Ep.1113: Paul or Matthias: Who Was the Real 12th Apostle? Contradictions Series

The "pro-Matthias" argument is worth respectfully considering. After all, it is true there is no written record of either God or Jesus confirming Paul's apostleship. We only have Paul himself saying he is an apostle along with a claim by his friend Luke in the book of Acts. To be fair, there is no written record of either God or Jesus confirming Matthias' apostleship, either. But Acts 1:26 says Matthias "was added to the eleven apostles." With a plain biblical statement like that, why look further?

Wait!

Well, because there is a lot more to find once we look closer at the context. Jesus was very specific in his instructions given before his crucifixion and right before his ascension: they were to WAIT. Just wait. Don't make any decisions, don't run away, just wait. Pentecost was only ten days away. Once they received God's influence and power, the holy spirit, it would guide them into knowing what to do next. It would give them the power to do miraculous things in order to advance Christianity around the world.

Casting lots

Instead of waiting, Peter met with about 120 disciples to pray and elect a replacement for Judas, even though it was not necessary or required to be done at this time. Two candidates were proposed and the group "cast lots," an Old Testament method of determining God's will. (The option of "neither" candidate was not proposed.)  Later on the road to Damascus, our resurrected Lord Jesus dramatically and emphatically appointed Saul as a "chosen vessel." Just like the other 11 Jesus-appointed apostles, Paul was called a "witness."

Check out our podcast, "Paul or Matthias. Who Was the Real 12th Apostle?" that aired live on February 17, 2020. We reviewed the points of debate for and against the Apostle Paul as being the authorized 12th Apostle of Christ. The evidence overwhelmingly showed us his rightful place. Our faith was strengthened by looking into these important details of the early church.  What do you think of our conclusions?