This is a central question in understanding Paul's apostleship. Here's a breakdown of how it's generally understood, addressing the apparent discrepancy with the criteria for Matthias:
The "Traditional" View of Apostleship (as seen in Acts 1):
* Requirement: Be a companion of Jesus throughout his ministry, from John the Baptist's baptism until the Ascension.
* Purpose: To be a witness of the resurrection.
* Selection Process: Casting lots (under divine guidance) after nomination by the disciples.
Paul's Case: How He Differed
* Never Physically Accompanied Jesus: Paul (formerly Saul) was a persecutor of the early church. He encountered the resurrected Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus *after* the Ascension.
* Direct Commission from Christ: Paul claimed his apostleship came directly from Jesus Christ, not from human appointment or selection (Galatians 1:1, Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1). He saw the resurrected Christ.
* Apostle to the Gentiles: Paul believed his primary calling was to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews). While the original twelve focused primarily on Israel, Paul saw himself as extending the message to the whole world.
Explanations and Justifications for Paul's Apostleship:
1. Divine Sovereignty and a "Special Case": God is not bound by rigid rules. Some argue that God made an exception in Paul's case because of his unique role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul's dramatic conversion and zeal were seen as evidence of divine favor.
2. A Different Kind of Apostle: Some scholars propose that "apostle" was used in different ways in the New Testament.
* The Twelve: The original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus held a unique position and authority.
* Apostles in a Broader Sense: Others, like Barnabas (Acts 14:14) and possibly James (Jesus' brother), are called apostles, perhaps indicating a wider category of those sent out as missionaries with special authority. Paul may fit into this broader understanding.
3. Paul's Encounter with the Resurrected Christ as Fulfilling the Resurrection Witness Requirement: While he wasn't with Jesus *during* his earthly ministry, Paul maintained that his encounter on the road to Damascus was a genuine appearance of the resurrected Christ. He argued that this vision qualified him as a witness to the resurrection. (1 Corinthians 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?")
4. Miraculous Confirmation and Fruit of His Ministry: The miraculous events associated with Paul's ministry (healings, signs, wonders) and the success of his missionary journeys were seen as confirmation of his divine commission (2 Corinthians 12:12). The very existence and growth of Gentile churches became evidence of God's work through him.
5. Acceptance by Other Apostles (with some initial hesitation): While initially skeptical, the other apostles eventually accepted Paul as a fellow apostle, recognizing the grace of God at work in his ministry (Galatians 2:7-9).
Key Biblical Texts to Consider:
* Acts 9: Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
* Galatians 1-2: Paul defends his apostleship and recounts his interaction with the other apostles.
* 1 Corinthians 9: Paul's defense of his apostolic rights.
* 2 Corinthians 11-12: Paul lists his hardships and boasts about visions and revelations.
* Romans 1:1: Paul's self-identification as an apostle "called to be an apostle"
Conclusion:
While Paul didn't meet the criteria used to replace Judas, his apostleship is understood through a combination of:
* Divine intervention and a unique calling: God made an exception for Paul.
* A broader understanding of the term "apostle": Beyond the original twelve, there were others recognized as apostles who served a different but equally important role.
* His encounter with the resurrected Christ: He saw it as fulfilling the requirement of witnessing the resurrection.
* Miraculous confirmation and the success of his mission: God demonstrated his approval through signs, wonders, and the growth of the Gentile church.
* Eventual acceptance by the other apostles: They recognized the validity of his ministry.
The question of Paul's apostleship is complex and has been debated throughout Christian history. However, most Christians ultimately accept Paul's authority as an apostle based on the factors outlined above.