Paul's Apostolic Authority and Divine Commissioning

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Commissioning of Apostleship

Paul's apostleship is not derived from human sources but directly from Jesus Christ. This divine commissioning grants him authority to speak and write with the same weight as the original apostles, emphasizing the divine origin of his message. Paul's introduction in Galatians 1:1-2 highlights this unique aspect of his calling. Unlike the original twelve apostles, who were appointed by Jesus during His earthly ministry, Paul was called by the risen Christ. This encounter on the road to Damascus was not just a personal conversion experience but a divine appointment, setting Paul apart for a specific mission. His authority, therefore, is not self-proclaimed or granted by any human institution but is rooted in the direct call of Christ. This understanding challenges us to recognize the divine authority behind Paul's writings and to approach them with the reverence they deserve. [00:21]

Galatians 1:11-12 (ESV): "For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and submit to the divine authority of Scripture in your daily life, especially when it challenges your personal beliefs or practices?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Role in Apostolic Teaching

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth, ensuring that their teachings would faithfully represent His will. This promise extends to Paul, whose writings are inspired and authoritative for the Church. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in the transmission of divine truth, as it ensures that the apostles' teachings are not merely human interpretations but divinely inspired messages. Paul's letters, therefore, carry the weight of divine authority, as they are guided by the Holy Spirit. This understanding invites believers to trust in the reliability and truthfulness of the apostolic teachings, knowing that they are not the product of human wisdom but of divine revelation. [03:33]

John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your study of Scripture and application of its truths in your life?

Day 3: Paul's Transformative Encounter with Christ

Despite not being one of the original twelve, Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus Road affirms his apostleship. This event highlights the transformative power of grace and the unique role Paul plays in the early Church. Paul's past as a persecutor of the Church makes his calling even more remarkable, as it underscores the depth of God's grace and the transformative power of encountering Christ. This transformation is not just personal but vocational, as Paul is commissioned to be an apostle to the Gentiles, carrying the message of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. His life and ministry serve as a testament to the power of God's grace to redeem and repurpose even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. [05:18]

Acts 9:15-16 (ESV): "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a transformative encounter with God. How did it change your perspective or direction in life?

Day 4: Recognition of Paul's Writings as Scripture

Peter's acknowledgment of Paul's letters as Scripture underscores their divine inspiration and authority. This recognition invites us to approach Paul's writings with the same reverence as the rest of the Bible. Peter's recognition is significant because it places Paul's writings on the same level as the Old Testament Scriptures, affirming their role in guiding the early Church in truth and righteousness. This acknowledgment by one of the original apostles highlights the unity and continuity of the biblical message, as well as the divine inspiration behind Paul's teachings. As believers, we are called to approach these writings with reverence, recognizing their authority and allowing them to shape our understanding of God's will and purpose for our lives. [07:44]

2 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for Scripture in your daily reading and study, especially when engaging with challenging passages?

Day 5: Unity and Independence in the Gospel Message

Paul asserts his independence from the Jerusalem apostles while maintaining harmony with them. This balance highlights the unity of the Gospel message and the diverse roles within the early Church. Paul's relationship with the other apostles demonstrates the importance of both unity and diversity in the body of Christ. While he operates independently in his mission to the Gentiles, he remains in fellowship with the Jerusalem apostles, ensuring that the Gospel message remains consistent and unified. This dynamic reflects the broader principle of unity in diversity within the Church, where different roles and callings contribute to the overall mission of spreading the Gospel. As believers, we are called to embrace this unity, recognizing the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ and working together for the advancement of God's kingdom. [09:18]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity and diversity of your local church community, using your unique gifts and calling to serve others?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of Galatians 1:1-2, we delve into the profound implications of Paul's claim to apostleship. Paul introduces himself as an apostle, not by human appointment, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father. This distinction is crucial as it sets the foundation for understanding the authority with which Paul writes to the Galatians. The term "apostle" itself, meaning "sent one," does not inherently carry authority. However, when Jesus designated the twelve disciples as apostles, it marked a significant elevation in their role, granting them authority to lay the foundation of the Church through their teachings and writings, which would later be canonized as the New Testament.

Paul's apostleship is unique because he was not among the original twelve. His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus was a pivotal moment, where Jesus personally commissioned him, thus granting him the same authority as the original apostles. Paul acknowledges his unworthiness due to his past persecution of the Church, yet he embraces his role by the grace of God. This grace is not in vain, as Paul asserts his teachings as commands of the Lord, holding authority over even New Testament prophets and spiritual leaders.

Peter's recognition of Paul's writings as Scripture further solidifies Paul's authority. Peter equates Paul's letters with the inspired Scriptures, acknowledging the divine wisdom imparted to Paul. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of Paul's writings in the early Church and their role in guiding believers in truth and righteousness.

As we read Galatians, we are invited to see it as God's infallible word, with Paul's authority stemming directly from Christ. This understanding challenges us to approach the text with reverence and openness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Key Takeaways

1. Apostolic Authority: Paul's apostleship is not derived from human sources but directly from Jesus Christ. This divine commissioning grants him authority to speak and write with the same weight as the original apostles, emphasizing the divine origin of his message. [00:21]
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth, ensuring that their teachings would faithfully represent His will. This promise extends to Paul, whose writings are inspired and authoritative for the Church. [03:33]
3. Paul's Unique Calling: Despite not being one of the original twelve, Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus Road affirms his apostleship. This event highlights the transformative power of grace and the unique role Paul plays in the early Church. [05:18]
4. Scriptural Recognition: Peter's acknowledgment of Paul's letters as Scripture underscores their divine inspiration and authority. This recognition invites us to approach Paul's writings with the same reverence as the rest of the Bible. [07:44]
5. Unity and Independence: Paul asserts his independence from the Jerusalem apostles while maintaining harmony with them. This balance highlights the unity of the Gospel message and the diverse roles within the early Church. [09:18]
** [09:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Introduction to Apostleship
[01:18] - The Meaning of Apostle
[02:18] - Jesus' Designation of Apostles
[03:17] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[04:07] - Guidance into All Truth
[05:18] - Paul's Unique Apostolic Calling
[06:26] - Authority from the Damascus Road
[07:05] - Paul's Command of the Lord
[07:44] - Peter's Recognition of Paul's Writings
[08:21] - Scripture's Divine Inspiration
[08:59] - Paul's Authority in Galatians
[09:18] - Unity with Jerusalem Apostles
[09:34] - Conclusion: Reading Galatians as God's Word

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Apostolic Authority in Galatians 1:1-2

Bible Reading:

Galatians 1:1-2
1 Corinthians 15:8-10
2 Peter 3:15-16

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Observation Questions:

What is the significance of Paul introducing himself as an apostle "not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father" in Galatians 1:1? How does this introduction set the tone for the rest of the letter? [00:21]
In 1 Corinthians 15:8-10, how does Paul describe his encounter with the risen Christ, and what does he say about his own worthiness to be called an apostle? [05:18]
According to 2 Peter 3:15-16, how does Peter regard Paul's writings, and what does this imply about their authority and inspiration? [07:44]
How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the apostles into all truth, and how does this relate to Paul's writings? [03:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why is it important for Paul to emphasize that his apostleship is not derived from human sources? How does this claim affect the authority of his message to the Galatians? [00:21]
How does Paul's unique calling and encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road highlight the transformative power of grace in his life? What does this suggest about the nature of apostolic authority? [05:18]
In what ways does Peter's acknowledgment of Paul's letters as Scripture influence our understanding of the New Testament canon and its authority? [07:44]
How does Paul's assertion of independence from the Jerusalem apostles, while maintaining harmony with them, reflect the unity and diversity within the early Church? [09:18]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt called to a role or task that seemed beyond your capabilities. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul's acceptance of his apostleship despite his past? [05:32]
How can you approach the writings of Paul with the same reverence as the rest of the Bible, recognizing their divine inspiration and authority? What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of his letters? [08:21]
Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the apostles into all truth. How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance in your own life, especially when faced with difficult decisions or challenges? [03:33]
In what ways can you contribute to the unity of the Church while respecting the diverse roles and callings within it? How can Paul's relationship with the Jerusalem apostles serve as a model for your interactions with others in your faith community? [09:18]
How does recognizing the authority of Paul's writings challenge you to live out the teachings of the New Testament more faithfully? What specific changes might you need to make in your life to align with these teachings? [07:05]
Reflect on the transformative power of grace in your own life. How has God's grace enabled you to overcome past mistakes or failures, and how can you extend that grace to others? [05:32]
How can you ensure that your understanding of Scripture is not influenced by personal biases or external pressures, but remains rooted in the truth of God's word as revealed through the apostles? [08:21]

Sermon Clips

Paul an apostle not from men nor through man but through Jesus Christ and God our Father who raised him from the dead and all the brothers who are with me to the churches of Galatia so father as we focus on this astonishing claim that Paul makes for himself as an apostle show the truth of it the meaning of it and it implication for how we read this letter. [00:31:26]

Apostolos in and of itself the word does not carry any sense of authority it's not the word that creates Paul's claim to Authority let me just show you from 2 Corinthians that there's an ordinary use of the word sent one Apostle is a sent one might be sent with absolute authority of God or might be sent by a church without that kind of claim. [00:74:31]

However the word as Jesus plans and executes its implications for the church takes on a tremendously authoritative role watch it come into being here's Luke 6 in these days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray and all night he continued in prayer he's about to make a momentous decision 12 of them to God and when day came he called his disciples now that's not the same as Apostles that's a bigger category every follower of Jesus is a disciple he calls his disciples and chose from them 12 whom he named Apostles. [00:138:48]

These things I have spoken to you while I am with you but the helper the Holy Spirit whom the father will send in my name he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you this is Jesus way of preparing the 12 to be the authoritative spokesman for Christ as they narrate his history and describe the foundation of the church in truth. [00:204:55]

When the spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all Truth for he will not speak on his own authority but whatever he hears he will speak and he will declare to you the things that are to come so past things that we saw last time he will teach all things and bring to your remembrance and now future things like the Book of Revelation he will glorify me for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. [00:253:12]

Last of all as to one untimely born Jesus appeared also to me he's describing the appearances of Christ after the resurrection for I am the least of the Apostles unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the Church of God but by the grace of God I am what I am namely an apostle and his grace toward me was not in vain. [00:313:17]

He claims this appearance especially that decisive moment of appearing to Paul on the Damascus Road when Jesus said now I'll tell you what you shall do and he commissioned him as his own representative chosen yes least of the Apostles and untimely born as it were because he came later but he considers that sight of Christ as the ground of his apostleship. [00:345:31]

If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual he should acknowledge that the things that I am writing to you are a command of the Lord what I right has the authority of the Lord if anyone does not recognize this Authority he is not recognized so Paul claims an authority greater than New Testament prophets greater than people who call themselves spiritual his teaching along with the other Apostles is the Touchstone of truth in the early church. [00:411:14]

Peter in his second letter put Paul's writings in the category of inspired scripture Our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him a Divine spiritual wisdom as he does in all his letters which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction as they do the other scriptures that is a huge statement isn't it so Peter acknowledges that Paul's letters are scripture. [00:453:40]

All scripture in this case the Old Testament and Peter says Paul's letters are on a par with that all scripture is breathed out inspired in a unique Way by God and therefore is profitable for teaching for Repro for correction for training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete equipped for every good work. [00:495:17]

Therefore I come back and say when Paul identifies himself as an apostle here and oh how he will fight for it in the first chapter of gal claiming not from men not through man through the Lord Jesus Christ but he has lots more to say about his authority because he knows that those in Jerusalem are claiming he doesn't have the same status as a Peter or a James. [00:526:41]

Paul will be at pains in this chapter to show that he is independent of them and yet imperfect harmony with them so that they give each other the right hand of Fellowship Peter Apostle to the Jews Paul Apostle to the Gentiles so here at the beginning I underline this because I now and I hope with you read this letter as God's infallible word. [00:558:14]

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Paul's Apostolic Authority and Divine Commissioning

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Commissioning of Apostleship

Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Role in Apostolic Teaching

Day 3: Paul's Transformative Encounter with Christ

Day 4: Recognition of Paul's Writings as Scripture

Day 5: Unity and Independence in the Gospel Message

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Paul's Apostolic Authority and Divine Commissioning

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