THE TWELFTH APOSTLE

“For in the book of Psalms it is written, Let his place of residence become deserted and gloomy, and let there be no one to live in it; and [again], Let another take his position or overseership” (Acts 1:20).

The above scripture is quoted by Peter after Judas had lost his apostleship through transgression. The Holy Ghost foreseeing this betrayal from the time of David specifically spoke of “another” to take the position of being numbered with the twelve. Peter was correct in his discernment—there was to be another apostle—but I believe he missed it as to the timing, the method, and who was selected.

“And they accordingly proposed (nominated) two men, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, You, Lord, Who know all hearts ( their thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, purposes, and endeavors), indicate to us which one of these two You have chosen to take the place in this ministry and receive the position of an apostle, from which Judas fell away and went astray to go [where he belonged] to his own [proper] place. And they drew lots [between the two], and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to and counted with the eleven apostles (special messengers)” (Acts 1:23-26).

Take a good look at Matthias.

It is the only appearance he makes.

You must understand that this happened within ten days of the Holy Ghost being poured out, signaling the inauguration of both the New Covenant and the Holy Ghost as the conveyor: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come” (John 16:13). The time of “drawing lots” was over; the day of hearing from the Spirit on a continual basis was dawning.

Galatians 1:1 reads, “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…” Known unto God are all his works from the foundation of the world. Paul had already been chosen at the time of Acts 1 according to the eternal choice of God: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me” (Galatians 1:15-16). There was no way Peter could have known this; there was no way the Holy Ghost didn’t know.

By the grace of God Paul was destined to write two thirds of the New Covenant. These scriptures are part of the very groundwork of the church: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20). Where would we stand if not for the foundation of the gospel of grace that came from Paul’s pen? Therefore I am convinced that his name is of the twelve: “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14).

The Holy Ghost is the author and interpreter of the scriptures. He is continually coming from the throne of heaven with explicit directions from the mouth of God. In a time when the scriptures are watered down, twisted beyond recognition, and marketed according to the latest business model, we must look to him as we “rightly divide the word of truth.”

Or else we will anoint the “Apostle Bozo” instead of the “Apostle Boaz.”