How do we know the apostolic ministry is divinely ordained?

The divine origin of the apostolic ministry is evident in the sheer impact the apostles had on the world despite their lack of worldly credentials. They were primarily unlearned and poor, yet they transformed the Roman Empire and established the Church. This radical transformation indicates that their success was not due to social status or military power, but was the result of divine intervention and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit as seen in Zechariah 4:6.

In contrast to other worldly methods of success, the apostles' achievements were based solely on the truth of the Gospel they preached. Their inability to wield earthly power further supports the notion that their ministry was orchestrated by God. A ministry that can turn the world upside down with a message that the natural heart rejects must undoubtedly reflect the work of heaven, showing that the Gospel's truth is paramount in understanding the divine nature of apostolic authority and ministry.