The New 12th Apostle

6 March 2015

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"And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26)

There are multiple opinions about what the Apostles did to try and replace Judas as the twelfth Apostle. Peter, with the other ten Apostles chose Matthias by casting lots.

"Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” (Psalm 109:8)

It is true that the prophecy must be fulfilled and he be replaced. However, did Peter and the others fulfill this prophecy or were they simply impatient in waiting on the Holy Spirit?

I think the latter.

Jesus told them at least two times to WAIT until the Holy Ghost came upon them and then they would be able to do what Jesus wanted them to do.

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:4-5)
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

However, we find that they did not wait. They cast lots and chose Matthias. Now, Matthias was no doubt a very good man to even be considered, but there are things that are specific to the calling of an Apostle that did not take place.

The most important thing to remember is that Jesus called the other Apostles personally. We have record in Matthew and Luke where they are called out of the group to this specific office. Matthias was not chosen personally by Jesus.

Now consider Saul of Tarsus. He was not one of Jesus’ disciples during His earthly ministry. In fact, he was probably the biggest persecutor the early church had. But all that changed on the road to Damascus. There, Saul met Jesus and was personally called into the ministry by Him.

Paul refers to himself as an apostle in almost all his letters. Further, he makes it a point to say he was chosen by Jesus not men.

I believe Saul, who is Paul, is the true twelfth Apostle.

So, why should we care?

First of all, the names of the TWELVE Apostles are written in heaven (Revelation 21:14). Also notice that they are called the apostles of the Lamb. Those that object to Paul being the twelfth apostle say that he was sent to the Gentiles. The Bible does not make this distinction. They are each apostles of Jesus regardless of their audience.

Secondly, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. The church is built upon the foundation of the twelve apostles with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

What the Apostles taught and wrote should be what we believe and practice. Considering the fact that Paul wrote most of the New Testament, it is only fitting to recognize his office properly.

Tags: acts, apostles, ephesians, harmony_of_the_gospels, judas, matthias, paul, peter, revelation

Welcome

Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church is a community of believers working together to transform our lives to the image of Jesus Christ. We believe it is our duty and privilege to live the gospel of the doctrines of grace in such a way as to edify the families within our church and other children of God in our community. Through regular worship based on strong Biblical principles, fellowship, admonishment, and outreach, we glory in the grace of the sovereign God working in our lives thereby showing the Spirit of God in the world.

Brentwood Hills was organized in 1906 in Fort Worth, Texas as Laodicea Primitive Baptist Church. You can find much of the history of the church, as well as other churches here: Primitive Baptist History Database

We identify ourselves as an old-line Primitive Baptist church. If you read our Articles of Faith, you’ll see that we hold to such doctrines as the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. We recognize the King James Version (KJV) as the only English translation worthy of being called the Bible. We believe in salvation solely by the grace of a sovereign God. We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, came to the earth to do the will of His Father, which was to deliver from the sentence of death all those the Father gave Him before the world began. We believe that Jesus fully satisfied the Father by atoning for all the sins of all His people. In time, we believe the Holy Spirit comes to each person that belongs to Jesus and regenerates them. Then (and only then) can anyone have faith, which is a fruit of the Spirit, by which you are able to believe the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you ever hear the gospel, or believe it if you did hear it, or obey it if you did believe it, rest assured that Jesus will remain forever faithful to you because, if He died for you, He will never deny that you belong to Him.

We believe that everyone for whom Christ died will without fail be raised again from the dead to a glorified life. Even if we are alive when He returns to raise the dead, we shall be changed to a glorified life. All the Redeemed will meet the Lord in the air. Then He will take us to Heaven and there we shall forever be with the Lord. The wicked will be raised at the same time as the righteous, but the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment along with Satan and his angels. Until that glorious day when Christ returns to raise the dead, He has provided a place for His people to find rest for their souls. This place is the Church. Jesus Christ set-up His church on this earth before His death on the Cross. The church is there for those of His people who have come to believe that God saved them by His Son, Jesus Christ. To believe that Christ “paid it all” gives believers the strongest motivation to serve Him. Once enlightened to this glorious truth, then the child of God should feel an obligation to become and remain an active member of the His church. To serve the Lord in His church makes for one of the great blessings to experience this side of Heaven. It fulfills you to serve in His church and it gives your life purpose and meaning.

Living in Liberty

Elder Bryce Lowrance

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