Paul’s Ordination
In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul passionately defends his apostleship and the unique gospel that was revealed to him. Galatians 1 offers us important insight into Paul's divine appointment as the Apostle to the Gentiles, his radical transformation, and the distinct nature of the gospel he preached. Paul's ordination as a preacher, Apostle, and teacher lies not in human authority but in the direct revelation he received from the risen Christ (1Ti 2:7).
“[1] Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)… [11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. [12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: [14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. [15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, [16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;” – Galatians 1:1, 11-16
The Source of Paul’s Gospel
Paul begins by making a bold declaration: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:11-12). His gospel and apostleship weren't conferred by men, not even by the other apostles like Peter or James. Paul’s mission and message were given to him by Christ Himself, affirming his unique role in God’s redemptive plan of salvation to create and save a body, apart from Israel, its covenants, and its Kingdom. Paul makes it clear that his authority and the content of his gospel were of heavenly origin, not a continuation of what Peter and the twelve preached.
Paul's Radical Transformation
Before his conversion, Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee who was fervent in his persecution of the early church. In his words, “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Gal 1:13-14). Paul’s zeal for the Jewish law and traditions drove him to vehemently oppose the followers of Christ. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, and his mission was to destroy the church in Jerusalem.
Yet, it is precisely because of this background that Paul's conversion is so powerful. If anyone could boast of their religious pedigree, it was Paul. His commitment to the Jewish law was unmatched, and yet, in the grand scheme of God’s plan, this was not enough to justify him. Paul’s former life serves as a testament to the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through the flesh or through the law. It highlights the transformative power of God’s grace, which took a man who was a “blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” (1Ti 1:13) and turned him into the most significant mouthpiece for Christ.
The Purpose of Paul's Calling
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen” (Gal 1:15-16). God had set Paul apart not because of Paul's merits, but because of His grace. The primary purpose of Paul's life, as revealed in this passage, was to preach the grace of Christ among the Gentiles.
His ministry was unique because it was distinct from the ministry of the other apostles, who focused on preaching to the Jews (Acts 11:19). While the other apostles preached the “gospel of the kingdom”(Mrk 1:14-15) (a message tied to Israel’s prophesied earthly kingdom), Paul was entrusted with the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24), which was a revelation of the mystery of Christ. This mystery, as Paul elaborates in Ephesians 3:1-9, was hidden in ages past but was now revealed through him, showing that both Jews and Gentiles could be united in one body through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection without works.
The Universality of the Gospel of Grace
Though Paul was specifically sent to the Gentiles, his message was universal. He preached to both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek” (Gal 3:28). The grace of God, which Paul so passionately preached, was for all people without distinction. This gospel declares that salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, not by works of the law (1Co 15:1-4, Rom 3:19-26).
In conclusion, Paul's ordination as the Apostle to the Gentiles was a divine act, initiated by God’s grace and rooted in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of the church to a preacher of the gospel of grace is a testament to the power of God’s free grace. His mission to preach this gospel to the Gentiles was not just a part of his life; it was the very purpose for his life from birth. Through Paul, God revealed the mystery of Christ, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body and offering salvation to all who believe in the gospel of grace.
