Some Christians teach that the Lord's 11 Apostles
acted arbitrarily by choosing Matthias to take Judas' place. They teach that the
11 Apostles first chose two candidates and then asked God which of these two He
would have to fill the vacant position. They say, “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.
- The
12 Apostles, with Peter as their chief, had been given authority to act
officially in Christ's absence (Matt.16:19; 18: 18, 19).
- They
acted upon the Scriptural declaration that another apostle should be chosen to
fill Judas' place (Psa.109:8; cf. Acts 1:20).
- Their
action was bathed in many days of united prayer (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 (Acts 1:24-26).
- 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 (Acts 1:21,22; cf. Matt.19:28, “Ye which have followed Me”).
- Paul
would not have been
eligible, for he had not even seen Christ during His earthly ministry
(ICor. 15:8).
- The
conclusive proof that the eleven acted 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), indicating God’s approval. Men out of the will of God are not
filled with the Holy Spirit.
- “The twelve” were originally
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.
This stands in stark
contrast to Paul, who was a Roman citizen. Paul stands separate and distinct
from “the twelve” as the Apostle to the Gentiles with a mission
to present the “dispensation of grace of
God,” 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,