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Judas was obviously part of the original twelve. It’s also obvious that he didn’t truly believe who Jesus was and was simply used by God to fulfill prophecy. When Matthias was chosen by lot he became the twelfth apostle. Those twelve were still the chosen apostles. It’s obvious to anyone who wants to understand that all thirteen were chosen but Judas was chosen for a different purpose.

BTW The eleven apostles didn’t select Matthias, God did.

Acts 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Now, as far as the church Jesus promised. He did indeed establish a church. It was NOT the RCC. Anyone who honestly compares the teaching of the RCC with scripture understands that the RCC is often in contradiction to scripture.

"It’s also obvious that he didn’t truly believe who Jesus was"

No, that is not so obvious about Judas. There is much greater evidence to support just the opposite. Judas DID believe Jesus (especially after witnessing firsthand miracles plus hearing of the resurrection of Lazarus. Judas did not understand the ministry of Jesus, as well as the church elders, but thought to capitalize on it. Since Jesus was God, He could overthrow the Roman rule which was a sticking point to all Jews. What better way to prove that than pit one against the other?

Anyone who honestly compares the teaching of the RCC with scripture understands that the RCC is often in contradiction to scripture.

So, you checked with all the billions and billions and billions of people in the world, and (on your own and by your own infallible judgment and perfect understanding and interpretation of Sacred Scripture) determined who among those billions and billions and billions of people had honestly and completely compared the teachings of the RCC with Scripture, then you interviewed all of those people, and found out that they all understand that the RCC is often in contradiction to Scripture?

I don't mean to sound insulting, CynicalBear, but your claim sounds very similar to the types of claims that B-O and his supporters often make in a roundabout way, such as "Most Americans want to do away with the 2nd Amendment", or "Most Americans want to do away with the 1st Amendment", etc., without any real corroborating evidence other than B-O's glib assertions.

Forgive me if I am just a tad skeptical!

Might there not be at least one or two Scripture scholars in that large group of people who disagree with your assertion?

I'll try to check back tomorrow to see your possible reply.

Anyone who honestly compares the teaching of the RCC with scripture understands that the RCC is often in contradiction to scripture.

never happened, never! By the way, the Catholic church brought you the scriptures....say thanks Catholics!!!!