12 Apostles of Christ... Paul Ministry & Apostleship of Gentiles

2010 | bibletruth

[bibletruth]

The Apostle Paul was NOT one of the 12 Apostles from the Gospels -

Only men who actually walked and were under the direct ministry of Jesus Christ were qualified to be one of the 12 Apostles

Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

[bibletruth]

Who qualifies to become one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ.

Did Paul qualify? Here is what is clear from the Bible as recorded in Acts chapter 1.

Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Only men who actually walked and were under the direct ministry of Jesus Christ were qualified to be one of the 12 Apostles. E.g, Matthias was fully qualified and made one of the 12 to replace Judas [Acts 1:26]

Paul was not qualified to be one of the 12 Apostles because he never walked nor was under the direct ministry during Christ's earthly ministry. Furthermore, Saul [Paul, so re-named], was a horrific persecutor of the early Jewish church in Jerusalem and laid them waste by killing many Jewish believers [men, women, children].

Since the Apostle Paul was NOT qualified to become one of the 12 Apostles from the Gospels, were does Paul's apostleship fit in?

Paul was called directly by the Risen and Glorified Jesus Christ in Acts 9 to be a minister and Apostle to the gentiles [un-circumcision] ... furthermore, delegating, by God's will, the primary apostleship and ministry of the Jewish people in Jerusalem to the original 12 Apostles, such as Peter, James, John, Mark, Matthew, Luke, etc. Galatians chapter 2 explains this clearly:

Galatians 2:1,2 Then fourteen years after I [Paul] went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation and communicated unto them [Jerusalem, Peter, James, John, etc] that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, least by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Galatians 2:6ff But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the un-circumcision [Gentile] was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision [Jewish] was unto Peter; (For what that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision [Jewish], that same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles [un-circumcision]: And when James, Cephas [Peter], and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [Paul, Barnabas, not Peter] should go unto the heathen [Gentiles] and they [Peter, James, John] unto the circumcision [Jews].

Therefore, from the Bible, it is clear from Scriptures, that the gospel of the un-circumcision [Gentile] was committed unto me [Paul], as the gospel of the circumcision [Jewish] was unto Peter

Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:15 And account the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them these things; in which are some things hard to be understood [Grace of God; mystery of In Christ truths, Headship of the Church], which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

It's amazing how the Bible Scriptures always make it plain and clear regarding apostles [Acts 1], called to salvation before the foundation of the world [Eph 1:4-6], Christ is the head of the church [Eph 5:23, Colossians 1:17], twain one new man [Eph 2:15], the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory [Colossians 1:27], cry out "Abba Father" as now made a son of God In Christ Jesus [Rom 8:14-15]. Follow Paul's Gospel for perfect assurance of salvation into heaven above forever, and a new body from our Savior, as we shall be face to face with the Glorified Christ and God the Father forever.

For these In Christ truths and the revealed mystery of both Jew and Gentile as one new creature... Praise God and the Lord Jesus Christ

[Cronos]

+Paul was the disciple of a disciple. He was ordained by +Ananias. Ananias is also listed by Hippolytus of Rome and others as one of the Seventy Disciples whose mission is recorded in Luke 10

[Cronos]

+Paul was the disciple of a disciple. He was ordained by +Ananias. Ananias is also listed by Hippolytus of Rome and others as one of the Seventy Disciples whose mission is recorded in Luke 10. +Paul was called by Christ, just as those who receive vocations to the religious life are called by Christ, however, +Paul still received his baptism from a valid disciple/bishop (Ananias), so continuing in the line of Christ's Apostles in succession.

It's pretty obvious that +Paul was not an Apostle -- but he was in the line of apostles through Ananias

[John Leland 1789]

"Paul was not an Apostle . . ."

Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1; etc., etc., etc.

[Semper Mark]

"E.g, Matthias was fully qualified and made one of the 12 to replace Judas [Acts 1:26]"

~~~

"And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

Uh huh.

And who was it that named Paul as an Apostle?

[FenderMan]

Absolutely, Paul chosen by God, Matthias by lots, and not heard much of after that.

[Jmouse007]

While Paul was indeed an apostle (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1; etc., etc., etc.)

Although Matthias is not listed by name he is numbered with the eleven, thus making him the TWELVTH APOSTLE as far as God is concerned but Paul is NOT listed as one of the TWELVE apostles: cf. Acts 1:26; 6:2; (*Note: the twelve are listed as complete BEFORE Paul's conversion, he is not listed with themor included in their number.) Paul even indicates this himself in 1 Corinthians 15:5. This is because while chosen by Christ, he did not fit ALL of the criteria listed by Peter in Acts 1:21-22.

In light of the above it is clear that Matthias's name, not Pauls will appear on one of the TWELVE foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (cf. Revelation 21:14)

[Jmouse007]

I meant to say this:

While Paul was indeed an apostle (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1; etc., etc., etc.), he was NOT one of the TWELVE Apostles.

[John Leland 1789]

While Paul was indeed an apostle (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1; etc., etc., etc.)

Although Matthias is not listed by name he is numbered with the eleven, thus making him the TWELVTH APOSTLE as far as God is concerned but Paul is NOT listed as one of the TWELVE apostles: cf. Acts 1:26; 6:2; (*Note: the twelve are listed as complete BEFORE Paul's conversion, he is not listed with themor included in their number.) Paul even indicates this himself in 1 Corinthians 15:5. This is because while chosen by Christ, he did not fit ALL of the criteria listed by Peter in Acts 1:21-22.

In light of the above it is clear that Matthias's name, not Pauls will appear on one of the TWELVE foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (cf. Revelation 21:14)

Absolutely correct! And Matthias will be one who with the eleven sits on one of the twelve thrones when Christ comes in His glory, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

[daniel1212]

This can easily become a situation like that of 1Cor. 3:4, but that Paul will not be one of “the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rv. 21:14) seems most correct. Peter saw the importance of maintaining the number of apostles, and they prayerfully placed the matter before the Lord by using lots, which means is sanctioned in the O.T. by precept and precedent (Num. 26:55; 33:54; Ezek. 45:1; Prv. 16:33 etc.) - though gambling for money is not.

The qualification for Matthias was that he was of the men which had accompanied the apostles during the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, as he was to be ordained to be a witness with them of His resurrection. (Acts 1:21,22)

That the purpose of this election was to maintain the original body of 12 is also indicated by the conspicuous absence of any mention in the inspired writings of a successor to the apostle James after he was martyred. (Acts 12:2) Unless we posit Paul to be it, though he was ordained as an apostle before that event.

Paul’s was one “born out of due time,” (1Cor. 15:8) and who was sovereingly chosen to be an apostle, with His qualification being that he had “seen the Lord,” (1Cor. 9:1) along with the supernatural Divine attestation which are the signs of an apostle, (2Cor. 12:12) with his personal purity and Scriptural probity also being that which becometh an apostle. (2Cor. 6:1-10)

It is of note that unlike under the Levitical priesthood in which genealogy and formal conference of the office by another priest was necessary, unlike Matthias, Paul was not ordained by another apostle (”not of men:” Gal. 1:1), though (as noted) another disciple had laid hands on him. And under the N.T., men such as Samuel’s sons would be disqualified from even being church members. (1Cor. 5:11-13)

Some have proposed that Barnabas was also an apostle, based upon the “we” in 1Cor. 9:5, but this lacks the necessary substantiation. And as apostle basically means a “sent one,” some today lay claim to being one, though Eph. 2:20 places them, and O.T. (i believe) prophets at the foundation of the church - Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. And with the qualifications and marks of an apostle being what they are, that should make one reticent about laying claim to being one, though some functionally may have somewhat served as such.

Paul was also unique are regards “the abundance of the revelations” (2Cor. 12:7) such as was given him in theologically revealing more fully the gospel and the nature of the New Covenant, in which progressive light we better understand what came before it. And which gospel, was not received thru or taught by men to Paul, “but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:12)

This extensive revelation was affirmed by Peter and others to be the word of God and Scripture, (1Ths. 2:13; 2Pet. 3:16) being Scriptural (Acts 17:2,11; 28:23) and mightily attested to by God, (Rm. 15:18,19) while modern-day rebels, assert that Paul contradicted what Jesus taught, rather than being part of the future revelation that He promised, (Jn. 16:12) in helping to complement and complete it. And which complementary nature i daily see more of in my study.* Thanks be to God; if only all that was within me would always give glory to God.

*http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Bible/Romans_1.html

[John Leland 1789]

"Absolutely, Paul chosen by God, Matthias by lots, and not heard much of after that."

The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

[caww]

Hello Daniell,

Well I have some issues about the several explanations of choosing Matthais.

It is noteworthy that the conditions, who God could choose from and the fact they went ahead and determined all this PRIOR to asking God if this was the direction they should or not go in.

It reminds me of church boards who make their plans, determine the conditions and then when all is set asking the Lord to bless their plans. Oftentimes without seeking Gods plans to begin with.

Jesus hand selected the Deciples...He did not confer with the Deciples His choices rather it was His alone. I have no problem believing Paul was His selection to fill the position. They all saw Jesus face to face and so did Paul....and Jesus instructed Him the way to go from that encounter.

God does oftentimes work with the natural flow of our world, but He also intervenes in the ways of men and moves where He will and chooses, often in unexpected ways. We hear very little further of Matthias...yet Paul steps into view, after a direct encounter with Christ Himself, and we know the rest of the story from then on..... It was as if God said He understood the Deciples were only doing what they believed was the right thing, but God had His own plan coming in His time, Christ would appoint and make the selection just as He had done with the other Deciples from the beginning.

[bibletruth]

Its very clear who called Paul as an apostle:

Paul was called directly by the Risen and Glorified Jesus Christ in Acts 9 to be a minister and Apostle to the gentiles [un-circumcision]

There is no mystery to it... God performed this direct calling through the Lord Jesus Christ.

[bibletruth]

Your presupposition is that Peter, James, et. all, were incompetent and out of order to perform a vote for Matthias to be counted with the 12 apostles. You are wrong in assuming that they did not pray on the matter before God. Read the context of the scriptures, where it clearly shows that Peter and the 11 were in prayer, at which time, when Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples to bring up the issue of replacing Judas:

Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

This entire course of events was done in accordance of Old Testament prescribed methods, not of men's own will and confusion on what to do.

God did not step in because of Peter's confusion to install Paul over Matthias. Matthias was counted among the 12 Apostles. Paul was raised up at an entirely different time to be a minister and apostle unto the gentiles.

[daniel1212]

I understand the concerns about the validity of Matthias being the replacement for Judas, and thanks for the input, but i do not think there is enough substance to reject the selection of Matthias as an another apostle. While the choosing of the latter does lack the evident manner of confirmation given Paul, if Matthias was a wrong choice i believe the Holy Spirit would have made that known, considering the weight of the issue, and although the choosing of the latter may seem like a board meeting doing what was pragmatic, they were engaged in much prayer before this, (Acts 1:14) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit followed this action. And as in 1Kg. 8:1-11, things were set in order before the glory fell.

We today have much to do to make things decent and in order.