The Apostle Paul gives us to understand that Christ's church is founded upon apostles and prophets:
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST BEING THE CHIEF CORNER STONE." (Ephesians 2: 19, 20).
POWER GIVEN APOSTLES AND PROPHETS.
Apostles and prophets in olden times were men who received power from the Lord to act in His name.
"And when he called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10: 1).
"Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18: 18).
They were also men who "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1: 21).
OBJECT OF INSPIRED MEN IN THE CHURCH.
St. Paul tells why apostles and prophets and other officers are in the Church.
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: . . that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4: 12, 14).