Was Paul A Real Apostle?

Q

You mentioned that Paul was God’s choice to fill the vacancy created when Judas committed suicide. But according to Acts 1:21-22 Paul couldn’t have met the requirements. He was not even a believer until he met the Lord on the road to Damascus years later. So, please explain Act 1:21-22, and make Paul fit the requirement so stated.

A

Paul claimed to be an apostle appointed by the will of God (Romans 1:1, 1 Cor. 1:1, 2 Cor. 1:1, Galatians 1:1, Ephes. 1:1, Colossians 1:1, 1 Tim. 1:1, 2 Tim. 1:1).

This claim was never challenged by any of the other apostles. Paul’s other qualifications come from the fact that he did see the resurrected Lord (1 Cor. 15:8) and was taught personally by Him (Galatians 1:12).

Acts 1:21-22 convey Peter’s opinion based on his interpretation of Psalm 109:8.

But even though their choice of Matthias was accompanied by prayer, Paul’s dominating influence in building the first century church indicates he was most likely God’s man for the job.