Are There Apostles Today?

This was an interesting discussion that was had this weekend on a trip to Jacksonville, FL. My take has always been that the apostles of Jesus had a particular authority bestowed upon them by Jesus Himself by their encounters, discussions, and time spent with Him.

I contended that once John died on the Isle of Patmos, and the canon was closed, so too was the office of the apostle in the local church. While church planters, pastors, etc may fulfill certain aspects of an apostolic office, THE OFFICE of Apostle, held by the 12 and Paul is closed for good.

They held a particular authority to speak and establish things concering Christ. They were unique and unlike any other and have no direct successors.

For a more detailed handling of the question, I found this post to be very helpful.