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Ok, fair enough. You don’t know why the Church does that and so…you reject it? Or you accept it? I mean, in the end, if you don’t know…whom do you trust?

And by the way, plenty of comments on this thread have given you evidence for why the Church does that.
Did you know that an Italian was first selected to replace John Paul II.His name is Francesco Sicola. He had to turn down the job because he was too busy with his soft drink business.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by inkaneer
Sorry, Calling me a DUDE does not help and I answered this before. This is poor exegesis on your part. You are inserting the word ‘Apostle’ into the scriptures where it does not exist.

Not much of a response to the scriptures presented. Who were the eleven who stood up with Peter? You have no answer for this.

Are you dense? I answered this before. Scripture does not tell us that the eleven were all Apostles. It just calls them “the eleven.” Just as in Acts 1:26 where it says Mattias was numbered among the eleven Apostles. If he was tyhe twelfth Apostle should not scripture say He was “numbered among the twelve Apostles”? Why is there still eleven APostles after Mattias is elelcted? Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit goes to great lengths to not call Matthias an Apostle.
But okay, you assert that Matthias was not an Apostle. Therefore, the burden of proof is on you. Best of luck making your case.
Where have you been? I already made the case and backed it with scripture. Here is an idea. Why don’t you do a little research on this thread and read what I have already posted. You can start on Page 1 with post #15. Post # 20 provides the scriptural evidenciary proof that you want. Add to that Revelation 4:4 which speaks of the 24 elders which the church has always interpreted as the 12 OT patriarchs and the 12 Apostles and Revelation 21:14 which speaks of the 12 Apostles of the lamb. We are talking of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus sent out seventy disciples which the Eastern churches call the “minor apostles”. Obviously anyone who is sent meets the criteria of being an apostle for that is what the term means. However, we are talking about Jesus’ twelve Apostles and to be included in this group one must meet two criteria. 1. He must be called by Christ and 2. he must have been sent by Christ. Judas was called by Christ but was never sent since he died before the sending of the Apostles in Mt 28:19-20. Matthias was never called by Christ nor sent by Christ. He only replaced Judas. Therefore he cannot be something that Judas never was. Paul, on the other hand was called by Christ and sent by Christ. Paul is the twelth Apostle. You can’t have 14 Apostles when scripture limits the number to only 12 as Revelation 4:4 and 21:14 clearly do. Mt 19:28 backs that up. The Church also teaches there are twelve Apostles.
 
Ok, fair enough. You don’t know why the Church does that and so…you reject it? Or you accept it? I mean, in the end, if you don’t know…whom do you trust?
Why ask me why the church does something. Here’s an idea. Why not ask the church why they do what they do. Why for instance did the church celebrate the feastday of St. Christopher and extoll his merits as the “christ bearer” and then drop him like a hot potato when they discovered St. Christopher existed only in legend and myth. Was the church right in celebrating all those centuries someone who never existed?
And by the way, plenty of comments on this thread have given you evidence for why the Church does that.
Not really. All I have seen is people digging in their heels. I have yet to see someone post where the Church has dogmatically stated Matthias was an Apostle. I have yet to see some show me where scripture definitely says Matthias was an Apostle. I have yet to see where anyone can show me why there can be fourteen Apostles when the Church and scripture both say there were only twelve. Now, outside of that what evidence are you speaking about?
 
Originally Posted by inkaneer
Nor do I know why the church says the 24 elders in Revelation 4:4 are the 12 OT patriarchs and the 12 Apostles if there are 14 Apostles. I don’t know the answer to any of this. The only thing I know is eliminating Judas as an Apostle because he was never sent and eliminating Matthias because he replaced Judas [who was not an Apostle] nor was he called or sent by Jesus and inserting Paul who was called and sent by Jesus and who Scripture, on several occasions calls an Apostle fits with the teaching of the Church that there were twelve Apostles and fits in Rev 4:4 with the 24 elders.
You seem to misunderstand how the Church understands the use of “Apostle” referring to the New Testament and the 1st century Church.

On one hand, yes of course Jesus called 12 Apostles (including Judas). This is symbolically important. At the same time, the New Testament (and so, all Christians) recognize that the term “Apostle” was not limited to only those 12 by first century Christians (as attested in the New Testament).

So yes there are 12 Apostles, and yes there are additional Apostles beyond the 12.

This is completely coherent with Christian tradition.
A swing and a miss. Let me clarify the issue. We are speaking of that group of people which the church and the scriptures refer to as the **Twelve Apostles **. Eleven of them are not an issue. The issue is the twelfth one. We agree that other disciples were ‘sent’ by Jesus and could technically be called apostles for that reason. I already commented that the Eastern Churches refer to the 70 disciples sent by Jesus as the “minor apostles”. But we are concerned only those individuals that comprise the Twelve Apostles that both the church and the Bible teach. The names of eleven of the Twelve Apostles we are in agreement. It is the Twelfth Apostle that we do not agree. I say it is Paul as he meets the criteria of being, 1. called by Christ and 2. sent by Christ. I say Judas was called by Christ but never sent as he committed suicide before the sending of the Apostles at the Great Commission in Mt 28:19-20. Matthias who succeeded Judas was never called by Jesus nor was he sent by Jesus. In addition, Matthias, since he succeeded Judas, cannot be an Apostle if Judas was never an Apostle. Another issue of his being the twelfth Apostle is, therefore, dependant on Judas’ eligibility. Judas is mentioned in scripture as being one of the Twelve Apostles only twice that being in Mt 10:1-4 and Luke 6:13-16. In both passages it is clear that Judas is listed as being called by Christ. I admit that Judas was definitely called to be an Apostle. But I also maintain Judas was never sent. Outside of these two passages the term Twelve Apostles is not used until Revelation 21:14. Revelation 21:14 is key here for it says:

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” [RE 21:14 RSV]

So the question is which twelve apostles’ names are on those twelve foundations? I find it hard to imagine that Paul’s name is not there but Matthias’ name is. These then are the **Twelve Apostles ** that both scripture and the Church speaks of.

But what of Matthias? If he was not the twelfth Apostle then what was he. I will cover this in my next post.
 
Originally Posted by inkaneer
Sorry, Calling me a DUDE does not help and I answered this before. This is poor exegesis on your part. You are inserting the word ‘Apostle’ into the scriptures where it does not exist.
Not much of a response to the scriptures presented. Who were the eleven who stood up with Peter? You have no answer for this.

Are you dense? I answered this before. Scripture does not tell us that the eleven were all Apostles. It just calls them “the eleven.” Just as in Acts 1:26 where it says Mattias was numbered among the eleven Apostles. If he was tyhe twelfth Apostle should not scripture say He was “numbered among the twelve Apostles”? Why is there still eleven APostles after Mattias is elelcted? Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit goes to great lengths to not call Matthias an Apostle.

Actually, all you have done is make some assertions. I agree that scripture does not call Matthias an apostles just as scripture also does not call God a Trinity. However, the obvious meaning of the text is clear enough - which is why no one (except for you apparently) questions that Matthias took Judas’ place as the twelfth apostle (up to that point). Other men became apostles later.
Where have you been?
Since you’ve been interacting with me for several days now, you know exactly where I have been…pretty much in your grill.
I already made the case and backed it with scripture. Here is an idea. Why don’t you do a little research on this thread and read what I have already posted. You can start on Page 1 with post #15. Post # 20 provides the scriptural evidenciary proof that you want. Add to that Revelation 4:4 which speaks of the 24 elders which the church has always interpreted as the 12 OT patriarchs and the 12 Apostles and Revelation 21:14 which speaks of the 12 Apostles of the lamb. We are talking of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus sent out seventy disciples which the Eastern churches call the “minor apostles”. Obviously anyone who is sent meets the criteria of being an apostle for that is what the term means. However, we are talking about Jesus’ twelve Apostles and to be included in this group one must meet two criteria. 1. He must be called by Christ and 2. he must have been sent by Christ. Judas was called by Christ but was never sent since he died before the sending of the Apostles in Mt 28:19-20. Matthias was never called by Christ nor sent by Christ. He only replaced Judas. Therefore he cannot be something that Judas never was. Paul, on the other hand was called by Christ and sent by Christ. Paul is the twelth Apostle. You can’t have 14 Apostles when scripture limits the number to only 12 as Revelation 4:4 and 21:14 clearly do. Mt 19:28 backs that up. The Church also teaches there are twelve Apostles.
You made assertions (repeating them here), but you have not “made” your case.

If YOU had been paying attention, you would have noticed that Jesus sent Judas along with the other eleven in Matthew 10. I repost the passage for you:
Matthew 10:2-10
2
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,**(“http://forums.catholic-questions.org/#fen-NIV-23426b”)]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

Since Judas was clearly sent into the mission field by Jesus here, your entire argument crumbles.

I’d also like for you to tell me where in scripture we read that JESUS sent Barnabas, hmmm? Or Andronicus or Junias or Apollos? All of these men are called Apostles in the Word of God. When did Jesus “send” them?

Finally, you still have not answered to the question, “Who were the eleven who stood up with Peter on the day of Pentecost?”

The answer is obvious. Matthias was numbered among the Apostles from the day of his election by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
Don’t forget you have to boot Barnabas out of the club to maintain your insistence on there being exactly 12 apostles as well. It’s not just Matthias you have to give the boot to.

Acts 14:14** – Paul and Barnabas
**But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,
 
Don’t forget you have to boot Barnabas out of the club to maintain your insistence on there being exactly 12 apostles as well. It’s not just Matthias you have to give the boot to.

Acts 14:14** – Paul and Barnabas**
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,
Exactly.

I gave Inkaneer that and more in post #62.

I’m still waiting for some interaction with that. :compcoff:
 
Matthias was a bishop. He was the very first recipient of the Apostolic Succession of Bishops that continues down to this day. The Apostles received their authority from Jesus [Acts 28:18-20]. Matthias received his from the Apostles at his election. In Acts 1:25 Peter says about Judas’ replacement:

“25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place.” [Acts 1:25 RSV]

I emphasized the word ‘apostleship’ which I will get to but first notice that Peter says that Judas turn away from his ministry and apostleship. Indeed Judas did and for that reason was never sent by Jesus. By his “turning away” and then committing suicide Judas forfeits his place among the twelve Apostles. Matthias who was neither called nor sent by Christ cannot succceed to something Judas never was. But what about this ‘apostleship’ that Peter speaks of? What is that. The Greek word from which we derive our word 'apostle is apostole and it means ‘a sending away’ or one who is sent. It is synonamous with the word missionary which indeed the Apostles and early bishops were. Missionary is however, a rather new word derived from the Latin word emissus, past participle of emittere and according to Webster’s Dictionary its first unown use was in the seventeen century. Thus Ignatius, Polycarp, Titus, Timothy, Clement, Barnabus,etc. were all sent and thus could be considered a missionary or an apostle. But they were not the Twelve Apostles that the church and Revelation 21:14 speaks of when it says Twelve Apostles. Matthias has a ministry and probably does missionary work just as the 70 disciples that Jesus sends out in Luke 10:1 [which the Eastern Church calls the 70 minor apostles]. But is he the Twelfth Apostle of that exclusive group of Twelve Apostles? I say no. I say Paul is that Twelfth Apostle in that exclusive group of Twelve Apostles and one of those twelve foundations mention in Rev 21:14 is inscribed with the name of Paul not Matthias.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by clmowry
Don’t forget you have to boot Barnabas out of the club to maintain your insistence on there being exactly 12 apostles as well. It’s not just Matthias you have to give the boot to.

Acts 14:14 – Paul and Barnabas
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,
Exactly.

I gave Inkaneer that and more in post #62.

I’m still waiting for some interaction with that. :compcoff:
See post 83. Your answer is there.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by clmowry
Don’t forget you have to boot Barnabas out of the club to maintain your insistence on there being exactly 12 apostles as well. It’s not just Matthias you have to give the boot to.

Acts 14:14 – Paul and Barnabas
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,

See post 83. Your answer is there.
I just read post 83.

You have failed to explain WHY scripture clearly refers to Barnabas as an apostle - which brings the total to more than 12. In fact, scripture gives us a much bigger list than you have addressed.

  1. *]Simon Peter
    *]Andrew
    *]James son of Zebedee
    *]John
    *]Philip
    *]Bartholomew
    *]Thomas
    *]Matthew
    *]James son of Alphaeus
    *]Thaddaeus
    *]Simon the Zealot
    *]Judas Iscariot → Matthias
    *]Paul
    *]Barnabas
    *]Andronicus
    *]Junias
    *]Silas
    *]Timothy
    *]Apollos

    Was Paul a “minor” apostle? How about Barnabas? Barnabas was commissioned at the same time that Paul was commissioned. In fact, Scripture references Barnabas BEFORE the name of Paul - an literary device that suggests primacy (Peter’s name appears at the beginning of most listings of the apostles, doesn’t it?).

    Acts 14:14 – Paul and Barnabas
    But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,

    Gee, there is no doubt that the author is designating him to be an apostle, is there?

    What about Timothy and Silas?

    1 Thessalonians 1:1 – Silas and Timothy
    1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

    1 Thessalonians 2:6
    As apostles of Christ we (Paul, Silas and Timothy) could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

    These two verses suggest that Paul considered Silas and Timothy to be apostles.

    You haven’t explained the references to Andronicus, Junias or Apollos, either.

    I’m not sure why this bizarre idea is so important to you, but the scriptural evidence and the history of the Church do not support your pet theory.
 
So basically because you think scripture says there were ONLY 12 apostles you simply dismiss the fact that scripture clearly calls Barnabas an apostle?

Is that the argument?

Chuck
Quote:
Originally Posted by clmowry
Don’t forget you have to boot Barnabas out of the club to maintain your insistence on there being exactly 12 apostles as well. It’s not just Matthias you have to give the boot to.

Acts 14:14 – Paul and Barnabas
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,

See post 83. Your answer is there.
 
I just read post 83.
Thank you.
You have failed to explain WHY scripture clearly refers to Barnabas as an apostle - which brings the total to more than 12. In fact, scripture gives us a much bigger list than you have addressed.

  1. *]Simon Peter
    *]Andrew
    *]James son of Zebedee
    *]John
    *]Philip
    *]Bartholomew
    *]Thomas
    *]Matthew
    *]James son of Alphaeus
    *]Thaddaeus
    *]Simon the Zealot
    *]Judas Iscariot → Matthias
    *]Paul
    *]Barnabas
    *]Andronicus
    *]Junias
    *]Silas
    *]Timothy
    *]Apollos

    Was Paul a “minor” apostle? How about Barnabas? Barnabas was commissioned at the same time that Paul was commissioned. In fact, Scripture references Barnabas BEFORE the name of Paul - an literary device that suggests primacy (Peter’s name appears at the beginning of most listings of the apostles, doesn’t it?).

    Acts 14:14 – Paul and Barnabas
    But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd,

    Gee, there is no doubt that the author is designating him to be an apostle, is there?

    What about Timothy and Silas?

    1 Thessalonians 1:1 – Silas and Timothy
    1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

    1 Thessalonians 2:6
    As apostles of Christ we (Paul, Silas and Timothy) could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

    These two verses suggest that Paul considered Silas and Timothy to be apostles.

    You haven’t explained the references to Andronicus, Junias or Apollos, either.

  1. Good then according to you scripture is in error. You got 18 Apostles but Revelation 21:14 limits the number to just 12. Now I submit you don’t have a big enough shoehorn to fit 18 Apostles into Revelation 21:14. But maybe you think you so. Okay let’s see your explanation. Which of the 18 ‘apostles’ you listed are the 12 Apostles of Revelation 21:14 and are the Twelve Apostles that the church teaches? You tell me.

    Allow me to repeat myself here. We are speaking of the 12 Apostles called AND sent by Jesus. The ones Revelation 21:14 calls the Twelve Apostles of the Lord and the same ones the Church calls the Twelve Apostles. Of your list, Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, Silas, Timothy and Apollos were neither called nor sent by Jesus. Neither was Matthias. Judas was called but never sent. Paul was both called and sent by Jesus therefore Paul is the twelfth Apostle. Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, Silas, Timothy, Apollos and Matthias were what we today would call missionaries. Missionaries are sent too aren’t they? But sent by who? Jesus or someone else? You can add to that list John Mark, Clement, Titus, Timothy Polycarp, Ignatius and probably others all were sent but not by Jesus. .
    I’m not sure why this bizarre idea is so important to you, but the scriptural evidence and the history of the Church do not support your pet theory.
    Sure they do. Both scripture and the church teaches there were twelve Apostles just as I claim. You are the one trying to claim there were 18 and contradicting both the Church and scripture. Apparently you can’t see that. Oh Well!!!
 
Good then according to you scripture is in error. You got 18 Apostles but Revelation 21:14 limits the number to just 12. Now I submit you don’t have a big enough shoehorn to fit 18 Apostles into Revelation 21:14. But maybe you think you so. Okay let’s see your explanation. Which of the 18 ‘apostles’ you listed are the 12 Apostles of Revelation 21:14 and are the Twelve Apostles that the church teaches? You tell me.
Your assumption is that because of the twelve foundation stones, there can’t be more than twelve apostles. Where is that written?

Why can’t God assign the twelve foundation stones to the FIRST twelve, and the second row of stones to the next batch of apostles? I mean, seriously…who knows?

The problem is that you’re taking a literalist approach to what is probably a metaphor. Even if there are literally twelve stones with the names of twelve apostles on them, you have not seen them and you have no idea whose name appears on the twelfth stone. Additionally, you have not proven by this that God is limited to having twelve and only twelve apostles…all we can say is that it appears that only twelve get a foundation stone with their name on it.
Allow me to repeat myself here. We are speaking of the 12 Apostles called AND sent by Jesus. The ones Revelation 21:14 calls the Twelve Apostles of the Lord and the same ones the Church calls the Twelve Apostles. Of your list, Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, Silas, Timothy and Apollos were neither called nor sent by Jesus. Neither was Matthias. Judas was called but never sent. Paul was both called and sent by Jesus therefore Paul is the twelfth Apostle. Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, Silas, Timothy, Apollos and Matthias were what we today would call missionaries. Missionaries are sent too aren’t they? But sent by who? Jesus or someone else? You can add to that list John Mark, Clement, Titus, Timothy Polycarp, Ignatius and probably others all were sent but not by Jesus. .
I see. So, the Word of God calls them Apostles, but you want to relegate them to mere “missionary” status. I’m not buying, and neither has anyone else throughout the course of history. Is there some distinction in the Greek text which causes you to believe that “apostle” means “sent by Jesus” in one verse and “missionary” in another verse. Weird…I don’t ever recall reading those verses translated with the word “missionary” in any of the various translations that I own. Could you name a few that make this distinction, please? 😉

Lacking such evidence, you cannot explain why Barnabas and Paul are both called “Apostles” in the same verse. There is no distinction between them in that passage. Therefore, the title, Apostle, applies to them both equally.

As for Barnabas being “sent”, are you not in error because you do not know the scriptures?
Acts 13:1-5
1
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

**On Cyprus **

4The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
So, not only is Barnabas called an apostle in the Word of God, but he is clearly “sent” by God along with another guy named Saul.
Sure they do. Both scripture and the church teaches there were twelve Apostles just as I claim. You are the one trying to claim there were 18 and contradicting both the Church and scripture. Apparently you can’t see that. Oh Well!!!
I’m not contradicting scripture…I’m just not trapped by a literalist interpretation as you are. Your problem is that your theory forces you to ignore other passages of scripture.

I’ve exposed your error and provided ample supporting evidence. Readers of this thread may judge between your arguments and mine.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by inkaneer
Good then according to you scripture is in error. You got 18 Apostles but Revelation 21:14 limits the number to just 12. Now I submit you don’t have a big enough shoehorn to fit 18 Apostles into Revelation 21:14. But maybe you think you so. Okay let’s see your explanation. Which of the 18 ‘apostles’ you listed are the 12 Apostles of Revelation 21:14 and are the Twelve Apostles that the church teaches? You tell me.
Your assumption is that because of the twelve foundation stones, there can’t be more than twelve apostles. Where is that written?
Revelation 21:14. I suggest you read it sometime. For your benefit here it is:

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the **twelve names of the twelve apostles **of the Lamb.” [Rev. 21:14 RSV]

Do we see Twelve foundations? Yes. Do we see Twelve names ? Yes. Do we see Twelve Apostles? Hello, I say do we see Twelve Apostles??? That answers your question of "Where is that written?"
Why can’t God assign the twelve foundation stones to the FIRST twelve, and the second row of stones to the next batch of apostles? I mean, seriously…who knows?
Now I know you didn’t read Rev 21:14. You ought to get yourself a Bible and READ it…
The problem is that you’re taking a literalist approach to what is probably a metaphor. Even if there are literally twelve stones with the names of twelve apostles on them, you have not seen them and you have no idea whose name appears on the twelfth stone. Additionally, you have not proven by this that God is limited to having twelve and only twelve apostles…all we can say is that it appears that only twelve get a foundation stone with their name on it.
No I am taking a literal approach. Twelve names of Twelve Apostles is pretty literal to me especially when the Church teaches there are Twelve Apostles too.
I see. So, the Word of God calls them Apostles, but you want to relegate them to mere “missionary” status. I’m not buying, and neither has anyone else throughout the course of history. Is there some distinction in the Greek text which causes you to believe that “apostle” means “sent by Jesus” in one verse and “missionary” in another verse. Weird…I don’t ever recall reading those verses translated with the word “missionary” in any of the various translations that I own. Could you name a few that make this distinction, please? 😉
Really you should read my posts or if you do read them maybe comprehension is your problem. Both the church and scripture are in agreement with me that there are Twelve Apostles not the eighteen that you claim. Here is the catch. The word apostle means ‘to be sent’. The word missionary comes from the Latin word emittere which also means to send. The difference is in who does the sending. For that group that the church limits to the Twelve Apostles the sending party is Jesus Christ. Those others you mentioned were not sent by Jesus. Neither was Judas or Matthias sent by Jesus. So in a generic sense they are sent so one could call them apostles but they are not the Twelve Apostles. At least the Eastern Church differentiates the seventy that were sent [by Jesus by the way] as ‘minor apostles’ to avoid any confusion to the Twelve Apostles.
Lacking such evidence, you cannot explain why Barnabas and Paul are both called “Apostles” in the same verse. There is no distinction between them in that passage. Therefore, the title, Apostle, applies to them both equally.

As for Barnabas being “sent”, are you not in error because you do not know the scriptures?
Acts 13:1-5
1
In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

**On Cyprus **

4The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
So, not only is Barnabas called an apostle in the Word of God, but he is clearly “sent” by God along with another guy named Saul.
He is sent by the Holy Spirit. The Twelve Apostles [including Saul/Paul] were sent by Jesus. Phillip the deacon was sent by an angel of the Lord to the Ethiopian Eunuch but he is a deacon not an Apostle. Besides, Rev 21:14 clearly states 'Twelve Apostles of the Lord" Last time I checked, the Lord was Jesus Christ not the Holy Spirit.
I’m not contradicting scripture…I’m just not trapped by a literalist interpretation as you are. Your problem is that your theory forces you to ignore other passages of scripture.

I’ve exposed your error and provided ample supporting evidence. Readers of this thread may judge between your arguments and mine.
Well I can’t see how you can say there are 18 apostles and scripture says only 12 and still you claim you are not contradicting scripture. Big case of denial there apparently. By the way your so called evidence has been refuted.
 
Randy Carson:

Please respond to my prior post in post # 91 in which I wrote:

“Good then according to you scripture is in error. You got 18 Apostles but Revelation 21:14 limits the number to just 12. Now I submit you don’t have a big enough shoehorn to fit 18 Apostles into Revelation 21:14. But maybe you think you so. Okay let’s see your explanation. Which of the 18 ‘apostles’ you listed are the 12 Apostles of Revelation 21:14 and are the Twelve Apostles that the church teaches? You tell me.”

I am still waiting for you to tell me which of your 18 Apostles are the twelve Apostles of Revelation 21:14. Your answer in the prior post was totally inadequate.
 
John writes in Reelation 21:10-14:

***14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ***

Okay you wise guys figure it out. You got 14 Apostles and 12 foundations each with the name of an Apostle on it.
Ink, my poor misguided sibling, there is no need for us to try to “figure out” what God has already divinely revealed to us. It is our duty to accept His revelation.God has revealed that Matthias replaced Judas as one of the 12.

There are many more than 14 Apostles. The passages noting them were posted to you above.
Code:
 Show me where the church teaches infallibly that Matthias was an Apostle.  What council said this, What papal encyclical.  Show me the dogma.
Ink, the Church only makes dogma when there is confusion and heresy. As important to Christendom as you think you may be, the Church is not going to go to the trouble of making an infallible teaching just to correct your misguided interpretations of scripture. If you are unwilling to accept what the Church believes and teaches, this is your privilege. You may go your way in peace, and join one of the plethora of “bible churches” or start your own. It is the duty of the Church to teach and preach the Truth, and this has been done.
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  And since when is artwork part of the Magisterium or treated on a par with either the Written or the Oral Tradition?
Many of the artists did not know what the peoples of Palestine looked like. The point is that it is the teaching of the Church that Matthias replaced Judas as one of the 12. Do you honestly believe that the Church would allow these types of representations if the Church believed otherwise?
Maybe you have the answers? Explain the Trinity for me then. Augustine couldn’t do it. Neither could Thomas Aquinas. But you seem to have all the answers so please enlighten us all with your expanation of the Trinity. Then you can explain why you think artwork is to be taken as part of the Deposit of Faith. I’d like to hear that one.
Just because I reject your errant reasoning does not mean I claim to have all the answers. Frankly, I don’t know why God chose Matthias as one of the 12 instead of Paul. There is a great deal I accept as a matter of faith. I do seek understanding, but much of the faith of the Apostles is quite above my puny mind to comprehend.

Artwork is an expression of the Deposit of Faith. Artwork permitted in Churches cannot contradict the faith. The Eastern Church, which does not allow statues, uses only icons in the Church.

The Egyptian (Coptic) Church, which is liturgically and canonically Eastern, also received this same teaching from the Apostles, lest you think it is a “Roman” invention.
Naw, you are the one saying that and trying to wrap yourself in the mantle of the church. Tell me something. Am I going to hell because I don’t think Judas and Matthias were Apostles?
We are forbidden to judge the soul of another as bound for hell. However, I can warn you that rejecting the One Faith that has been handed down to us from the Apostles places one’s soul in grave danger of drifting into even more serious errors.

As a person baptized Roman Catholic, I am not covered by the “mantle” of the Gk. Orthodox or Coptic communions. However, I placed links here to them to demonstrate to you that all the churches founded by Apostles believe the same way on this point.
Revelation 21:10-14 says you are wrong. John wrote:

" ***14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ***

Let’s see here guanophore says, “…there were many more than 12 Apostles” but scripture says there were only twelve. Now who are we to believe???
Well, you could consider embracing the teaching of the Church, who produced the Scriptures. Since the NT is Catholic, there is nothing in it that is not consistent with Catholic faith.

There are many more than 12 Apostles, but the subgroup of the 12 that Jesus trained is a special subset of those. It was to those only that He promised the thrones.
That is correct so if, as you allege, an Apostle succeeded an Apostle and there is no Apostle to succeed Peter, then Apostolic Succession stops.
It seems you are bent on dispensing with Apostolic Succession. However, your premise is false, which almost always causes a false conclusion, as it has i this case. The reason that those who succeeded apostles were called Bishops is because the criteria given by Peter could no longer be met after the first generation of Christians. The ministry of the Bishop is called “apostolic” or an “apostolate”.
But if Matthias is ordained a bishop as I maintain, then the episcopal succession from the Apostles is documented in scripture. I hope you can understand that because I really can’t make it any simpler.
I understand that you believe this.
Actually you have it reversed. It is you who invalidates Apostolic Succession by insisting that an Apostle follow another Apostle.
Ok, Ink. Whatever floats your boat. The ocean is large, and you seem to have some busy oars.
 
Code:
Are you dense?  I answered this before.
There is no reason t be uncharitablel, Ink. The fact that you aer contradicting 2000 years of Christian history does not make everyone else in Christendom “dense”.
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 Scripture does not tell us that the eleven were all Apostles.  It just calls them "the eleven."
This is a good example of how people run into trouble when they take the Scriptures out of context.
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. You can't have 14 Apostles when scripture limits the number to only 12 as Revelation 4:4 and 21:14 clearly do. Mt 19:28 backs that up. The Church also teaches there are twelve Apostles.
God can have as many Apostles as He wants. So now it looks like you are saying that the Scriptures that refer to others as Apostles are false? This is getting further and further into left field as the days go by.

Scripture never "limits’ the Apostles. Of course the Church teaches about the 12, a special subset of His Apostles.

Here is a good read on Matthias and the other 11 Apostles.

I doubt any amount of information will do any good, if you can’t accept the instruction of the Holy Father.
 
God can have as many Apostles as He wants. So now it looks like you are saying that the Scriptures that refer to others as Apostles are false? This is getting further and further into left field as the days go by.

Scripture never "limits’ the Apostles. Of course the Church teaches about the 12, a special subset of His Apostles.

Here is a good read on Matthias and the other 11 Apostles.
Quite right G!

As 1st Corinthians 12 says,

27] Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
28] And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues.
29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
30] Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

There is nowhere stated that apostles will end in the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church.
 
Well I can’t see how you can say there are 18 apostles and scripture says only 12 and still you claim you are not contradicting scripture. Big case of denial there apparently. By the way your so called evidence has been refuted.
Sure it has. :whistle:

Let’s review:


  1. *]I have acknowledged that there are 12 stones and 12 names of Apostles mentioned in Rev 21:14.
    *]I have no problem with the idea that the original twelve apostles get this honor and distinction in the heavenly Jerusalem.
    *]I have no problem with the idea that other men (also known as apostles) will not have foundation stones with their names on them in heaven.
    *]You have failed to explain adequately why scripture refers to both Barnabas and Paul as “Apostles” in the same verse.
    *]You have failed to explain adequately who the eleven were that stood up with Peter on the day of Pentecost.
    *]You have failed to explain adequately why the six (possibly seven) other men are referred to as Apostles in scripture are somehow only “missionaries”. (The NT was written in Greek, not Latin, btw.)

    The bottom line is this: You have a pet theory about Paul and Matthias, but your theory fails to address other possible scenarios. There could have been more than twelve apostles, but only twelve receive the honor of having a foundation stone with their names on them. A careful reading of scriptures proves this to be the case, in fact.

    My theory, on the other hand, explains ALL of the verses of scripture without being forced into explaining away those verses which do not fit.

    You accused me previously of poor exegesis, but in fact, your approach is a classic example of eisegesis.

    You may have the last word. :tiphat:
 
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