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APOSTLE
50
It is generally taught that the words `that he might go to his own place' (Acts 1:25), mean that Judas had been
consigned to hell or perdition, but the passage bears another sense and should read:
`... show 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 he was numbered with the eleven'.
The fact the Holy Spirit made no difference between Matthias and the rest of the apostles should silence all
objection. That Paul himself speaks of `the twelve' as separate from himself is eloquent testimony to the accuracy
of the inclusion of Matthias among the twelve (1 Cor. 15:5). In face of these facts we believe that the appointment
of Matthias was in complete harmony with the will of God, and that of necessity, therefore, Paul was an apostle of
an entirely distinct and independent order.
The structure of Galatians 1 is a testimony to the independent apostleship of Paul, which we will now exhibit.
Paul's Apostleship, Gospel and Authority
Galatians 1:1-24
Key words `Not', `Neither', `But'.
Not of men.
A 1:1-5. Independent APOSTLESHIP.
Neither by man.
But by Jesus Christ.
B 1:6-10.`Ye received'.
Not after man.
A 1:11,12. Independent GOSPEL.
Neither received nor taught.
But by revelation.
B 1:13,14. `Ye heard'.
Not flesh and blood.
A 1:15-17. Independent AUTHORITY.
Neither apostles.
But unto Arabia.
B 1:18-24. `They had heard'.
There is a remarkable parallel between Galatians and 2 Corinthians where the issue once again is the validity of
Paul's apostleship
Galatians
2 Corinthians
`Seemed to be somewhat' (2:6).
`The extra super apostles'
(11:5).
`Another gospel' (1:6-9).
`If he that cometh preacheth
another Jesus ... another spirit
... another gospel' (11:4).
`False brethren' (2:4).
`False brethren' (11:26).
`He Who wrought effectually in
`For I suppose I was not a whit
Peter ... the same was mighty in
behind the very chiefest
me' (2:8).
apostles' (11:5).
`I am afraid of you, lest I have
`For I fear, lest, when I come, I
bestowed upon you labour in
shall not find you such as I
vain ... I desire to be present with
would' (11:3; 12:20).
you now, and to change my
voice; for I stand in doubt of
you' (4:11,20).
`I have confidence in you
`I rejoice therefore that I have
through the Lord, that ye will be
confidence in you in all things'