Paul Was Not One of The Twelve Apostles

The eleven Apostles first chose two candidates to replace Judas, the betrayer, then asking God which of these two He would have to fill the vacant position due to Judas' betrayal… they drew lots and “the lot fell on Mathias.”

Some Christians teach that the Lord’s 11 Apostles acted arbitrarily by choosing Matthias to take Judas’ place; saying, “Well, actually, Paul was God's choice for Judas' place.” But this is not so, according to the Biblical record.

Let’s now examine the facts.

  1. The 12 Apostles, with Peter as their chief, had been given authority to act officially in Christ's absence (cf. Matt.16:19; 18: 18,19).
  2. They acted upon the Scriptural declaration that another apostle should be chosen to fill Judas' place (cf. Psa.109:8; cf. Acts 1:20).
  3. Their action was bathed in many days of united prayer (cf. Luke 24:49; cf. Acts 1:12-15), and when two candidates were found they again prayed and left the final choice in the hands of God (cf. Acts 1:24-26).
  4. Probably only two (Matthias and Joseph Barsabas) were eligible, for only those could qualify who had followed Christ continuously from the day of His baptism by John until His ascension to heaven. Matt.19:28, Ye which have followed Mefrom the beginning was the qualification.

“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. (Acts 1:21-22 (KJV)

Reading the verse above, it’s obvious that Paul would not have been eligible. Paul had not even seen Christ during His earthly ministry (cf. ICor. 15:8). Paul persecuted the believers before he was converted. The conclusive proof that the eleven did act in the will of God in this matter is found in the fact that the Scripture clearly states that Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26) and that “they were all filled with the holy spirit” (Acts 2:4). Men out of the will of God are not filled with the Holy Spirit.

Note that “The twelve” were instructed by Jesus that they should only go to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6 (KJV) 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.

Jesus Himself said that He had come only to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24 (KJV) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  

They were sent only to the “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” And continued teaching the Law as Jesus had instructed them.

Jesus’ instructions to “the Twelve” stands in stark contrast with Paul. Paul was a Jew and Roman citizen. Paul stands separate and distinct from “the twelve” as THE Apostle to the Gentiles” with a mission to present the a new “gospel of the grace of God” for this day of “dispensation of grace of God,” to the Gentiles, and which is in effect for us to this day.

Romans 11:13 (KJV) For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Romans 15:16a (KJV) That I (Paul) should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles

Ephesians 3:1-3 (KJV) For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Paul’s Message of the free gift of salvation by grace through faith alone stands in stark contrast to “The Law” that Jesus and His Apostle taught. Paul wrote;

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye (Gentile members of the body of Christ) are not under the law, but under grace.  (Romans 6:14 (KJV)
“And if by grace, then is it NO More of works… (Romans 11:6a (KJV)