An apostle had to be a disciple of Jesus and an eyewitness of his resurrection. As you might imagine, a controversy arose when Paul claimed to be an apostle, because he had not been a disciple and had not known Jesus until after the ascension. Even though Paul’s call was dramatic and extraordinary, he could not begin his ministry until he was first received and endorsed by the rest of the Twelve, whose credentials were not in question. It is theoretically possible for someone today to make the claim