Paul an apostle

Was Paul the Twelfth Apostle?

Jesus’ disciples got excited when they witnessed another, who apparently wasn’t a part of their group, casting out devils.

Mark 9:38-40 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name
and he followeth not us
and we forbad him, because he followeth not us
But Jesus said, Forbid him not

Paul is somewhat treated with the same attitude today. No ministry is more misunderstood than Paul’s. There is the insistence by some yet that the choosing of Matthias, as Judas’ replacement to be the twelfth apostle, was a mistake. Others teach or assume that Paul’s ministry is simply an extension of the Twelves’ so-called, 'Great Commission'. Both concepts are seriously flawed.

Acts 1:15-26 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. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 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. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 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.

Let his habitation be desolate
his bishoprick let another take
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
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas... and Matthias
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men
shew whether of these two thou hast chosen
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship
And they gave forth their lots
the lot fell upon Matthias
he was numbered with the eleven apostles

Eleven Plus One

Besides the fact that prayer and proper procedure was behind this selection, Paul was disqualified because he wasn’t ministering between the designated times ascribed nor witness to the resurrection of Christ. The decision was placed in the hands of the Lord, between the two that did qualify and lot fell upon Matthias who was numbered with the eleven. Eleven plus one equals twelve (11 + 1 = 12). This is proved out elsewhere.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

But Peter, standing up with the eleven

Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

the twelve called the multitude

1 Corinthians 15:4-8 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

After that, he was seen of James
then of all the apostles
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time

Entrusted Men & Words of God to Jesus

There is another line of reasoning that completely disassociates him with the Twelve and that is the progression in which the kingdom gospel and the words of Christ was going to reach out.

John 17:4-8 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world
thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word
Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me
and they have received them

John 17:17-20 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth
As thou hast sent me into the world
even so have I also sent them into the world
Neither pray I for these alone
but for them also which shall believe on me
through their word

In context of what is truly the ‘Lord’s prayer’, the finished work referenced above was the entrusting of words given Jesus, by the Father, to the men delegated to the Lord Jesus, during His earthly ministry.

In Matthew chapters 5 – 8, are recorded these words, given to the disciples, which are commonly referred to as the beatitudes.

Matthew 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

he went up into a mountain: and when he was set
his disciples came unto him
he opened his mouth
taught them, saying

Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

when Jesus had ended these sayings
the people were astonished at his doctrine
When he was come down from the mountain
great multitudes followed him

It is of no coincidence here that the Lord Jesus goes up into a mountain and sets Himself to teach His disciples, to then descend in commissioning His disciples. Just as Old Covenant teachings were conveyed to Moses for Israel, from a mountain top, so now New Covenant teachings have been put into the hands of those selected for a new remnant of Israel.

The stage was set for the spreading of the kingdom gospel. The words given to Christ’s disciples became the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42), which are the commandments so often referenced to by John (Jn 12:49-50; 13:34; 14:15-31; 15:10-12; 1 Jn 3:24; 5:2-3). The significance of these words were made clear by the Lord in regards to the anticipated kingdom of heaven that was thought to soon be established on the earth.

Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments
And shall teach men so
he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:
but whosoever shall do and teach them
the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven
many shall come from the east and west
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob
in the kingdom of heaven

Noted, was that Jesus prayed not only for the chosen disciples, but also for them that would believe on Him through their word.

After the resurrection, the kingdom gospel got a kick start, via the baptism with the Holy Ghost, as the Apostles began to minister among their own nation.

Paul a Chosen Vessel

Saul of Tarsus (Paul) was neither a convert of the Twelve Apostles or of any of their converts. Saul was met in the way by the Lord Jesus Himself.

Acts 9:3-6 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And he said, Who art thou, Lord?
And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest
And he trembling and astonished said
Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

Instructions were given that eventually put Saul under the care of a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. Though it isn’t mentioned whether Ananias was a disciple of John the Baptist or of the Twelve, it is very noteworthy that Ananias was a devout man, according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there.

Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

there was a certain disciple at Damascus
named Ananias

Acts 22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there

a devout man according to the law
having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there

To the reader, who is familiar with some of the tension and controversy that existed between the Twelve and Paul, here would be a good time to ask why the Lord chose someone, other than a representative of the Twelve, to reveal His intentions for Paul? After all, the Lord could have intercepted Saul anywhere He desired! Why not put Paul immediately under the care of the Twelve? It would have eliminated some of the tension and controversy and probably a few trips to Jerusalem to cue the Twelve into what was God doing through Paul.

The reason, for the Lord not bringing the Twelve into Saul’s conversion experience, was due to the uniqueness of Paul’s ministry and message not to be confused to that of the Twelve.

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

for he is a chosen vessel unto me
to bear my name
before the Gentiles
and kings
and the children of Israel

Thus, a transitional change was about to take place in Paul’s life. From his conversion, being witnessed by a devout man, according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews (Acts 22:12), to being a chosen vessel sent to Gentiles.

Also interesting to note here, is the listed order to those he would witness:

1. Gentiles

2. kings

3. children of Israel

In actuality, Paul ministered the gospel of Christ to the Jew first (Rom 1:16). Gentiles are listed first because, as the children of Israel were to be the focus of the Twelve Apostles, Gentiles would fall under the focus of Paul.

The Thirteenth Apostle

Unlike the lots that were cast to choose between Barsabas and Matthias, for Judas’ replacement, neither men or man had any say or selection in Paul’s apostleship!

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Paul, an apostle
not of men
neither by man
but by Jesus Christ

As the one casting out devils, having been rebuked by the Apostles, for not being a follower of them, so another shows up on the scene, as a servant of Jesus Christ yet again, not a follower of them. Paul reaffirms his apostleship over and over in his epistles.

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle…

1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ…

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ…

Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ…

1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ…

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ…

The Twelve were chosen, of the Father and given to the Son, during His earthly ministry for instruction to the nation of Israel in preparation for their earthly kingdom. The Twelve bore a message of repentance, as did the prophets afore and waited with anticipation to reign with Christ judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

That ye which have followed me
in the regeneration
when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory
ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones
judging the twelve tribes of Israel

The risen Christ appeared to Saul for specific purpose of being the designated apostle to the Gentiles.

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

For I speak to you Gentiles
inasmuch I am the apostle of the Gentiles
I magnify mine office

Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

I should be the minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles
of the Gentiles

Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

I am ordained
a preacher
and an apostle
a teacher
of the Gentiles

2 Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

I am appointed
a preacher
and an apostle
and a teacher
of the Gentiles

Galatians 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision
the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles

For those who would still contend that Paul is Judas’ replacement, why would he, who was appointed the Apostle of the Gentiles, end up sitting on a throne helping judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel? To each reader the answer should be obvious... he wouldn't!

Defending His Apostleship

Not being directly tied to the Twelve, we find Paul defending his apostleship at times.

1 Corinthians 9:1-2 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? 2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

Am I not an apostle?
have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?
are not ye my work in the Lord?
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you
for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord

2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you

There is a common misconception that in the giving of the so-called great commission, there was an immediate outreach, of the Twelve Apostles and of those dispersed from persecution, to the Gentiles. Simply, this wasn’t so! The Gentile was in the scope of the Apostles, but only after the kingdom having once again been established to Israel.

Not only is distinction made in regards to Paul’s gospel and apostleship, but his authority granted by the Lord is noted throughout his epistles, particularly concerning the Gentile.

Paul’s Authority

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

so that I might finish my course
and the ministry
which I have received of the Lord Jesus
to testify the gospel of the grace of God

Romans 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

the grace that is given to me of God
I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

the grace of God which is given unto me
I have laid the foundation

1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me

1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord

2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

As the truth of Christ is in me

Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

To reveal his Son in me
that I might preach him among the heathen

Ephesians 3:1-9 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, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

For this cause I Paul
the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles
the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward
by revelation he made known unto me the mystery
ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ
by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister
the gift of the grace of God given unto me
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Those things
which ye have both learned
and received
and heard
and seen in me, do

Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Whereof I am made a minister
according to the dispensation of God
which is given to me for you
to fulfil the word of God

1 Timothy 2:5-7 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity

2 Timothy 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher
and an apostle
and a teacher of the Gentiles

2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

But thou hast fully known my doctrine

Titus 1:2-3 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

in due times manifested his word
through preaching
which is committed unto me
according to the commandment of God our Saviour

Paul's Apostleship Not an Extension of the Twelve

What has just been demonstrated is that a designated gospel was given to Paul, accompanied with authority, that the Twelve didn’t have or exercise beyond Cornelius. This authority pertained in particular to the Gentile. There is no record of Peter & company, ministering to a Gentile beyond going to Cornelius’ household, though the gospel of the kingdom is expected to be proclaimed unto all nations before an end comes.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

this gospel of the kingdom
shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations
and then shall the end come

In no way, shape or form, was Paul's ministry simply an extension of the Twelves', in view of the so-called ‘Great Commission’, that so many churches are seemingly trying to carry out today! The Twelve Apostles marching orders are dealt with under the chapter titled, "preaching according to prophecy".

Was Paul Twelfth Apostle

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