Who Is Your Apostle?

[michael_legna]

Oklahoma Howdy to All,

A lot of this appears to be nit-picking and semantics.

Who did God commission as the Apostle to the gentiles??

PAUL.

I find extreme value and purpose for every word in the Holy Bible, from cover to cover. However, if you ask the question above, there is an easy and simple answer.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Actually you make two major mistakes in your analysis, in my opinion.

First it is not so easy and simple.  

Yes, Paul was commissioned to go to the gentiles, but it was Peter who went to them first after a revelation from God in a dream that they were not to be seen as unclean.  Peter was also the first to give them the gift of the Holy Spirit, not Paul.  So it is not so certain that Paul is to be favored, if we are even to favor either which I believe we are warned not to do.

Second, to further complicate matters, your claim that God commissioned Paul is not supportable by scripture.  The only place in scripture that mentions who sent Paul out to the gentiles is in Galatians and it is Peter, John and James who commissioned him or at least allowed him to proceed on his ministry.
Gal 2:9
9And when James,  Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
 

[Ambassador4Christ]

I myself only have "ONE" Apostle, and he is Paul.

There are 2 choices. Peter and the 11 or Paul. Peter was sent to Israel. Paul was sent to the Gentiles. Peter preached a coming kingdom. Paul preached a leaving body (rapture). Peter preached works for salvation. Paul preached grace for salvation. Peter says keep the law. Paul says you cannot keep the law. Peter says don’t eat catfish. Paul says eat all things. Peter says meet on Saturday. Paul says meet on Sunday. Peter preached you must be water baptized. Paul preached you do not need water baptism. Peter preached sell all you have and God will take care of you. Paul preached if you do not work you do not eat. Peter preached the cross as a curse to Israel. Paul preached the curse removed. Peter never says he is the pattern for the Gentiles. Paul says he is the pattern for the Gentiles.

Who is your apostle? Until the rapture of the church – Paul is.

AMEN!!!!

"Grace & Peace"

Brother Love

Peter's or Paul's? Your post seems to say two ways to Christ. One for Israel and one for the gentile. Yet Paul says the two are one in Christ though faith in one gospel in one Jesus Christ.

Peter did not set any self patterns but did set God's pattern for the gentiles:
Acts 15:7Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.

Ollie now you need to read (Study) Acts chapter 10

[michael_legna]

Ollie now you need to read (Study) Acts chapter 10

In my opinion, these type of non-answers help no one and are demeaning to the poster by implying that he has not studied the area you point him to in scripture.  It would be far more helpful to everyone if you were to provide scriptural references and then offer your interpretation of those verses.  But ducking the question as this post does helps no one.  I think you owe Ollie an apology.  I know I certainly would not want to be treated or ignored as he has been by you.

[Ambassador4Christ]

Ollie now you need to read (Study) Acts chapter 10

In my opinion, these type of non-answers help no one and are demeaning to the poster by implying that he has not studied the area you point him to in scripture.  It would be far more helpful to everyone if you were to provide scriptural references and then offer your interpretation of those verses.  But ducking the question as this post does helps no one.  I think you owe Ollie an apology.  I know I certainly would not want to be treated or ignored as he has been by you.

unlike you I believe the Word of God will teach both you and Ollie. Now dust off your Bible and go to the book of Acts, find chapter 10 and then study it.

Have a nice day

[Reba]

Acts 10

10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
KJV

[Ambassador4Christ]

Through Paul God has revealed HIS HEAVENLY CHURCH. The kingdom has been postponed. There is no salvation by the works of the law. All who will be saved must look to Him, who is seated in the Heavenlies, as the Head of the Body. They must believe that, “By grace are ye saved, through faith and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”

No meats, drinks, divers baptisms, Sabbath days or blood sacrifices now, Only “that if thou shall confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be SAVED.”…”So then FAITH cometh by hearing and hearing BY THE WORD OF GOD.” (Romans 10:9,17). For by ONE SPIRIT are we all baptized into ONE BODY, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, weather we be bond or free, and have been made to drink into ONE SPIRIT.”

Surely the water baptism of the Jewish Church are now replaced by the ONE BAPTISM of the SPIRIT OF GOD. Paul, “For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, not with the wisdom of words, less the CROSS OF CHRIST should be made of none effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:17).

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling. ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6).

In Christ, in His Body, “we are His workmanship (masterpiece). created in Christ Jesus, UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).

[Allinall]

Brother A4C,

I can't help but get the impression you are presenting Peter as one who preached a gospel of salvation opposite of that of Paul.  You have clearly stated Paul's conviction, and I thank you.  However, if you could clarify your view on the matter I've just mentioned I'd be most thankful!  

[Brother Love]

Through Paul God has revealed HIS HEAVENLY CHURCH. The kingdom has been postponed. There is no salvation by the works of the law. All who will be saved must look to Him, who is seated in the Heavenlies, as the Head of the Body. They must believe that, “By grace are ye saved, through faith and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”

No meats, drinks, divers baptisms, Sabbath days or blood sacrifices now, Only “that if thou shall confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shall be SAVED.”…”So then FAITH cometh by hearing and hearing BY THE WORD OF GOD.” (Romans 10:9,17). For by ONE SPIRIT are we all baptized into ONE BODY, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, weather we be bond or free, and have been made to drink into ONE SPIRIT.”

Surely the water baptism of the Jewish Church are now replaced by the ONE BAPTISM of the SPIRIT OF GOD. Paul, “For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, not with the wisdom of words, less the CROSS OF CHRIST should be made of none effect.” (1 Corinthians 1:17).

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is ONE BODY, and ONE SPIRIT even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling. ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6).

In Christ, in His Body, “we are His workmanship (masterpiece). created in Christ Jesus, UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).

AMEN!!!

Through Paul God has revealed HIS HEAVENLY CHURCH. The kingdom has been postponed. There is no salvation by the works of the law. All who will be saved must look to Him, who is seated in the Heavenlies, as the Head of the Body. They must believe that, “By grace are ye saved, through faith and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”

And AMEN!!!

Brother Love

[Sower]

Second, to further complicate matters, your claim that God commissioned Paul is not supportable by scripture.  The only place in scripture that mentions who sent Paul out to the gentiles is in Galatians and it is Peter, John and James who commissioned him or at least allowed him to proceed on his ministry.

Brother Michael:

Your statement about who commissioned Paul fails to take into account Acts 9:6-22 and Acts 22:1-21. Since Jesus of Nazareth is indeed God, and He Himself commissioned Saul ["asked for"]and called him Paul ["little"] expressly for that purpose, there should hardly be any question about Paul's commission: "And He said unto me, Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the gentiles" (Acts 22:21).  Paul reiterates his authority and commission more than once throughout the NT.

However, as to the question "Who is your apostle?"  we are treading on dangerous ground when we depart from Scripture itself, for we are expressly told in the Word of God that ALL BELIEVERS (ALL SAINTS, THE WHOLE CHURCH, THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD) "ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF[ALL] THE APOSTLES AND [ALL] THE PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE..." (Eph.2:20). Since God includes all the apostles, we must also do so.

However, men today who claim the same status as the 12 apostles of Christ, and call themselves "apostles" are simply false apostles, deceitful workers.  The marks of a genuine apostle (as distinct from a disciple or follower of Christ) are revealed in Acts 1:21-22. Even though Joseph Barsabbas Justus and Matthias were qualified, Paul was "a chosen vessel". Thus we hear no more about Matthias after Acts 1.

So then, who indeed is our Apostle? The answer is found in Hebrews 3:1 -- "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider THE APOSTLE AND HIGH PRIEST OF OUR PROFESSION, CHRIST JESUS..."

The ultimate Apostle or "sent One" from God is none other than His only begotten Son. He in turn sent out the 12 apostles (Paul being the 12th, Judas being a "son of perdition"), and now He sends forth His church into the world by the Holy Spirit.

[ollie]

Ollie now you need to read (Study) Acts chapter 10

In my opinion, these type of non-answers help no one and are demeaning to the poster by implying that he has not studied the area you point him to in scripture.  It would be far more helpful to everyone if you were to provide scriptural references and then offer your interpretation of those verses.  But ducking the question as this post does helps no one.  I think you owe Ollie an apology.  I know I certainly would not want to be treated or ignored as he has been by you.

unlike you I believe the Word of God will teach both you and Ollie. Now dust off your Bible and go to the book of Acts, find chapter 10 and then study it.

Have a nice day

Acts 10

 1.  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
 2.  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
 3.  He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
 4.  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
 5.  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
 6.  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
 7.  And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
 8.  And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
 9.  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
 10.  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
 11.  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
 12.  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
 13.  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
 14.  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
 15.  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
 16.  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
 17.  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
 18.  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
 19.  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
 20.  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
 21.  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
 22.  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
 23.  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
 24.  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
 25.  And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
 26.  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
 27.  And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
 28.  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
 29.  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
 30.  And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
 31.  And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
 32.  Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
 33.  Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
 34.  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
 35.  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
 36.  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
 37.  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
 38.  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
 39.  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
 40.  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
 41.  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
 42.  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
 43.  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
 44.  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
 45.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
 46.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
 47.  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
 48.  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

[ollie]

Peter:

Acts 2:39.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

This does not connotate a seperation of the gospel, one to the Jews from Peter and one from Paul to the gentiles. It says the promeise is unto those present in Acts 2, their children, all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.

The Lord calls both Jew and gentile through the gospel of Christ as given by Christ and the Holy Spirit to all the apostles.
They are called into one body, Christ's.
God did not seperate this calling in two, Jews and gentiles, but rather through this gospel made one of the two, the body of Christ, the ecclesia.
 

Ollie this is to Israel:
Peter:

Acts 2:39.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

You need to read Acts Chapter 2 with your eyes opened.

Grace & Peace

Acts 2

 1.  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
 2.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
 3.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
 4.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
 5.  And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
 6.  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
 7.  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
 8.  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
 9.  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
 10.  Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
 11.  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
 12.  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
 13.  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
 14.  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
 15.  For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
 16.  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
 17.  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
 18.  And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
 19.  And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
 20.  The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
 21.  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
 22.  Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
 23.  Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
 24.  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
 25.  For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
 26.  Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
 27.  Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
 28.  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
 29.  Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
 30.  Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
 31.  He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
 32.  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
 33.  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
 34.  For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
 35.  Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
 36.  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
 37.  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
 38.  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
 39.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
 40.  And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
 41.  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
 42.  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
 43.  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
 44.  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
 45.  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
 46.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
 47.  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

[ollie]

Jesus: about Saul/Paul to Ananias:



Acts 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:

[ollie]

Second, to further complicate matters, your claim that God commissioned Paul is not supportable by scripture.  The only place in scripture that mentions who sent Paul out to the gentiles is in Galatians and it is Peter, John and James who commissioned him or at least allowed him to proceed on his ministry.

Brother Michael:

Your statement about who commissioned Paul fails to take into account Acts 9:6-22 and Acts 22:1-21. Since Jesus of Nazareth is indeed God, and He Himself commissioned Saul ["asked for"]and called him Paul ["little"] expressly for that purpose, there should hardly be any question about Paul's commission: "And He said unto me, Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the gentiles" (Acts 22:21).  Paul reiterates his authority and commission more than once throughout the NT.

However, as to the question "Who is your apostle?"  we are treading on dangerous ground when we depart from Scripture itself, for we are expressly told in the Word of God that ALL BELIEVERS (ALL SAINTS, THE WHOLE CHURCH, THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD) "ARE BUILT UPON THE FOUNDATION OF[ALL] THE APOSTLES AND [ALL] THE PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE..." (Eph.2:20). Since God includes all the apostles, we must also do so.

However, men today who claim the same status as the 12 apostles of Christ, and call themselves "apostles" are simply false apostles, deceitful workers.  The marks of a genuine apostle (as distinct from a disciple or follower of Christ) are revealed in Acts 1:21-22. Even though Joseph Barsabbas Justus and Matthias were qualified, Paul was "a chosen vessel". Thus we hear no more about Matthias after Acts 1.

So then, who indeed is our Apostle? The answer is found in Hebrews 3:1 -- "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider THE APOSTLE AND HIGH PRIEST OF OUR PROFESSION, CHRIST JESUS..."

The ultimate Apostle or "sent One" from God is none other than His only begotten Son. He in turn sent out the 12 apostles (Paul being the 12th, Judas being a "son of perdition"), and now He sends forth His church into the world by the Holy Spirit.

"(Paul being the 12th, Judas being a "son of perdition"),"


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

Paul was also called, but not as the 12th.

 Romans:1.  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Romans 11:13.  For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

1 Corinthians 1:1.  Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,.....


 [ Corinthians 15:8.  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
 9.  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
 10.  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.


 Galatians 1:1.  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;).....

Galatians 1:17.  Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus....


 Galatians 2:8.  (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)








 

 

[Ambassador4Christ]

And I [Paul] thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. I Timothy 1:12-16

[Ambassador4Christ]

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, Romans 16:25

Pauls Gospel is my Gospel, and none of you can find this Gospel in the Old Testament of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John

Have a nice day