"And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26)

There are multiple opinions about what the Apostles did to try and replace Judas as the twelfth Apostle. Peter, with the other ten Apostles chose Matthias by casting lots.

"Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” (Psalm 109:8)

It is true that the prophecy must be fulfilled and he be replaced. However, did Peter and the others fulfill this prophecy or were they simply impatient in waiting on the Holy Spirit?

I think the latter.

Jesus told them at least two times to WAIT until the Holy Ghost came upon them and then they would be able to do what Jesus wanted them to do.

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:4-5)

"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 Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

However, we find that they did not wait. They cast lots and chose Matthias. Now, Matthias was no doubt a very good man to even be considered, but there are things that are specific to the calling of an Apostle that did not take place.

The most important thing to remember is that Jesus called the other Apostles personally. We have record in Matthew and Luke where they are called out of the group to this specific office. Matthias was not chosen personally by Jesus.

Now consider Saul of Tarsus. He was not one of Jesus’ disciples during His earthly ministry. In fact, he was probably the biggest persecutor the early church had. But all that changed on the road to Damascus. There, Saul met Jesus and was personally called into the ministry by Him.

Paul refers to himself as an apostle in almost all his letters. Further, he makes it a point to say he was chosen by Jesus not men.

I believe Saul, who is Paul, is the true twelfth Apostle.

So, why should we care?

First of all, the names of the TWELVE Apostles are written in heaven (Revelation 21:14). Also notice that they are called the apostles of the Lamb. Those that object to Paul being the twelfth apostle say that he was sent to the Gentiles. The Bible does not make this distinction. They are each apostles of Jesus regardless of their audience.

Secondly, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. The church is built upon the foundation of the twelve apostles with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

What the Apostles taught and wrote should be what we believe and practice. Considering the fact that Paul wrote most of the New Testament, it is only fitting to recognize his office properly.