EKPOMA REVIEW

To most Christians, there are twelve apostles, and a quick study of the Synoptic gospels supports their claim, the list of the apostles we have usually contain twelve names (Mt. 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; & Lk 6:12-16). The Gospel of John did not offer a formal list but refers to the twelve (Jn 6:67, 70, & 71). Only nine of the apostles were identified by name in the Gospel according to John Acts of the Apostles provides a list similar to the synoptics but they were not referred to as the Twelve. Following the death of Judas, the group (of Twelve apostles) seems to be destined for an untimely end However, The Acts of the Apostles, quickly introduces an apt solution in the election of Matthias to replace Judah, thereby consolidating the figure of the Twelve apostles. Further reading of; the; epistles; however; presents; us; with; the; person; of; Paul; who vehemently; defends; his; claim; to ;apostleship; with; convincing arguments that suggest his election or appointment to the group of apostles fulfils the same requirement that the appointment of the earlier apostles fulfilled. He says: “But when God, who from mother's womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentile, I did not immediately consult flesh and blood.”1 Through this statement, Paul affirms his call to apostleship and proves that he was called, that he saw the Lord who actually sent him and entrusted a special mission to him.

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