THE APOSTLE PAUL - ONE OF THE CHOSEN 12

Was Matthias or Paul chosen to replace Judas as one of the 12 apostles? The Watchtower teaches that it was Matthias notice:

If an anointed Christian sinned against the spirit, practicing willful sin without repentance and ‘impaling the Son of God afresh,’ God would completely and forever reject him. (Heb. 6:4-6) Not being repentant, he would not be reinstated. Jehovah would have to select and anoint another Christian as a replacement so that the full number of 144,000 would be kept complete. It might be compared to heaven’s choice of Matthias to replace unfaithful Judas Iscariot so that there would be twelve faithful apostles of Jesus on which to build the Christian congregation.—Acts 1:23-26; Eph. 2:20. [The Watchtower, March 1, 1976, page 158-159]

Because the Watchtower claims that the Jerusalem congregation governed the Faith and they proudly pattern themselves after it, they fail to understand that this appointment of Matthias was another example given by Luke of the apostasy that existed within this Jerusalem congregation at that time. Their actions were premature and disobeyed our Lords clear command to wait for the promise of the Father, the baptism of the holy spirit which only was some three days away now.

4 And while he was meeting with them he gave them the orders: “Do not withdraw from Jerusalem, but keep waiting for what the Father has promised, about which YOU heard from me; 5 because John, indeed, baptized with water, but YOU will be baptized in holy spirit not many days after this.” [Acts 1:4-5 NWT]

Thus we learn that they took matters into their own hands performing the only example of casting lots by believers recorded in the New Testament.

26 So they cast lots over them, and the lot fell upon Mat·thi'as; and he was reckoned along with the eleven apostles. [Acts 1:26 NWT]

It may have seemed like a biblical method for making this selection to them at the time and our Lord was patient with them for this error but we know that our Lord had to return to this earth once again in a miraculous way to appoint someone that was not even his follower. Saul now known as the Apostle Paul was chosen by our Lord for this office as there was no follower suitable for it in the faith. They were after all still keeping the Law which included the 11 apostles we learn since we know that even Peter was coerced to keep it after Paul was chosen as recoded in Galatians chapter 2. It was a lesson to them and Apostles would never again use this method to make appointments in scripture again. All we have recorded is the detestable use of it over our Lords clothing.

Of further interest here is the statement that he was reckoned along with the eleven apostles. This does not indicate in any positive way that he was actually one of the twelve that later would be revealed by our Lord as the foundation of the Faith. Matthias was not selected by the Lamb but Paul was. Luke the writer of Acts was associated with Paul and did not hide the errors that James and the disciples in Jerusalem were making. Acts 21:20-25 demonstates this clearly. And we know that this office is limited to those personally selected by the Lamb.

14 The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [Rev. 21:14 NWT]

Furthermore, the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians made specific reference to this decision made in Jerusalem and politely but forcefully identified it as an error made at that time (Gal. 1:1). He stated that it was a decision made by ‘man’ not holy spirit. It was not unusual for him to refer to the Apostles as men or simply men of reputation when they were in error. (Gal 2:6-9) He also demonstrated that this same Jerusalem congregation did not govern the Faith in the ways attributed to it by many (Gal. 1:17). Paul’s letter to the Galatians, especially the first two chapters, detailed specific errors made by this congregation and shows the actions taken to correct them. It is inseparably connected to the book of Acts in this regard. Luke knew that Paul was selected by the Lamb and that he fulfilled the requirements for such selection, and this was simply his way of indicating that a problem existed with this choice and/or that it was only their opinion that such selection that had taken place in Jerusalem was permanent.

Did the apostles have any authority at such a time? It may seem to the Watchtower that they did have considerable authority, especially Peter who was present (Acts 1:15); notice concerning Peter who had more authority than the others:

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will be the thing bound in the heavens, and whatever you may loose on earth will be the thing loosed in the heavens.” [Matt. 16:19 NWT]

Concerning the remaining 11 and perhaps even the entire 120: “18 Truly I say to YOU men, Whatever things YOU may bind on earth will be things bound in heaven, and whatever things YOU may loose on earth will be things loosed in heaven. 19 Again I truly say to YOU, If two of YOU on earth agree concerning anything of importance that they should request, it will take place for them due to my Father in heaven. 20 For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” [Matthew 18:18-20 NWT]

However such promises were made to the apostles and disciples in a future tense. This promise would not take effect until our Lord took his rightful place alongside his Father. Yes, this promise of power could not be fulfilled until this event took place:

49 And, look! I am sending forth upon YOU that which is promised by my Father. YOU, though, abide in the city until YOU become clothed with power from on high.” [Luke 24:49 NWT]

8 but YOU will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon YOU, and YOU will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Ju·de'a and Sa·mar'i·a and to the most distant part of the earth.” [Acts 1:7-8 NWT]

The apostles knew this and the problem of course is that while such disciples had authority to make disciples and enjoin them into the Faith, they did not yet have the ‘power’ to do so. Such use of this term ‘power’ (dunamis, Strong’s <1411>) is not insignificant so as to be ignored. The giving of such power erodes the power of the one giving it (Mark 5:30, virtue <1411>). Also no commission was given them to make an apostle, notice:

19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” [Matthew 28:19-20 NWT]

As you can see there was no commission given to them to make an apostle to fill out this number so as to fulfill prophecy, as this was clearly in our Lord’s own jurisdiction. He alone would choose, ordain and name them.

16 YOU did not choose me, but I chose YOU, and I appointed YOU to go on and keep bearing fruit and that YOUR fruit should remain; in order that no matter what YOU ask the Father in my name he might give it to YOU. [John 15:16 NWT]

13 But when it became day he called his disciples to him and chose from among them twelve, whom he also named apostles: [Luke 6:13 NWT]

They knew this. It was a clear statement of policy stated by our Lord and they did not respect it. Making appointments would no longer be done by chance and hoping for a miracle such as the drawing of lots. The proper example of how this should be done is given in Acts 13:2-3 [NWT] where it says: 2 As they were publicly ministering to Jehovah and fasting, the holy spirit said: “Of all persons set Bar´na·bas and Saul apart for me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then they fasted and prayed and laid their hands upon them and let them go. The laying on of hands is also the way Paul made such appointments and is central to the faith. Informed, prayerful and personal, this is the only recommended way for such things to be done by disciples and our Lord demonstrated this when He appointed Saul, causing him visible discomfort as a reminder to him for the rest of his life. And the scriptures verify that it is not the drawing of lots but the laying on of hands that is central to the faith. Even a man called Simon recognized this when he saw the Apostles using it as the proper way to do such things later.

18 Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the hands of the apostles the spirit was given, he offered them money. [Acts 8:18 NWI]

14 Do not be neglecting the gift in you that was given you through a prediction and when the body of older men laid their hands upon you. [1Tim 4.14 NWT]

1 For this reason, now that we have left the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, 2 the teaching on baptisms and the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment [Heb 6:1-2 NWT]

Such ordination also given to the apostle Paul in a miraculouse way by our Lord is unmistakable and recorded in 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:”

Concerning this ordination Paul wrote the Corinthians regarding the resurrected Lord saying: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [1 Cor. 15:5] "Of the twelve" is preceded by 'eita' [of uncertain affinity] and is like saying "some of the twelve" as this number is fixed for this specific office and cannot be altered. The number therefore is simply another way to express more than Cephas who was one such apostle. Matthias was not yet appointed so this did not include him but Paul will show how he includes himself in this number as one born out of time. 1 Cor 15:6 “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.” In this verse the word apostles is preceded by 'pas' [all or everyone] where finally "all" the apostles (the remaining 11 as testified to in Acts chapter 1) saw Him. Matthias is positively excluded by this statement as he did not exist as an apostle at this time. To state matters differently would have created a new and confusing doctrine regarding the number of the chosen apostles. To finish making up the number twelve again Paul says:

8 but last of all he appeared also to me as if to one born prematurely. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God. [Corinthians 15:8-9 NWT]

Paul is still talking about the twelve and includes himself as the final one that our Lord selected for this office. He did not feel fit for it but he was one of the 12 selected by our Lord regardless. He fits into the chronology given despite the time distortion involved, just as if he was actually there and part of it this process all along. This he confirms by saying regarding the rest of the apostles:

10 But by God’s undeserved kindness I am what I am. And his undeserved kindness that was toward me did not prove to be in vain, but I labored in excess of them all, yet not I but the undeserved kindness of God that is with me. [1 Corinthians 15:10 NWT]

Yes, Paul was ‘chosen’ not appointed. Again in Acts 22:14 Ananias said, ‘The God of our forefathers has chosen you to come to know his will and to see the righteous One and to hear the voice of his mouth, 15 because you are to be a witness for him to all men of things you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you delaying? Rise, get baptized and wash your sins away by your calling upon his name.

This fulfilled the same basic reasons and ‘promises’ that Matthias was appointed for in Acts 1:20-22, as is pointed out in Rom 1:1-5, 1 Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ and called to be an apostle, separated to God’s good news, 2 which he promised aforetime through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who sprang from the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 but who with power was declared God’s Son according to the spirit of holiness by means of resurrection from the dead—yes, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we received undeserved kindness and an apostleship in order that there might be obedience of faith among all the nations respecting his name. And there is not one, but many statements to this fact:

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through God’s will, and Sos'the·nes our brother [1Cor. 1:1 NWT]

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not YOU my work in [the] Lord? [1Cor. 9:1 NWT]

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will, and Timothy [our] brother to the congregation of God that is in Corinth, together with all the holy ones who are in all of A·cha'ia: [2Cor. 1:1 NWT]

Paul, an apostle, neither from men nor through a man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him up from the dead, [Gal. 1:1NWT]

17 Neither did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles previous to me, but I went off into Arabia, and I came back again to Damascus. [Gal. 1:17 NWT]

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will, to the holy ones who are [in Eph'e·sus] and faithful ones in union with Christ Jesus: [Eph. 1:1 NWT]

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will, and Timothy [our] brother [Col. 1:1 NWT]

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus under command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus, our hope, [1Tim. 1:1 NWT]

7 For the purpose of this witness I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of nations in the matter of faith and truth. [1Tim. 2:7 NWT]

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will according to the promise of the life that is in union with Christ Jesus, [2Tim. 1:1 NWT]

Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of God’s chosen ones and the accurate knowledge of the truth which accords with godly devotion [Tit. 1:1 NWT]

Such strong testimony and authority given, cannot be refuted. Paul had the ‘power’ 4 and my speech and what I preached were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of spirit and power, 5 that YOUR faith might be, not in men’s wisdom, but in God’s power [1 Cor. 2:4 NWT] and demonstrated this fact.

Consequently, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest whom we confess—Jesus. [Hebrews 3:1 NWT]

No one can deny that such a High Priest and Apostle can appoint any apostle that He chooses. Such an Apostle can also disqualify any apostle appointed by man even if they had such ‘binding’ authority as discussed here.

How was it that Paul could challenge all of the apostles, undermine their doctrine (Acts 21:21) and ignore the decision and letter authored by some of them at Jerusalem that contained matters on food? He could not do this if he did not have the special ‘ministry’ and ‘power’ attributed to one of the twelve. The twelve chosen apostles are specific to this ‘ministry’ and ‘apostleship’ and are all selected by our Lord. This should not be confused with another way the word “apostle” is used where faithful ones such as Paul, Barnabas and others were sent forth by spirit filled disciples and/or apostles as an arm of their authority. Only by the ‘laying on of hands’ could a disciple become so empowered. Such men were specific to the ‘ministry’ of the apostles and/or disciples that authorized them Acts 6:2-6. This is why there are only 12 chosen but actually many appointed apostles. In time this also became a point of contention among many in Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12). Such brothers wanted for themselves the authority that went with such appointed men.

17 because he had been numbered among us and he obtained a share in this ministry. [Acts 1:17]

25 to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas deviated to go to his own place.” [Acts 1:25 NWT]

This place clearly belongs to Paul. Our Lord touched Paul, personally, which qualified him for this task much like the following example.

2 As they were publicly ministering to Jehovah and fasting, the holy spirit said: “Of all persons set Bar'na·bas and Saul apart for me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then they fasted and prayed and laid their hands upon them and let them go. 4 Accordingly these men, sent out by the holy spirit, went down to Se·leu'cia, and from there they sailed away to Cy'prus. [Acts 13:2-4 NWT]

Paul’s commission given by our Lord did not have to be ‘bound’ by the Faith. The decision of the disciples residing in Antioch, who laid their hands upon him is significant only in the fact that they ALSO appointed Paul to represent them which made him their apostle as well, or an apostle in the conventional sense as was Barnabas. Such appointments were not only timely but they would prove necessary as well. It was as if our Lord was preparing the Faith for the battle over Law that was soon to follow. With no evidence of foreknowledge by the Antioch brothers, the Jerusalem congregation was at the time producing apostles that were ‘binding’ false doctrine, forcing the observance of the Law and even separating themselves from Gentile brothers. In time a confrontation would take place over this that would not be fully resolved. Later, after the book of Hebrews would be written and the letters authored by James, Jude, Peter and John such doctrine as taught in Jerusalem would be corrected. It was however, already being corrected by Paul among many of the Jew’s that resided outside of such city. Yes, Paul had already ‘loosed’ such doctrine among Jews and Gentiles alike in his territory and his decision was the correct one (Gal. 2:1-9). He could not do this if he were simply an apostle and not one of the 12 chosen. It would take more than one visit however, to make this point clear to the Jerusalem congregation that resisted such correction. In the case of the Corinthians, Paul had to consider the doctrine contained in their letter to him and respond to it point for point in his reply. This gives us an even closer look at the doctrines that circulated in the Faith at that time from both such Jews and Gentiles alike and how Paul handled them. This gives us an extraordinary look at how things really were back then. So lets take a closer look at how all this came about.