Was Paul An Apostle in the Same Sense as the Twelve?

INTRODUCTION:

1. Based on a question I received online.

2. Was Paul an apostle?

3. Did He have the authority of Heaven in his teaching?

4. Let’s consider his case.

DISCUSSION:

I. HE WAS CHOSEN BY CHRIST.

1. The Lord explains his choosing to Ananias. Acts 9:15.

2. By the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:2. Not arguing the same for Barnabas. He didn’t write half the New Testament.

3. Paul’s assertion. Romans 1:1; Gal. 1:1,15-16; 1 Tim. 2:7. It’s one thing for Paul to say he’s an apostle, it’s another for God to say it.

II. GOD CONFIRMS PAUL’s APOSTLESHIP.

1. Did God confirm a liar?

2. The purpose for the miracles. Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4.

3. Paul’s testimony. 2 Corinthians 12:11-12; Romans 15:18-19.

4. Luke’s record. Acts 20:7ff.

III. PETER’s TESTIMONY.

1. Matthew 22:29. The scriptures Jesus mentions were confirmed by mighty works & wonders through Old Testament prophets.

2. 2 Peter 3:16. Peter puts Paul in the same class with those Old Testament prophets.

IV. PAUL TELLS THE SOURCE OF HIS DOCTRINE.

1. Luke 10:16. Rejecting Paul’s doctrine is rejecting the source. John 12:48-50.

2. 1 Corinthians 14:37. His writings are the commandment of the Lord.

3. 1 Thessalonians 2:13. His message is the word of God.

V. PAUL AFFIRMS HIS APOSTLESHIP. 2 Corinthians 11:5

CONCLUSION:

1. Those who don’t like the doctrines that Paul teaches will find no comfort in the evidence we have seen.

2. The verdict is in. Paul is an apostle. We must obey his commands. Luke 10:16.