the order listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 The different types of Apostles found in the Bible The Bible uses and applies the word 'Apostle' ('apostolos' in the Greek) in a few different ways to refer to a specific person or group of people. Starting with the loosest definition first, we'll examine each one. 1) The word apostle, in the broadest sense, means 'a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders' - This contextual definition is seen in Acts 14:14 when applied to Barnabas (who was sent to accompany Paul on his journeys) - Applied to other eminent Christian teachers such as Timothy and Silvanus 2 / 5

3 2) The word apostle, in the strictest sense, alludes to those divinely and officially selected, and is applied to - The named 12 Apostles whom Christ Himself selected as seen in Matthew 10:1-4 - Matthias, who was selected by casting lots to replace Judas as noted in Acts 1:26 - Paul, who claimed appointment from Christ and equality with the other listed Apostles above, as noted in Rom 1:1, 1 Cor 1:1, 1 Cor 9:1-2, 2 Cor 1:1, and especially in 1 Cor 4:9; 9:5; 15:9, Gal 1:17, 1 Thess 2:6, and others The Qualifications and earmarks of an Apostle: do the Mormon Apostles make the cut? The Bible gives us key indicators about who qualifies to be an Apostle (in the strictest sense). Otherwise, any one of us would be able to apply that label to ourselves. According to the Bible, an 'official Apostle could be identified by: - Being an eyewitness of the risen Lord (Acts 1:22; 22:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:1) - Having their message accompanied/confirmed by mircaculous signs and wonders such has healings, raising people from the dead, casting out demons,etc. (Mark 3:15; 16:17-20; Luke 9:1-2; John 14:12,26; 15:24-27; 16:13; Acts 2:43; 4:29-31,33; 5:12,15-16; 6:6; 8:14-18; 19:6,11; 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 1:11; Hebrews 2:3-4) Now, it's one thing to say that you are an Apostle because you have seen the risen Lord (as some Mormon Apostles have said) but it's another to have the works to back up your claim. 3 / 5

4 That leads us to ponder and ask a significant question: do the Mormon Apostles exhibit the miraculous and "unusual" (Acts 19:11) works that were performed by the Apostles specifically called in the New Testament? Second Corinthians 12:2 says "Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds." These things were done publicly for all to see. Is this happening today? Surely with the advent of television, we would see people lining up in front of the Salt Lake City Temple to be healed by Mormon Apostles. However, we don't observe this nor do we have any real documentation to support any purported instances. Conclusion As we have seen, the word apostle has both a generic and specific definition. The LDS claim to have restored the church with the fact that they have 12 'Apostles' (in the strictest sense) just like the early, pre-apostate 1st century church did. While the LDS Church may make such claims, we have pointed out that the Mormon Apostles do not possess the qualifications or earmarks of a biblical Apostle. This is made most obvious due to the fact that we don't observe the accompanying signs and wonders to their message that we read of in the New Testament. 4 / 5

5 Throughout the Bible, we are repeatedly given dire warnings not to follow anyone who specifically claims to speak for God unless their message is wholly in line with the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 18:22 we read that there in fact will be prophets (ultimately referring to Christ) as well as a test for prophets. This means there would be both ture and false prophets (see also Matt 7:15; 24:11,24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26, 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). We are also told that there will be (and are) "false apostles" who are "deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ." (2 Cor. 11:13). Why shouldn't this surprise us? "And no wonder! For Satat himself transforms himself into an angel of light." (v.14). Our best test is to always compare the message of anyone with the revealed truths as found in the Bible (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21; 1 John 4:1). Even if a Mormon Apostle was to perform some mighty deed (as many false signs and lying wonders shall occur according to Matt 7:22 and 2 Thess 2:9-10), the Scriptures themselves are our guide. It's quite apparent that the message of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is (and has been since its inception) out of the harmony with the Bible, so we can confidently discard their claims and anything else that should arise. 5 / 5