Authority of the Gospel

One central message that Paul continually struggled with is his authority concerning his words and actions. He most emphatically desires to stress that it is not about "his" message but instead knows that "I am appointed for the defense of the gospel." So why then does many of Paul's letters insist that he is not speaking of his own authority? What authority does he possess?

Paul himself has given us great insight into his former life. Philippians 3: 4-7 tells us that he is of the "stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrews of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." For a Jew, that is quite the impressive background. If ever there is one that has authority to speak it would be Paul. Strange then that we find him struggling with his past, almost ashamed, and in many ways we see him acting to "work" long and hard enough to have that history absolved or restored by God. Maybe this could be that ambiguous "thorn in his side".

Even in 2 Corinthians 10:1-11(which is actually the 4 letter of correspondence), Paul confronts the assuming talk that he is bold in writing but weak in actions while with them. This is a valuable lesson to us as well as we also need to remember to "take every thought captive to obey Christ". Paul's boasting and authority comes in that he is faithful in his work with presenting the gospel so that "the area of influence may be greatly enlarged" (2 Cor. 10:15).

In Paul's letter to the church in Galatia, we see him again confront this issue of authority. Where does his authority come, from whom has he received it? "But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ" Galatians 1:11-12. Paul emphatically states that his authority comes 1st through the message, then 2nd through the messenger.

This is explained further in 1:15-21 when Paul then takes this new gospel message and seeks further knowledge. Stay in school kids because that is what Paul did. Far too often young men and women receive a "word from God", become ambitious in their new "ministry" and seek immediacy to change the world. The time between Paul receiving his revelation to him actually beginning his ministry was 3 years. You've been called to a new ministry? Leave your life and seek silence and solitude, Paul went to Arabia, then develop your strategy.

Information on Paul's former life can be found in Acts 8-9. God Bless!