THE ATHEIST'S COMPLAINT:
How many apostles were in office between the resurrection and ascension?
- 1 Corinthians 15:5 says 12;
- Matthew 27:3-5 says Judas killed himself;
- Acts 1:9-26 says Matthias was not elected until after the resurrection.
- Matthew 28:16 says there were 11.

Is there a contradiction?

RESPONSE:
There were eleven men who filled the position of apostle between the time of Jesus resurrection and ascension. The occasion of which Paul refers to in 1 Corinthians 15:5 is either that which is recorded in John 20:19 (at which there were actually 10 present) or John 20:26 (at which there were 11 present).

Is Paul wrong when he speaks of the "twelve"? The use of the word "twelve" took on more meaning with these chosen disciples of the Lord than simply a number. Any reference to the "twelve" would be automatically understood as the apostles of Christ. Whether all were present or not, the use of the term is not out of line. Jesus, speaking to these men said, "...in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matthew 19:28). Jesus knew that one was a betrayer, and that one of those present would not sit on a throne (John 6:70-71), and yet He referred to "twelve". The reference to the "twelve" was more than an counting of heads, it was in reference to the seat of authority which would be endowed to the apostles, as judges over the twelve tribes of Israel (spiritual).

There is no contradiction.

This article is a response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible, but original article is no longer listed

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