PAUL AN APOSTLE: Why did Jesus choose Paul to be an Apostle when He had twelve? Most people who aren’t Christian or even if they are, and are not avid students of the bible and early Church history, know very little about why Paul was chosen. We must remember, Jesus chose twelve men to be His original apostles. One of these, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus and then hanged himself. Leaving only eleven. The Evangelist Luke, who was not an apostle, nor even a full Jew, the only New Testament writer who was only half Jewish, in his first Chapter of the Book of ACTS 1:15 thru.26, records for us the details of the 120 disciples choosing another one whose name was Matthias. They were gathered in Jerusalem as instructed by Jesus, waiting for the power from on high to descend upon them, the full power of the Holy Spirit as Jesus was when he walked the earth, the power to heal, to raise the dead, even the power to give the gift of the Holy Spirit with the laying on of hands. So now they were back to twelve as before. And then, of course, the next Chapter records the fact that the Holy Spirit descended upon them and the Lord’s kingdom, or Church which He is the head of, was established on that day. These first two Chapters of Acts are extremely important to understand in order to be able to truly understand the remainder of the Book of Acts, and even the rest of the New Testament. We must remember that the Jew was a hard headed, stiff necked people who required a sign, a wonder, a miracle before believing a change, and even then, it was difficult for them to ignore the Old Conenant and accept the New Covenant. Jesus taught the original twelve apostles and the disciples that followed Him. He taught them the law and by the law for He came to fulfill the law in His words, actions and by His blood. Jesus of course knew it would be difficult to convert the Jew that had been living under the burden of legalism for 1500 years to just suddenly drop the law of Moses and abide in faith only for the forgiveness of sins. Thats why many of the Jewish converts believed and taught that they had to believe Jesus was the Son of God, but this believe had to be combined with the laws of Moses to be saved, including the continual animal sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. We read where years later after the Apostle Peter preached and witnessed the Holy Spirit decend upon Gentiles without the works of the law of Moses at the house of Cornelius, that even Peter still hanging on to the Law of Moses in GALATIANS 2:11 thru.21, was confronted by Paul for reverting back to legalism in front of the Gentile Christian. Jesus allow this to slowly bring the converted Jew out of slavery to the law into liberty by faith alone up till He had the Temple at Jerusalem destroyed the jews scattered into the Gentile nations by the Romans in 70 AD. Jesus gave to the original apostles and disciples to go to and convert the Jew only for these apostles and disciples as yet had not been given the doctrine of saved through faith in the works of Jesus by the grace of God only, without works of the law. This Revelation Jesus gave to Paul only at that time. Why did He pick Paul? Paul-(Saul) was a strict religiousness, who truly believed he was serving God. And Paul was a well educated man in the Old Testament but he did not see the fulfillment of the prophecies in Jesus. Paul could speak many languages, some Bible students say Paul spoke as many as 17 different languages. Paul-(saul) was a witness to the faith when he held the coats of those who perscuted Stephen. Paul Also was a Jew of the tribe of Bemjamin-(ROMANS 11:1), thus further fulfilling prophecy. There is much here in this of Paul, but I will try to explain with a little of the prophecy as relating to why Saul-(Paul) was hand pick by Jesus to become an Apostle. In GENESIS Chapter 49 the patriarch Jacob, sensing his impending death, gathers his sons to his bedside to bless them. Each son became the progenitor of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin, as the youngest, receives his father’s blessing last: Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning he shall devour the prey-(as Saul the devout Jewish religioness), and at night he shall divide the spoil-(GENESIS 49:27). He shall divid the spoil: as Saul-(Paul) by revelation divided-(split) the Jew-(from the law) and Gentile-(from paganism). The war-like nature of the small tribe of Benjamin became well known, as exhibited in their swordsmen-(JUDES 20:15 and 16, 1 CHR. 8:40, 1 CHR.12:2, 2 CHR. 14:8 and 2 CHR. 17:17) and in their ungodly defense of their extreme wickedness in Gibeah-(JUDGES Chapters 19 and 20). Benjamin’s blessing has three parts. Compared to a wolf, his blessing has two time frames, morning and evening: it has two actions, devouring and dividing: and two outcomes: prey and spoil. This sets up a type of before and after experience for Benjamin and his offspring. Scripture shows that at least four great people came from Benjamin’s tribe, even though it was the smallest of the twelve tribes-(1 SAMUEL 9:21). First, Ehud, a great warrior who delivered Israel from Moab-(JUDGES 3:12 thru.30). Next, Saul becomes the first king of Israel-(1 SAMUEL 9:15 thru.27). In later Jewish history, while captives in Persia, God used Mordechai and Esther to deliver the Jews from death, and they, too, came from this tribe of Benjamin-(ESTHER 2:5 thru.7). Finally, in the New Testament the Apostle Paul affirms he, too, came from Benjamin. ROMANS 11:1, I say then, has God cast away His people? God forbid-(certainly not). For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul repeats this affirmation in PHILIPPIANS 3:4 and 5. Yet Benjamins tribe had its dark side. The war-like nature came out not only in defense of his country, but also in depravity within his country. In JUDGES Chapters 19 thru.21, Benjamin took up an offence against the other 11 tribes of Israel, and civil war ensued. This period had the reputation of everyone doing what was right in his own eyes-(JUDGES 21:25). What led to this was the horrific abuse and death of an unnamed Levites concubine-(JUDGES 19:10 thru.28). The eleven tribes turned against the tribe of Benjamin and nearly annihilated them because of their refusal to give up the perpetrators-(JUDGES 20:1 thru.21:25). Eventually the tribes restored Benjamin’s tribe, greatly diminished due to the war, and the country reunited. In ancient Jewish culture the day began at evening-(about 6 PM). Here begins the after for Benjamin. Benjamin’s prophecy ends in the evening, the beginning of a new day, in which he will divide the spoil. This has two aspects: (1) First, through the Apostle Paul, who testifies, This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief sinner-(1 TIMOTHY 1:15). In the Apostle Paul Benjamin’s tribe had a citizen who served God mightily, as he says of himself in 2 TIMOTHY 4:7, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. But his dividing of the spoil has partly been fulfill with Paul teaching, dividing, salvation by faith to Jew and Gentile, bond and free, male and female, but it is to be fulfilled more in future events. In REV. 7:8 and 9, during the Tribulation period, 12,000 men from Benjamin, along with 12,000 from each of the other tribes of Israel, will reach a world population with the gospel that no man could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands. (2) The second dividing of the spoil for Benjamin comes in the Millennial kingdom when he will have a place in the land of Israel, along with a gate that has his name on it in the city of Jerusalem-(EZEKIEL 48:32). And yet even later with the creation of the new heaven and new earth, along with the other tribes of Israel will find the ultimate dividing of the spoils in the New City Jerusalem as each gate has their name, Benjamin included, on each of the twelve gates-(REV. 21:12 and 13). What a glorious finish! What grace is this! Benjamin has great truths to teach. First, God doesn’t see as men see, for God looks on the heart. God saw a warrior inside of Benjamin. Outwardly, others saw him as the youngest son and his tribe as the smallest tribe. But God saw more, a man who would both devour and divide. The second lesson for us lies in the two Sauls who came from the tribe of Benjamin. King Saul, who was a large man, was the epitome of the sin nature and its war against God, and Saul/Paul a small in body frame, whose nature was changed by God from a murderous Pharisee to the Apostle of grace. Paul is the example of what He does for those who come to Christ in faith. Saul who was the first man king of Israel, when Israel rejected God as king. Saul/Paul a chief sinner covert by the last King of IsraeL and the Church. Converted to preach and teach the blood of King Jesus as the only way into Gods kingdom. Jesus’ Church was established on the first Pentecost after Jesus arose and is recorded in ACTS Chapter 2. Over three thousand Jews were baptized into Christ on the first day, and in Verse 47 we are told that the Lord added to the Church daily. So it grew, but so did the Jewish opposition to it. They began persecuting those who had been converted to Christ. And it is here that we learn of Saul-(later renamed Paul by the Lord) of Tarsus. The Jews, who became converted to Christ, did not understand that they were supposed to let go of the Jewish Law and only follow Jesus, so even the apostles did not fully understand at the beginning and felt that any Gentile who wished to become a follower of Christ would have to first become a proselyte Jew. Stephen, not an apostle but an evangelist, one of the first seven deacons chosen to aid the apostles, and who had the gift of prophecy or preaching, seemed to understand this better than did the apostles at that time. His preaching so factually and strongly resulted in his being stoned to death. And holding the coats of those who stoned him was Saul, of Tarsus. ACTS 8:1 thru.4, And Saul was consenting unto-(showing his approval) his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. As for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Saul/Paul was an example, a witness for the saving grace of God through the blood of Christ and His works on His Cross: 1 COR. 1:17 thru.31, For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. FOR THE JEW REQUIRE A SIGN, AND THE GREEKS SEEK AFTER WISDOM: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, AND THINGS WHICH ARE DESPISED, HATH gOD CHOSEN, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. It was actually about ten years after the beginning of the Church in Jerusalem before there were any Gentiles added to it or even that the apostles understood it. You can see by the fact that God caused Peter to see a vision and that he then was taken to Cornelius home, a Gentile, and he and six Jews with him was to witness the Holy Spirit being descended upon them as it had upon the Jewish disciples in ACTS 2:1 thru.4. Then, they realized that the Gentiles were as welcome in the Lord’s kingdom as were they, but without the works of the law. You will notice that before this event at the house of Cornelius, by the law of Moses a Jew had to be baptized with natural water before they could received the Holy Spirit: ACTS 2:28, 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. But at the house of Cornelius a Gentile, he and his household were Gentiles: ACTS 10:44 thru.47 {44} While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. COMMENTARY: These Gentiles had not been baptized with natural water, yet they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and received the gifts thereof at the very moment they believed. The Gentiles did no works of the law, they received forgiveness of sins because they believed. {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. COMMENTARY: Peter and the six Jews with him witnessed the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit when in times before this they thought this was for the Jew only. {46} For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, COMMENTARY: For Peter and the Jews with him heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. The Gentiles spoke in other known languages, but unknown to them for a sign to the Jews that the Church doors were now open to Gentiles also. {47} Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? COMMENTARY: As under the law of Moses a Gentile was as a filthy pig, not to be touched, not to eat with, and surely not to be baptized. So Peter knowing this and being directed by the Holy Spirit says to the Jews that had accompanied him: You have witness the power of God giving the gift of the Holy Spirit upon these Gentiles, so who are we that should forbid them from being baptized with water. brethren they have received the Holy Spirit as we did at Pentacost. But as we can see that Peter still inserted the law by baptizing with natural water after the Gentiles had recived the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now read of the revelation Peter receives and what he tells the Jewish converts when his life draws near to its end: 2 PETER 3:13 thru.16, Nevertheless we, according to His-(Jesus) promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 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; 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. Jesus promised to those who would believe, and be obedient to the faith would receive the reward of everlasting life in the New Heaven and New Earth and dwell in The New City Jerusalem in eternity. And to those converted Jews who were looking to this end, Peter says, I know it is hard to understand or accept, but the Apostle Paul was right the whole time. Salvation of a believer comes by faith in Jesus Christ, faith in His works of suffering and death on the cross. Faith that it is His shed blood whereby we have forgiveness of sins. Faith in His resurrection on the third day. Peter says yes, believe Paul and all his epistle for it is faith by the grace of God that you are saved and not of works. Now those Jews who were not converted, still persecuted the Church. Saul, did not live in Jerusalem, was not privy to the real teachings and miracles of Jesus but only thought of him as an imposter who had led many astray. He was a sincere and diligent worker for God, doing everything he could to stop these Christian heretics. He was an outstanding member of the Jewish people, highly educated and even had the status of being a Roman citizen which was very important and of much value to him later in his ministry for Jesus. As yet, Paul had never met, or even seen Jesus. But Jesus appeared to him in a bright Light on the road to Damascus where he was headed to persecute more Christians. this is recorded in ACTS 9:3 thru.17 and told again in ACTS Chapter 26. Now notice something here different from the baptism of other Jews. Paul in ACTS 9:17, received the gift of the Holy Spirit before being baptized with water in Verse 18. A sign of future events. It is obvious why Jesus chose him to be another apostle, for after seeing and learning of Jesus, no other person worked so diligently and hard for the Lords Church than did Saul-(he now became known as Paul). He was capable of speaking with confidence even unto Kings and others of high estate. He was tireless and unyielding in his efforts. His strong religious background plus his dynamic personality combined with the memories of his past persecutions on the Church, caused him to be, perhaps the strongest of all individuals in establishing the Church in the then known world. He made at least three, probably four lengthy missionary journeys and established a number of congregations of the Lords Church and nourished others. After he had spread the Churchs influence throughout the Mediterranean world, he told Timothy, I have finished my course. and then a little later willingly offered his neck to the Roman soldiers sword. He was beheaded. But he had said earlier that he yearned to go and be with the Lord, which is far better. His eternity with Him was assured. Paul an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, chosen by Him, taught by Him and commissioned by Him to preach, to teach the doctrine of saved by through faith by the grace of God as a free gift and not of ones own works. To the Jew first and then to the Gentile. Thank you Lord. A-MEN
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:39:48 +0000
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