In comparing the ministry of the twelve apostles with that of the Apostle Paul, we must observe carefully these significant contrasts.

1. "The Twelve" were sent to Israel exclusively, and specifically NOT to the Gentiles.

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go NOT into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 10:5-6)

By contrast Paul was sent to the Gentiles as their one Apostle.

"I (Paul) speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am THE Apostle of the Gentiles..." (Rom 11:13a)

2. The twelve were chosen by Christ ON EARTH (Luke 6:13) while Paul was later chosen by Christ From HEAVEN (Acts 9:3-5; 26:16).

3. Prior to Paul's conversion the twelve had known Christ only ON EARTH (I John 1:1). Even at His ascension to heaven "a cloud received Him OUT OF THEIR SIGHT" (Acts 1:9).

But Paul knew only the Christ IN HEAVEN, having never seen Jesus on earth (Acts 26:16; 1Cor. 15:8).

4. The twelve Apostles (not Paul) represented their own nation - Israel. The number twelve has no connection with the "one Body" of Christ. As we know, Jacob of old "begat the twelve patriarchs" (Acts 7:8). From these sprang the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes had twelve princes over them (Numbers 1:16). Even when Israel was ruled by kings there were still to be twelve princes — one over each tribe (1 Chronicles 27:22). Thus, as He went forth proclaiming "the gospel of the kingdom" our Lord chose twelve "princes" for the "twelve thrones" in the kingdom to come (Matt. 19:28).

On the other hand, Paul, as one apostle, represents the "one Body," the Church of today (Rom.12:5; 1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22b-23a, 3:1, 4:4).

However, Paul was both a born Hebrew and a born Roman citizen, so Paul represented believing Jews and Gentiles in the age of grace, being "reconciled…unto God in one (Christ's) body by the cross…" (Eph.2:16, cf., Gal 3:28).

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

5. The twelve were sent to proclaim Christ's kingdom "at hand" (Matt. 10:7), and later to offer the kingdom's establishment on earth (Acts 3:19-26).

But Paul was sent to proclaim "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24), while "the kingdom" promised to Israel is being held in abeyance until "the times of the gentiles be fulfilled" (Rom 11:25).

6. The ministry of the twelve was based on "covenant" promises (Isaiah 60:1-3; Luke 1:70-79; Acts 3:22-26).

But Paul's ministry was not based on covenant promises, but wholly on the grace of God extended... through Christ (Rom.3:21-28; 5: 20-21; Eph.1:6-7; 2:7; etc.).