Hey Pastor John,
I just read your note after Acts 1:26. I agree that “we must be slow to say that this method of choosing an apostle was a fleshly exercise.” But on the other hand, I can’t help but wonder if this truly was a work of God. If it was, then Matthias would be the only apostle that I can think of that wasn’t personally chosen by Jesus. The other 12, including Paul, were personally chosen by Jesus. I believe there is a scripture in the book of Revelation that says that the new Jerusalem would have 12 foundations that will have the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb written on them. Since Paul was personally chosen by Jesus “as one born out of time”, I am more inclined to believe that Paul would be counted as the 12th apostle.
As I said, just some thoughts.
Billy H.