In the New Testament Jesus called Twelve Apostles and bid them to carry his Word to every creature. Was there a specific reason for choosing just Twelve? Why not Fifteen or Sixteen? Now consider the title of 'Apostle' held by many pastors and theologians today that number in the 1,000s. Is this the same 'kind' of Apostle that Christ called in His day or is it merely a matter of men taking a title unto themselves?
One would think that in order to have the same kind of apostles today as the ones that were chosen by Christ during his mission is the way to go. A disciple is one who becomes a follower of a teacher. An apostle testifies of Jesus Christ. So do we have men on earth that proclaim this? There may even be men on earth that have taken titles upon themselves...like sheep in wolves clothing?
Well, we remember that Jesus had hundreds of disciples, but his teachings drove many away. These twelve where the cream of the crop, the ones who stayed when controversy came. He chose twelve for each one of the tribes of Judah. One of course would betray him. Twelve seems very symbolic to me.
Unlike the mere disciple these Twelve were given 'special' powers though. They were not merely followers, but were actually assigned and charged. However, the question here is based on persons in these days claiming to be 'Apostles'. To me the best way to find out if the person is an Apostle or not is by the same method Christ described - by their fruits. However, in more specific terms I have met one or two of these 'Apostles' and they acclaim their 'authority' mostly by having studied at some College or University.