Gal. 1:1-5; 1 Cor. 4:9-13, Paul the Apostle

The basic idea of Gal. 1:1-5 is that Paul is an Apostle.  By definition, the Greek Apostolos is a messenger, but in the NT usually a special messenger, with a special status, enjoying authority and a commission that came from Someone higher than the Apostle himself (Alan Cole).  In the NT the word is used in the general sense, applied to others than the Twelve (2 Cor. 8:23), but it is rare.  Here, as in most places, it refers to a unique individual.

·       1 Cor. 12:28: In the Church He gave first Apostles, then prophets, etc.

·       Eph. 2:20: The Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets.

·       Eph. 3:5: God revealed truth to the Apostles and Prophets.

·       Eph. 4:11: In the Church Christ gave Apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastors and teachers.

·       1 Pet. 3:2: NT Apostles are on a par with OT Prophets.

·       Rev. 21:14: The names of the Twelve Apostles adorn the foundation of the New Jerusalem.

·       Matt. 19:28: The twelve Apostles will rule on thrones in heaven, judging.

·       Acts 2:42-43: The Church from the first devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching.  And everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and miraculous signs performed by the Apostles.

·       Ac. 5:12: The Apostles performed many miraculous signs among the people.

How could you identify a true apostle of Christ?  Was it their flashy program? worldly success? or urbanity?  No!  As Paul says in today’s passage from 1 Corinthians, the Apostles were certainly put on display, but it was like men condemned to die in the arena.  They appeared weak in the world, the scum of the earth.  The point, I believe is, that while they had authority from God, backed up by the miraculous signs, they appeared in the world as less than ordinary men.  It was not their massive crowds or financial success.  Rather, it was their fruitfulness.

Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you (the Corinthians) not the result of my work in the Lord?  Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you!  For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.  (1 Cor. 9:1-2)

We need to think about this.  Again, it was not the size of the crowd but the fact that there were new disciples, followers of Christ, including from Corinth.  They were following Christ by following Paul.  Because Paul’s ministry produced followers of Christ, his ministry had the seal of Christ.  Paul could say, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).  The same can be said today, I believe, in our evaluation of the numerous ministries around us.  By their fruit we can know them.  By our fruit we will be known.