SUNDAY September 3, 2017
Called an Apostle
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, - 1 Corinthians 1:1
The Apostle Paul was such an incredible person. After Jesus elected the twelve disciples, one, Judas betrayed Him. Later, it is believed, that Paul was the one chosen to replace him, when the Lord called him into the ministry (Acts 9). Paul wrote that he saw the Lord after the resurrection:
After that He [Christ]was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep [they died]. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time(1 Corinthians 15:6-8).
Now, we have 14 letters of doctrine that we would have never had. In the book of Corinthians, Paul will address the problems of getting along with one another, jealously, and covetousness among believers.
Paul was a Jew, but born a Roman citizen. He was taught by the well- known Rabbi Gamaliel. In Acts 22:3 he said of himself:
I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
God intercepted his life and called him to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ:
“…he[Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine [Christ]to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake”(Acts 9:15-16)
Out of all the people in the world, God chose Paul––a theologian. Think about how God has chosen you to spread the Gospel.
... [God]called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…
~2 Timothy 1:9~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
