The Divine Authority and Role of Apostleship

In this session, we delve into the profound significance of the apostolic role, particularly focusing on Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ. The term "apostle" is not merely a title but a divine appointment, a calling that carries the weight of authority and responsibility. Jesus Himself initiated this role, selecting twelve individuals to be His apostles, a unique group entrusted with His teachings and empowered to perform miracles. These apostles were not just followers; they were chosen to be with Jesus, to learn directly from Him, and to be sent out with His authority to preach and heal.

Paul's apostleship is particularly intriguing because he was not among the original twelve. His calling was extraordinary, marked by a direct encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. This encounter was not a mere vision but a divine appointment, setting Paul apart for a specific mission to the Gentiles. Despite not being one of the original twelve, Paul's apostleship was recognized by the other apostles, as evidenced by the right hand of fellowship extended to him by Peter, James, and John. This unity was crucial for the early church, preventing a division in authority and ensuring a cohesive foundation for the church's growth.

Paul's writings, therefore, carry the weight of apostolic authority. He emphasizes that his teachings are not his own but are commandments from the Lord. This authority is not to be taken lightly, as it forms the foundation upon which the church is built. The apostles, including Paul, are the foundation stones of the church, with Christ as the cornerstone. Their teachings, encapsulated in the New Testament, continue to guide and uphold the church today.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The role of an apostle is a divine calling, initiated by Jesus Himself. Apostles are not merely followers but are chosen to be with Jesus, learn from Him, and be sent out with His authority to preach and heal. This unique role underscores the importance of divine appointment and authority in the early church. [01:46]
• 2. Paul's apostleship, though not part of the original twelve, is marked by a direct encounter with the risen Christ. This encounter underscores the divine nature of his calling and his specific mission to the Gentiles, highlighting the inclusivity of the gospel message. [06:04]
• 3. The unity between Paul and the original apostles was crucial for the early church. The right hand of fellowship extended to Paul by Peter, James, and John prevented a division in authority, ensuring a cohesive foundation for the church's growth. [10:12]
• 4. Paul's writings carry the weight of apostolic authority, as they are commandments from the Lord. This authority is foundational for the church, emphasizing the importance of adhering to apostolic teachings as a measure of true spirituality and prophetic insight. [11:33]
• 5. The apostles, including Paul, are the foundation stones of the church, with Christ as the cornerstone. Their teachings, encapsulated in the New Testament, continue to guide and uphold the church today, emphasizing the enduring significance of apostolic authority. [13:38]
  ** [13:38]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:19] - Understanding Apostleship
• [01:01] - Jesus' Selection of Apostles
• [01:46] - The Unique Role of the Twelve
• [02:24] - Authority and Miracles
• [03:35] - The Replacement of Judas
• [04:56] - Paul's Claim to Apostleship
• [05:42] - Paul's Divine Calling
• [06:43] - Paul's Time with Jesus
• [07:27] - Paul's Encounter with the Risen Christ
• [08:27] - Paul's Apostolic Authority
• [09:10] - Unity with the Original Apostles
• [10:37] - The Authority of Apostolic Writings
• [11:17] - Commandments of the Lord
• [12:18] - Apostolic Authority as Scripture
• [13:24] - The Foundation of the Church

1. Ephesians 1:1-2
2. Mark 3:13-15
3. Galatians 1:1, 15-17

1. What is the significance of Paul identifying himself as an apostle in Ephesians 1:1-2? How does this title affect the authority of his writings? [00:19]
2. In Mark 3:13-15, what specific roles and responsibilities did Jesus assign to the apostles? How does this passage define the term "apostle"? [01:17]
3. According to Galatians 1:1, 15-17, how does Paul describe his calling to apostleship? What makes his calling unique compared to the original twelve apostles? [05:11]
4. How did the early church ensure unity between Paul and the original apostles, as described in Galatians 2? What was the significance of the right hand of fellowship? [10:12]

1. How does Paul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus emphasize the divine nature of his apostleship? What does this tell us about the inclusivity of the gospel message? [06:04]
2. Why was it important for the early church to recognize Paul's apostleship, even though he was not one of the original twelve? How did this recognition prevent division within the church? [10:12]
3. In what ways do Paul's writings carry apostolic authority, and why is this authority foundational for the church today? How should this influence our reading of the New Testament? [11:33]
4. How does the concept of apostles being the foundation stones of the church, with Christ as the cornerstone, shape our understanding of church leadership and authority? [13:38]

1. Reflect on the divine calling of apostleship. How can you discern and respond to God's calling in your own life, even if it seems unconventional or unexpected? [06:04]
2. Consider the unity between Paul and the original apostles. How can you contribute to unity within your church community, especially when there are differences in opinion or practice? [10:12]
3. Paul's writings are described as commandments from the Lord. How can you prioritize studying and applying apostolic teachings in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the New Testament? [11:33]
4. The apostles were chosen to be with Jesus and learn from Him. How can you cultivate a closer relationship with Jesus in your daily routine? What practices can help you learn directly from Him? [01:46]
5. Reflect on the role of apostles as foundation stones of the church. How can you support and uphold the leadership in your church, ensuring that it remains grounded in apostolic teachings? [13:38]
6. Paul's mission was to preach to the Gentiles. Identify a group or individual in your life who may feel excluded from the gospel message. How can you reach out to them and share the inclusivity of the gospel? [06:04]
7. How can you recognize and respect the authority of spiritual leaders in your church, while also holding them accountable to the teachings of the apostles? What steps can you take to ensure a healthy balance? [11:33]