In
comparing the ministry of the twelve apostles with that of the Apostle Paul, we
must observe carefully:
1.
The twelve were chosen by Christ ON EARTH (Luke 6:13) while Paul was later
chosen by Christ IN HEAVEN(Acts 9:3-5; 26:16).
2. Prior to Paul’s conversion the twelve
had known Christ only ON EARTH (I John 1:1). Even at His ascension to heaven “a
cloud received Him OUT OF THEIR SIGHT” (Acts 1:9). But
Paul knew Christ only IN HEAVEN, having never seen Him on earth (Acts 26:16; I Cor.
15:8).
3. The twelve represented their own
nation. The number twelve has no connection with
the “one Body” of Christ. As
we know, Jacob of old “begat the twelve patriarchs” (Acts 7:8). From these
sprang the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes had twelve princes over them
(Numbers 1:16). Even when Israel was ruled by kings there were still to be
twelve princes — one over each tribe (I Chronicles 27:22). Thus, as He went
forth proclaiming “the gospel of the kingdom” our Lord chose twelve princes for
the twelve thrones in the kingdom to come (Matt. 19:28).
On the other hand, Paul, as one apostle,
represents the “one Body,” the Church of today (Rom.12:5; ICor. 12:13;
Eph.4:4). However, he was both a born Hebrew and a born Roman, so represented
believing Jews and Gentiles “reconciled…unto God in one body by the cross…”
(Eph.2:16).
4. The twelve were sent to proclaim
Christ’s kingdom “at hand” (Matt. 10:7), and later to offer its establishment
on earth (Acts 3:19-26). But Paul was sent to proclaim “the gospel of the grace
of God”(Acts 20:24), while the kingdom is held in abeyance.
5. The ministry of the twelve was based
on covenant promises (Isaiah 60:1-3; Luke 1:70-79; Acts 3:22-26). Paul’s
ministry was not based on covenant promises, but wholly on the grace of God
through Christ (Rom.3:21-28; 5: 20,21; Eph.1:6,7; 2:7; etc.).
Read Also
How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
Posted By Cecil and
Connie Spivey
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