A question about Revelation Chapter21, verse14?

Question

[Now the wall of the city had 12 foundations, and on them were the names of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb.] Rev.21:14 NKJV.

Q: Was Judas forgiven, and his name added to the 12 in thin new city. Or, was that place given to the Apostle Paul. Are there any Bible texts that can answer this question either implicitly or explicitly?

Please, theology teachers or students only!

Answer 1

The disciple selected by lot to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle.
120 disciples gathered together that the vacancy of office be filled. Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias were put up for selection; after prayer, lots were cast, and Matthias was chosen.

According to Peter’s words (Ac 1:21, 22), Matthias had been a follower of Christ throughout Jesus’ three-and-a-half-year ministry, had been closely associated with the apostles, and was quite likely one of the 70 disciples or evangelists whom Jesus sent out to preach. After his selection, he was “reckoned along with the eleven apostles” by the congregation (Ac 1:26), and when the book of Acts immediately thereafter speaks of “the apostles” or “the twelve,” Matthias was included.

Since the apostle James (the brother of John) was not killed until about the year 44 C.E., “the twelve” were yet alive at the time of Paul’s becoming an apostle. He nowhere includes himself among such “twelve,” while at the same time he acknowledges no inferiority in his apostleship compared with that of such ones. Ga 2:6-9.

Matthias’ and Paul’s apostleships were both valid for the purpose for which those men were “sent forth,” yet when the apostle John saw the vision of the heavenly New Jerusalem in the Revelation (given about 96 C.E.) he saw only 12 foundation stones and on them inscribed “the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Re 21:14) The testimony of the Holy Scriptures is clear that the apostle Paul was never referred to as one of “the twelve.” Therefore, it logically follows that one of “the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” inscribed on the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem is that of Matthias and not that of Paul. This means that the vision of the apostle John reflects the situation that existed at the start of the Christian congregation on the day of Pentecost in the year 33 C.E.

What, was the purpose of Paul’s apostleship?

Jesus himself stated that it was for a particular purpose—not as a replacement for Judas—but that Paul might serve as an ‘apostle [sent one] to the nations’ (Ac 9:4-6, 15), and Paul recognized this as the purpose of his apostleship. (Ga 1:15, 16; 2:7, 8; Ro 1:5; 1Ti 2:7) This being so, his apostleship was not needed to serve as a foundation when spiritual Israel was established on Pentecost, 33 C.E.

Answer 2

No Judas wasn't forgiven. "Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" John 6:70. Read all of Acts 1. In Acts 1 the diciples chose a replacement for Judas, knowing he was no longer numbered with the 12. Peter said in verse 25, "That he (the one chosen) may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, the he might go to his own place." Matthias was chosen and numbered with the eleven apostles.

Some however think this was one of Peter's impetuous moments and Paul was God's replacement. Non-the-less, there are 12.

Answer 3

Matthias replaced Judas in the 12. See Acts 1.

Answer 4

Paul is the apostle that GOD appointed to replace Judas IS.

In Acts you can read the story of Saul(paul). It tells of how he came to be the apostle chosen by GOD.

Now the other apostles did try to appoint a new apostle after the betrayal and death of Judas IS. But, as with most things, they were not patient and did not wait on the Lord.

But as with Abraham, GOD said, no not what you have tried to do on your own, but what I have sent.

I really do not want to just quote a verse, where Paul counts himself as the apostle. But the book of Acts reads as a story, so easier than most to understand.

May God bless you and keep you during your journey of knowledge of his word.

Answer 5

Judas was replaced by Matthias as an apostle.

Answer 6

I've taught that this designation is set aside for Matthias who replaced Judas according to Acts 1:26.

--theology prof

Answer 7

Either that, or its Mary Magdalene. Yes, I think they kept her name out as a diciple, but she was there the entire time, even stayed with Him till the end, so if anyone deserves it, it would be her.