Who replaces Judas Iscariot? Paul or Matthias?

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   Here is the question: Who replaced Judas, the traitor?  Was it Paul who met Jesus on the road to Damascus?  Or, was it Matthias whom the apostles themselves had chosen?

   This is an interesting controversy among many theologians.  My opinion is does it really matter?  To some - yes; while to others - no.

  The disciples came up with the requirements that the man had to have been with them the entire time of Jesus’ ministry, and to have been a witness of the resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:21-22).  At this time 2 men came to the forefront: Act 1:23 "23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias"

   Now, in trying to decide they prayed about it, then cast lots and the job fell to Matthias.  This is good; or is it?   Was this truly God's choice? Look at what Jesus said in Acts 1:8 (KJV) ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

   Soooo, did the disciples jump the gun in selecting Matthias?  Note that Matthias is not mentioned again in the new testament.  However, along comes Saul (Paul); the persecutor of Christians.  Paul is much more prominent in the new testament and only Peter and John has as much notoriety.

   Does this mean the disciples were wrong?  No, not at all. Casting lots was permitted and accepted Biblically allowed - Proverbs 16:33 " The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."

    Also, when we think Matthias is not mentioned any more in the new testament, think about many of the other disciples; they were rarely mentioned also. Paul, Peter and John tend to be the main characters new testament wise.

   Matthias did die as a martyr for Christ and is said to be buried at the Roman fort of Gonio in Adjara, Georgia.

    However, when you consider all the apostles, Matthias and Paul - Paul was the most prominent of the time.  He was zealous for Jews, against "the Way" and went forth with great vigor; then he met Jesus Christ on the road; and later became just as zealous for Christ.

   God is sovereign and had it not been His will, Matthias would never have been chosen. However, we do believe that it was God's perfect will (desire) that they wait for Paul and nowhere in the Bible is Matthias condemned for being an apostle.

   Maybe this is our "baker's dozen" of apostles - counting Matthias and Paul we get 13. LOL

Let me know what you think and how you come to your conclusion.  When it all boils down to it, does it really make a difference?  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny