Was Paul an apostle or a disciple?

[Blik]

Scripture tells us Paul was an apostle. An apostle was one who was personally taught by Christ.

Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Acts 9 : 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Then Paul went to Arabia for three years. In Arabia Paul saw Christ again, and was taught by Christ. Paul was not taught by the apostles.

Galatians confirms this in Gal. 1: 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

 

[Dino246]

Why does it matter which he is?

 

[OrphanedRepublican]

That's very interesting. I never caught that before. The event told in Acts doesn't really say it plainly.

I totally missed that.

 

[ewq1938]

"Was Paul an apostle or a disciple?"

He was both.

 

[JaumeJ]

Paul is an apostel as per the definition sent out but he could not have been one of the Twelve. Why?

According the the selection of the replacement of Judas, the candidate had to have been one who had been with Jesus-Yeshua and a witness of His crucifixion. Ergo, as was the custom, they drew lots to choose between two who fit the bill, leaving the selection , in faith, up to God. Marrias is the replacement and twelfth Apstostle.

I do read Paul and learn from him, but when anythig seems a bit muddled I always go to Jesus-Yeshua, and all is made trnquil and well. Actually, I always consult our Savior on all issues since He is the Word

 

[jb]

In Arabia Paul saw Christ again...

Where is it taught in Scripture that Paul actually "saw" Christ while he was in Arabia?

He was certainly taught by Christ via The Holy Spirit! John 14v16,17,26, 15v26, 16v7,12,13,14 (Heb 8v8-12).

 

[gb9]

just so others will know- ms. bilk ( the o p) is teaches hebrew roots theology.

hebrew roots teaches that one has to keep the Law of Moses and the Sabbath to be saved.

they do not recognize Paul's letters as authoritative Scripture, just inspired writings.

another hebrew roots person told me a couple of years ago that " Paul's letters were for churches that had problems , and if you do not have those problems, then you do not need to read those letters".
just so all will know,

 

[phil36]

Was Paul an apostle or a disciple?


Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God - Romans 1:1

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, - 1 Corinthians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, - 2 Corinthians 1:1

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, - Galatians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, - Ephesians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, - Colossians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope - 1 Timothy 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:1

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness - Titus 1:1


Paul being in Christ like the rest of us was also a disciple. A disciple is a follower/student of Christ (in Christ), so Paul was a disciple whose role was as an apostle to the gentiles.

 

[Jimbone]

Paul is an apostel as per the definition sent out but he could not have been one of the Twelve. Why?

According the the selection of the replacement of Judas, the candidate had to have been one who had been with Jesus-Yeshua and a witness of His crucifixion. Ergo, as was the custom, they drew lots to choose between two who fit the bill, leaving the selection , in faith, up to God. Marrias is the replacement and twelfth Apstostle.

I do read Paul and learn from him, but when anything seems a bit muddled I always go to Jesus-Yeshua, and all is made trnquil and well. Actually, I always consult our Savior on all issues since He is the Word

I disagree, kind of in a way. I believe them casting lots was a fleshly way of "them" trying to "fix" the problem of being one man down through the flesh. They came up with Matthias using their methods. Tell me again how many times after these lots were cast do we read about Matthias? That's right, none, the BIG "0". So once God chose the replacement, the real replacement, He chose Saul and renamed Him Paul. How much do we read about Paul in the NT? (a lot) How much of it did He write? (a lot) Now I do not disagree with what you're saying, nor am I trying to "correct" you here at all. The bible CLEARLY states what you just said. 100% no argument from me. I just wanted to share this point of view because I think it makes so much more sense and truly reflects our nature perfectly. We choose = nothing worth writing about. God chooses = Paul. Enough said.

 

[JaumeJ]

I disagree, kind of in a way. I believe them casting lots was a fleshly way of "them" trying to "fix" the problem of being one man down through the flesh. They came up with Matthias using their methods. Tell me again how many times after these lots were cast do we read about Matthias? That's right, none, the BIG "0". So once God chose the replacement, the real replacement, He chose Saul and renamed Him Paul. How much do we read about Paul in the NT? (a lot) How much of it did He write? (a lot) Now I do not disagree with what you're saying, nor am I trying to "correct" you here at all. The bible CLEARLY states what you just said. 100% no argument from me. I just wanted to share this point of view because I think it makes so much more sense and truly reflects our nature perfectly. We choose = nothing worth writing about. God chooses = Paul. Enough said.

We only hear from the four evangelists, one of which is not an apostle, rather a doctor.................There are severl of your zeros within the Twelve, but I CAN SAY WITH ALL FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN Jesus-Yeshua thaqt all Twelve did spread the Gospel to the then known world.

 

[John146]

Then Paul went to Arabia for three years.

Paul spent three years in Damascus not Arabia. I believe he spent forty days and nights in Arabia on mount Sinai.

 

[Blik]

Paul is an apostel as per the definition sent out but he could not have been one of the Twelve. Why?

According the the selection of the replacement of Judas, the candidate had to have been one who had been with Jesus-Yeshua and a witness of His crucifixion. Ergo, as was the custom, they drew lots to choose between two who fit the bill, leaving the selection , in faith, up to God. Marrias is the replacement and twelfth Apstostle.

I do read Paul and learn from him, but when anythig seems a bit muddled I always go to Jesus-Yeshua, and all is made trnquil and well. Actually, I always consult our Savior on all issues since He is the Word

You expressed a wonderful thought "when things of Paul seem a bit muddled I go to Jesus".

If Paul lived today he would be a graduate of our most prestigious college and considered a genius and authority. He is often misunderstood. Scripture even points out that his teaching is hard to understand.

 

[JaumeJ]

You expressed a wonderful thought "when things of Paul seem a bit muddled I go to Jesus".

If Paul lived today he would be a graduate of our most prestigious college and considered a genius and authority. He is often misunderstood. Scripture even points out that his teaching is hard to understand.

It is ironic that Scripture points it out, but even more so the Scripture in conjunction with the Holy Spirit does not.

 

[Blik]

Where is it taught in Scripture that Paul actually "saw" Christ while he was in Arabia?

He was certainly taught by Christ via The Holy Spirit! John 14v16,17,26, 15v26, 16v7,12,13,14 (Heb 8v8-12).

"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, that I might preach Him among the heathen, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood; neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then, ater three years I went up to Jerusalem."

Gal. L 15—18.

 

[p_rehbein]

Biblical definition of disciple:

A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example ( Matthew 10:24 ; Luke 14:26 Luke 14:27 Luke 14:33 ; John 6:69 ). published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

Biblical definition of Apostle:

An apostle of Jesus Christ is a messenger sent to spread the gospel of salvation. The apostles of Jesus Christ were sometimes referred to as "The Twelve." In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus used "apostle" to refer to messengers sent by God to preach to Israel:


Was Paul an Apostle?

(excerpt)

He was an apostle according to the faith - Titus 1:1 H. Notice that Paul didn’t just claim to be an apostle, he claimed that it was by God’s will and God’s command. 1. No man made him an apostle, and that includes himself

(here)

What Made Paul an Apostle? - La Vista Church of Christ

 

[Nehemiah6]

Where is it taught in Scripture that Paul actually "saw" Christ while he was in Arabia?

Do you only believe that which is explicitly stated? If Paul saw Christ on the road to Damascus, why is it incredible that he also saw Him in Arabia?

And last of all He [Christ] was seen of me [Paul] also, as of one born out of due time. (1 Cor 15:8)

 

[Nehemiah6]

Scripture tells us Paul was an apostle. An apostle was one who was personally taught by Christ.

Paul was never a disciple, but in the end he was the leading apostle, and a bond-servant of Christ. Yes he was personally taught by Christ, and also received many revelations which were not given to the other apostles. Hence he wrote over half the New Testament. And Peter testified that all Paul's epistles were Scripture. But Paul was not very fond of the Judaizers, who were subverting the Gospel in the churches.

 

[Sipsey]

Paul spent three years in Damascus not Arabia. I believe he spent forty days and nights in Arabia on mount Sinai.

Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, which is in Syria (Acts 9). After he saw the Lord, he continued on to Damascus. Acts 9 goes on to mention Paul’s ministry in Damascus and how he preached Christ and how the Jews planned to kill him. As his enemies were watching the city gates to prevent his escape, Paul was lowered down in a basket from the city wall and then traveled to Jerusalem. Although Luke, the author of Acts, does not mention the term Arabia or a three-year time frame, everything he writes in Acts 9 is consistent with what Paul says in Galatians 1. After his conversion, Paul spent time in Damascus and then went to Jerusalem later. In 2 Corinthians 11:32–33, Paul also mentions this detail: “In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.” This final piece of information indicates that the local Jewish leadership had persuaded the Damascene officials to help them capture Paul.

Putting all the accounts together, Paul spent “several days” in Damascus (Acts 9:20–22). From there, according to Galatians 1:17, he left Damascus and went into Arabia, which may mean the surrounding desert countryside. We have no idea how far south into the Arabian Peninsula Paul may have wandered, but we know he later returned to Damascus. Galatians 1:18 says that “after three years” he went to Jerusalem. Because his conversion is the focus in Galatians 1, it is most reasonable to assume that he went to Jerusalem three years after his conversion, not three years after returning to Damascus—but, either way, it was at least three years before he ever consulted the apostles in Jerusalem.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Scripture tells us Paul was an apostle. An apostle was one who was personally taught by Christ.

Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Acts 9 : 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Then Paul went to Arabia for three years. In Arabia Paul saw Christ again, and was taught by Christ. Paul was not taught by the apostles.

Galatians confirms this in Gal. 1: 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

Paul’s pharicytical origin helped him because he knew the law and prophets then Jesus gave him revelation through receiving the Holy Ghost that was one of Paul’s gifts when he received the spirit

it’s interesting that he was such an advanced Pharisee in the law , I think it’s why he understood things like this so well and was so adament about it because Paul had rejected Christianity first he knew why and was explaining it

“But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:14-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[John146]

Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, which is in Syria (Acts 9). After he saw the Lord, he continued on to Damascus. Acts 9 goes on to mention Paul’s ministry in Damascus and how he preached Christ and how the Jews planned to kill him. As his enemies were watching the city gates to prevent his escape, Paul was lowered down in a basket from the city wall and then traveled to Jerusalem. Although Luke, the author of Acts, does not mention the term Arabia or a three-year time frame, everything he writes in Acts 9 is consistent with what Paul says in Galatians 1. After his conversion, Paul spent time in Damascus and then went to Jerusalem later. In 2 Corinthians 11:32–33, Paul also mentions this detail: “In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.” This final piece of information indicates that the local Jewish leadership had persuaded the Damascene officials to help them capture Paul.

Putting all the accounts together, Paul spent “several days” in Damascus (Acts 9:20–22). From there, according to Galatians 1:17, he left Damascus and went into Arabia, which may mean the surrounding desert countryside. We have no idea how far south into the Arabian Peninsula Paul may have wandered, but we know he later returned to Damascus. Galatians 1:18 says that “after three years” he went to Jerusalem. Because his conversion is the focus in Galatians 1, it is most reasonable to assume that he went to Jerusalem three years after his conversion, not three years after returning to Damascus—but, either way, it was at least three years before he ever consulted the apostles in Jerusalem.

The wording is specific in the account given in Galatians.

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

After his conversion (and after seeing Ananias) he immediately went to Arabia (Mt. Sinai is in Arabia). Then he returned to Damascus. After spending 3 years in Damascus, Paul went to see Peter in Jerusalem.

What we don’t know is how long he was in Arabia. I believe he went to Mt. Sinai in Arabia for forty days to receive the doctrine for the NT church as Moses spent forty days receiving the OT law for the nation of Israel.