Gal. 1:1-2; Acts 13:42-48, Paul the Apostle (3)

Before we jump into the opening verses of Galatians, I would like to conclude our teaching in the previous two posts with a reminder.  It is always appropriate to check into the credentials of those who share the word with us.  Pastors are to be evaluated by their relationship with the word of God, not signs and wonders.  We are right to graciously test TV or internet personalities, Christian musicians, radio preachers, even the Sunday School teacher.  Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt.  Test everything. Hold on to the good, Avoid every kind of evil (1 Thess. 5:19-22).

Now, let us consider Paul the Apostle according to Galatians.

·       Paul, an apostle of God, v1.  Technically, Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ.  But he says he’s an apostle through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead.  Paul was appointed by Christ, as were the Twelve.  But for the sake of the Galatians he feels compelled to note that there is no difference between the Father and Son on this matter.  The Son is one with the Father, and did the work the Father gave Him to do.  Thus, Paul’s appointment is not through men but through the Son and the Father.

o   His reference to the Father raising the Son from the dead is important here.  Rom. 1:4 tells us that Jesus was declared with power to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead.  His resurrection is the crowning sign from God the Father that the work of Christ is effective and complete.  Death is defeated.  Eternal life is now offered through the gospel.  Furthermore, the resurrected Lord is now at the right hand of the Father, awaiting the submission of His enemies, of the nations (Gentiles). 

·       Paul, an apostle to the churches, 1:2.  Let us not lose sight of this.  Yes, Christ appointed Paul.  But the appointment was to the Body of Christ.  This was, after all, the work Christ was and is doing to this day: I will build My church (Mt. 16:18).  I love the way Paul says this.  First, no mere mortal made him an apostle (v1).  And yet, he is surrounded by “men” (all the brethren who are with me, v2).  He did not separate himself from the body of Christ.  And then, his letter is to the churches of Galatia.  The raw meaning of ekklhsia is a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).  There were several of these Christian assemblies in the region of Galatia and Paul addressed them in this letter.

Thus we see that an apostle has a responsibility to the Father and the Son, and also to people, the Churches.  Is this not what we expect?  Jesus Christ had the same responsibility.  Submission to His Father; love for His Church!  That is our calling as well; let us not forget it.