Is Paul a Genuine Apostle of Jesus Christ?

[Kaycie]

There are some stating that Paul was not a genuine apostle of Christ, and therefore his writings are not scripture. First of all scripture is from God, not from the men that wrote the words down. Second of all, Mark and Luke were not apostles. But was Paul?


Like any of us, who sometimes take it into our own hands to solve God's problems, the apostles observed that Judas would have to be replaced. So basically they flipped a coin or tossed some dice, then prayed about choosing a man from a group THEY selected.


They made up rules to choose the new apostle, such as he had to be with them throughout Christ's teaching, and witnessed Christ on the cross. One problem, Paul was not in the group of men from which they chose. Even if he had been, do you think they would have chose a man who killed Christians?


There was one requirement they were overlooking. When it came to the apostles, they had to be handpicked by Christ Himself. Christ personally came to Paul on the road to Damascus after His resurrection. Paul wasn't chosen in the same timeframe as the other apostles, I believe this is why he says he is one abnormally born.


Christ chose Paul, not Matthias, to replace Judas. Many times Paul states that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, especially in the beginning of some letters, like Colossians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, and 1 Corinthians 1:1. Paul was also marked with the sign of miracles to show his identity to be that of an apostle.


Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ, and God did write scripture through him.

 

[kennethcadwell]

First I would start to say that Mark and Luke were not of the original twelve, but Mark was appointed an apostle through Peter; and Luke was appointed an apostle through Paul.

Second, some do not like to take the books of Paul as an apostle because they are unlearned and unstable thinking that he taught a different gospel then the Lord. Which unfortunately the false Paulinians do as well, who follow the books of Paul over all other books of the bible. Giving him even more authority then the Lord Himself.

As long as people come to the understanding that Paul taught the same gospel message that the Lord taught, and the 11 original Apostles minus Judas gave to the rest of the Jews first then the gentiles. Then there should be no complaint, or misunderstanding when reading his epistles. If you go into Paul's epistles with the mindset he overrides all else in the bible you will always come to a wrong understanding, as Paul confirmed what the Lord taught with a little more meat of the word added.
If you carefully read through Paul's epistles you will see he confirmed every single thing the Lord said, and taught it also.
I think one thing also people don't like about Paul is he pretty much slaps you in the face with lists constantly, telling believers they can not have willful sins in their life. And also other lists of what a true believer will have in their life.

 

[JesusMyOnly]

Paul was inspired by the spirt and he was an apostle. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-- So anyone who does not follow scripture would obviously believe he was some sort of false prophet. Evil will sneak in and hinder some by false teachings. Paul taught so much about being a Christian and to live for and with Christ. He wrote most of the NT. So when you take him out labeling him a fake then thats where false teachers get their excuse to not believe Jesus is God or to live like how Paul was inspired to teach us to live.

 

[jeff_peacemkr]

and as Paul and the others all wholly agreed - everything Paul taught, spoke and wrote was verified and in line with Torah, as well as taught to Him in grace by revelation from Yahshua.

the Word of Yahweh (Scripture) is all in agreement,

and test the Spirit, as Yahweh is in agreement with Himself always; not divided.

Yahshua is the Messiah Who came in the flesh and died as a criminal hung upon a tree for our sakes.

and Yahweh raised Him from the dead, exactly as it is written, never to die again, so we who place our hope in Him

may have an eternal hope for life forever with Him.

We all deserved to die,

and He took the penalty in our place.

There's so much more , yes, but few get this far, or trust Him to teach them more..... thus disunion and disunity in

many groups, instead

of union and unity in Him. But for all those who abide in Him, and trust Him, and rely on Him, like little children,

Joy, Peace, and Righteousness in union with Him, and eternal life as well !

 

[Kaycie]

First I would start to say that Mark and Luke were not of the original twelve, but Mark was appointed an apostle through Peter; and Luke was appointed an apostle through Paul.

Second, some do not like to take the books of Paul as an apostle because they are unlearned and unstable thinking that he taught a different gospel then the Lord. Which unfortunately the false Paulinians do as well, who follow the books of Paul over all other books of the bible. Giving him even more authority then the Lord Himself.

As long as people come to the understanding that Paul taught the same gospel message that the Lord taught, and the 11 original Apostles minus Judas gave to the rest of the Jews first then the gentiles. Then there should be no complaint, or misunderstanding when reading his epistles. If you go into Paul's epistles with the mindset he overrides all else in the bible you will always come to a wrong understanding, as Paul confirmed what the Lord taught with a little more meat of the word added.
If you carefully read through Paul's epistles you will see he confirmed every single thing the Lord said, and taught it also.
I think one thing also people don't like about Paul is he pretty much slaps you in the face with lists constantly, telling believers they can not have willful sins in their life. And also other lists of what a true believer will have in their life.

I appreciate your comments, but there are only 12 apostles. Together with the 12 from the old testament tribes of Israel, they form the 24 elders around God's throne.

 

[Gandalf]

There is a group in SA called the Israel-vision (I know they are worldwide). Their teaching is that Paul was the anti-Christ and that he was not a true apostle. They also claim that Paul’s teachings are included in our modern Bible by the Roman Catholic Church to mislead people. That actually happened with Paul doctrine’s is that the modern church took Paul’s ministry and put it on a bit of a pedestal. Also folks are misquoting Paul and if you don’t know these doctrines you will be drawn into it quickly. I believe Paul was a true apostle and that he was perfectly in-line with God’s word. The contradictions folks are talking about are because they don’t understand the Jewish ways and also don’t understand that the Jews have two laws (the Torah and the Tanakh). 119ministries.com have good videos explaining some of these “contradictions”.

 

[pug32]

[SUP]Rom. 11:13 [/SUP]For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

1 Cor. 9:1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

[SUP]2 [/SUP]If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

[SUP]1 Cor. 15:9 [/SUP]For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

[SUP]1 Tim. 2:7 [/SUP]Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

[SUP]Acts 14:14 [/SUP]Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

[SUP]1 Cor. 4:9 [/SUP]For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

[SUP]1 Cor. 9:5 [/SUP]Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

Your friend in Christ
pug32

 

[jeff_peacemkr]

response to Kaycie in post 5.... others posted so quik!


12 who are the foundations yes. but in the Scriptures,that is I've read some sites, long ago- search online if interested,
that show more than (from old memories of the lessons) or almost 120 apostles plainly identified. Not at all a dogmatic approach, or from one or another group claiming any descendancy (like too many false groups do),
but really just plainly identified in the Bible. It was so clear when presented, and is actually stated so clearly in the Bible, I just figured everybody who reads and studies the Bible knows already !

 

[crossnote]

Gal 1:1-9 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. (2) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: (3) Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (5) To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (6) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

And what was this Gospel?

1Co 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. (3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

[Karraster]

I think he was. I also think he is the most misunderstood, and that some use his letters as their only doctrine. No one can fully understand a one sided conversation. Anyhow, that's my $.02 and it's based on experience, mine.

 

[Ukorin]

2 Peter 3:15-16 state that the letters of Paul are Scripture.
In the letters of Paul, he calls himself an Apostle.
If Scripture is true, then Paul is an Apostle.

 

[ChristIsGod]

There is no reason for a spirit filled Christian to not understand what Paul was saying or to "misunderstand" him - unless they themselves are what Peter claimed when he called Paul's writings "Scripture" --- that that those that find it hard to understand Paul are they that are unlearned or unstable [not fully grounded in biblical doctrine].

Peter had trouble understanding before Paul corrected him in front of all in Galatians 2 as well - so he knew what he was saying about Paul.
Paul was caught up to the third heaven and given things that he couldn't utter. Peter wasn't. The Church has got many things wrong - and one of them came from Rome - that Peter was the head of the church when it was really Paul and James in Jerusalem.

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2Pet 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

 

[breno785au]

2 Peter 3:15-16 state that the letters of Paul are Scripture.
In the letters of Paul, he calls himself an Apostle.
If Scripture is true, then Paul is an Apostle.

lol i love that simplicity bro

 

[Jackson123]

In my country there is a group of Muslim that said Christian is Pauline. They don't believe Jesus is a God.

It is expected that people will attack the bible from every direction. Devil is in behind.

 

[oldthennew]

ASTS 9:15.

But the Lord said unto him,

Go your way, for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name
before the gentiles, and kings, and the children of Isreal:

For I will show him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake.

 

[john832]

Christ chose Paul, not Matthias, to replace Judas.

Although I agree with the bulk of your post, this statement is not correct.

Act 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Act 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, Act 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Act 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Casting lots is God's way of revealing His will. Christ (the Lord) revealed that He chose Matthias.

 

[Kaycie]

response to Kaycie in post 5.... others posted so quik!


12 who are the foundations yes. but in the Scriptures,that is I've read some sites, long ago- search online if interested,
that show more than (from old memories of the lessons) or almost 120 apostles plainly identified. Not at all a dogmatic approach, or from one or another group claiming any descendancy (like too many false groups do),
but really just plainly identified in the Bible. It was so clear when presented, and is actually stated so clearly in the Bible, I just figured everybody who reads and studies the Bible knows already !

Can you please provide me book, chapter, and verse?

 

[oldhermit]

Can you please provide me book, chapter, and verse?

Twelve is just a representational number. This does not confine the number of the apostles to exactly 12. The fact that Paul was a divinely appointed apostle shows us this.

 

[john832]

Twelve is just a representational number. This does not confine the number of the apostles to exactly 12. The fact that Paul was a divinely appointed apostle shows us this.

There were originally twelve but we must consider that Paul was also an Apostle and perhaps there were others.

 

[oldhermit]

There were originally twelve but we must consider that Paul was also an Apostle and perhaps there were others.

The word ἀπόστολος just means "one who is sent" and is applied to a number of people in the NT that are not one of the foundational apostles appointed by the Lord.