SWORDS Bible Study: Why Is Paul Your Apostle? (He was not one of the 12!)

By Mari (All caps for emphasis only)

Here are 12 verses so that there is context and understanding.
This is the Apostle PETER speaking after Judas had killed himself.

Act 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,)

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.

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

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.

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.

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. (Psalm 69:25)

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
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, who was surnamed Justus, 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, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The point here is to show you that there were only 11 Apostles after Judas killed himself, and there needed to be 12 according to prophecy. As well the candidates had to have been with them from the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry: John’s baptism (Acts 1:22, cf. 1John 1:1-3).

The 12 that would sit on the 12 thrones when Israel would gain their promised land and kingdom one day.

Mat 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.

The 11 Apostles picked two men who had witnessed Christ’s resurrection and then gave forth their lots, of which fell upon MATTHIAS, making him God’s choice for the 12th Apostle.
The 12 (Mathias now the 12th) Apostles were teaching the gospel that salvation is of the JEW. (John 4:22) That there was justification by faith in Jesus as the Messiah along with the necessary works under the LAW. (James 2:24; Mathew 19:27)

Their gospel was still ONLY to the Jew. Jew and Gentiles were still separated, as the Gentiles were to be blessed ONLY through Israel. (Acts 11:19)

The gospel being taught was toward their FUTURE salvation, and receiving their inheritance as a kingdom on earth. (1 Peter 1:4; Rev 21:2)

This to show you that the Apostle Paul was NOT and NEVER was one of the 12 Apostles, and he had a NEW message from the RISEN Christ for US today. The new message that the Apostle Paul taught is:

Israel is fallen and prophecies concerning them are NOT happening today. (Romans 11:11; Ro 11:25; 16:25)

The Apostle Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, as salvation has now been given to both Jew and Gentiles who will believe, WITHOUT Israel’s ministering!

We are no longer Jew or Gentile but the body of Christ, the new creature. Today WE are Ambassadors of Christ sent to proclaim the gospel of the grace of God to a fallen world. (Romans 11:13; 1 Cor 3:10; Gal 3:28; Eph 2:15; Gal 6:15; 2 Cor 5:17; 2 Cor 5:20)

Paul’s gospel is that our salvation and justification are apart from the law by faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross. The cross is not preached as a condemnation, but a glory unto our salvation! (1 Cor 15:1-4; Eph 2:8-9; Gal 6:14) The gospel is 1 Cor 15:1-4.

Paul’s gospel teaches a PRESENT salvation and a heavenly position and kingdom. (Romans 1:16; Eph 2:6; Eph 1:13; Phil 3:20)

Why is Paul OUR Apostle?

Because through Christ he brought the world the gospel that SAVES and STABLISHES US today! (Romans 1:16; Ro 16:25; 1 Cor 15:1-4)

Saul was met on the road to Damascus by the RISEN Christ Jesus. Here is what Jesus had to say about His intentions for Paul and why He chose a NEW Apostle to bring the gospel of the grace of God to the world!

(Act 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.)
Our Lord Jesus is speaking to a certain disciple Ananias in regards to Saul (later Paul)

Act 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:

The Apostle Paul was a CHOSEN VESSEL unto Jesus Christ. He was chosen to bear His name to the Gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel. Virtually everyone in the world!

The Apostle Paul was given the MINISTRY, received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD. (Act 20:24)

Paul was a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separate from the 12, separated unto the gospel of God. (Rom 1:1)

The new gospel of the grace of God given to Paul is that by which the secrets of men shall be JUDGED. (Rom 2:16)
Paul IS the Apostle to the Gentiles. (Ro 11:13…Ro 15:15-16)

It is by the gospel given to Paul, which is the preaching of Jesus Christ to us today ACCORDING to the REVELATION of the MYSTERY that is of the power to STABLISH you! Which has NOW been manifested for all. (Ro 16:25-26)

The Apostle Paul was not sent to baptize for the remission of sins as John the Baptist was…but to PREACH THE GOSPEL, so that the CROSS of Christ should not be made of none effect. (1 Cor 1:17; 1 Cor 3:10)

The Apostle Paul, according to the GRACE of God given him as a wise masterbuilder, laid the foundation, that others may buildeth thereon…but everyone should take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For any other gospel has NO power unto salvation and to preach another gospel is to be accursed. (1 Cor 3:10; Gal 1:8-9)

By hearing the gospel given by the risen Christ to Paul and believing the word of God, you are saved unto eternal life. We are to be followers of Paul, as he follows Christ. He follows Christ through the gospel of the grace of God, according to the revelation of the mystery. (1 Cor 4:16; Ro 16:25)

Next week part 2!