By what authority did Paul become an apostle?

By what authority did Paul become an apostle, given that it occurred after Jesus’ crucifixion?

A:   Thank you for your question. It is insightful and certainly requires some scriptural detail to ensure clarity.

Let’s begin in the book of Acts, particularly 1:21-26. After Judas’ betrayal of Christ, the 11 remaining disciples put forth that his replacement must be one who “walked along with us when the Lord Jesus was with us” (Acts 1:21). And so it was that it came down to two men from whom Matthias was subsequently chosen. And let us remember that Matthias was the first disciple not to be chosen directly during Christ’s earthly lifetime. However, he met the criteria due to his following and dedication to Christ. As with the others, Matthias’ dedication ultimately cost him his life through torturous methods. Indeed, the early Christian Church was wrought with those who clearly had full dedication to the Risen Lord. Giving up their lives demonstrated such commitment.

Your question is also fascinating because Paul, by all accounts, was the least likely person to join the early efforts of the Christian Church. He was born as Saul of Tarsus and educated in Jerusalem under Gamaliel who mentored him on the “strict manner of law of our fathers” (Acts 22:3). Paul often spoke of his education and dedication to the Jewish faith saying, ” If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eight day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).

It is at this moment that one may need to step back and say, “Wow!” Could there possibly be a more unlikely servant of Christ than Paul? Here we have a dedicated Jew who viewed Christianity not as some harmless competing religion but as one seeking to corrupt Judaism. Thus, he set out to bring justice to those whom he saw as heretics who were betraying God. So, why would Christ choose such a man to present the very Gospel that drove him to persecute (and yes, execute) early Christians? To begin, scripture clarifies that God chose Paul before he was born to proclaim the Gospel, mainly, but not exclusively, to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15-16). When you study the book of Acts, it becomes clear why God set Paul apart for this role. He was fluent in the Greek language and culture, which allowed him to speak to the Greeks (gentiles) on their level. He was also a Roman citizen, which entitled him to legal protection, which in some cases allowed facilitation of the message. Paul was also exceptionally intelligent, which allowed him to expound on the Christian doctrine in his letters, 13 of which are preserved in the New Testament as Holy Scripture. Further, his Jewish background enhanced his evangelical efforts, and his knowledge of Old Testament law equipped him to explain the Gospel as a two-part story of His salvation for mankind. Paul confirmed that Christ had not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.

No one in human history understood better than Paul how God’s salvation plan was integrated from start to finish. And who better than Paul to communicate such? Paul’s admission as the “worst of sinners” allowed him to speak of God’s free offer of grace. And by his own admission, no one was less deserving than he, yet. He received God’s grace in abundance. If such grace existed for Paul, then we too may look at our own failures and recognize that God’s grace exists for us as well.

In summation, I believe God chose Paul because he was real, authentic, and personal. A man of great intellect who wore his emotions on his sleeve and was dedicated in every way to the mission of spreading the Word to the early church. You can feel his passion and understand why, without question, God selected Paul to be his apostle to the early church. And if “hand-selected” by our Risen Lord, who could argue otherwise? The book of Acts is a wonderful testament to his works and relationship. If you haven’t read it, take the time to do some exegetical reading of that book (and Romans and Paul’s letters as well!)

Be blessed!