Daily Inspiration

Bible in a Year Reading: Jeremiah 25-27

Sunday Morning Meeting

Ask the Pastor

I would like to know in Acts 1, where the Apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas- was Matthias really considered an apostle? I have read that God chooses the apostle, not man. I know I don't need to get stuck on the small things, but I would like your opinion.

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:51:09 EST Link-->

God is the giver of the gift, certainly. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." But the 11 apostles were not determining wether the candidates had the gift of apostleship (what we know today as the calling of a missionary). Remember, there were many apostles besides the twelve in the days of the New Testament church. The were filling a leadership position in the first century church. Also remember that God uses people to confirm the gifts he has given us, and the people of God are called to judge among themselves if someone is from God. (1 John 4:1) God often confirms a gift through spiritual leaders (2 Timothy 1:5-6), and this is just what happened in this situation. God called Matthias. The people that God placed in leadership confirmed that calling and placed him in a position of leadership. Remember as well that God has placed gifts in you! It may not be the calling of a missionary/apostle, but your place in the body of Christ is just as important. Click the link above to access our Spiritual Gifts Test on the Resources page, to help determine your giftings.