Here is one of many references to the importance of the office of the apostle in the Church. If you take time to read the entire chapter, you will see that the apostles are not superior in any way. They have more responsibility. Other scriptures show us that they were in submission to each other and that there is no such thing as a chief apostle. The church order was changed by men and eventually ended up with a chief apostle and finally a pope due to political maneuvering in a corrupted version of what had previously been the pattern that God gave. That order was, however, corrupted, but God means to restore it.

1Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1Corinthians 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

1Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

Let God be true and every man a liar.

Apostles are given the responsibility of protecting the entire flock of God from the attack of the enemy, but with so many voices in the world, each one claiming to be the one that should be listened to, how can you know? You are responsible to be close enough to God so that you can tell the difference between false apostles and real apostles.

Read the complete definition of "Apostle."