Paul’s Divine Appointment as an Apostle by Jesus Christ
Throughout his epistles, Paul unmistakably affirms his apostleship as a divine calling directly from Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:1, he introduces himself as “a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle,” solidifying his divine appointment. This divine designation echoes consistently in his letters: Colossians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:1, Titus 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, and 2 Corinthians 1:1.
In Galatians 1:1, Paul emphatically stresses that his apostleship is neither of human origin nor by human commission but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. This affirmation underlines the divine authority behind his ministry, emphasizing the transcendence of his calling beyond human endorsement.
The consistency of Paul’s proclamation across his letters emphasizes the divine nature of his apostleship. He attributes it solely to the will, commandment, and promise of God, affirming its legitimacy and authority within the body of Christ.
Paul’s unwavering declaration of his apostleship, grounded in his divine appointment by Jesus Christ, establishes the authority and authenticity of his teachings, serving as a foundational pillar in the early church.
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: