How did Paul get his authority as an apostle?
Paul's authority as an apostle was given to him by the Lord, not earned by works or advancement. Scripture states he did not obtain it by working for it or by coming up through the ranks as one would in a corporate setting. It was a direct grant from the Lord.
Les explains that in verse 8 Paul speaks of “our authority, which the Lord hath given us.” Les points out that Paul did not get this authority by working for it, nor by coming up through the ranks the way we normally think of things in our present world. A corporate president who reaches that pinnacle of success usually has paid his dues, coming from the lower echelons and working his way up. But the Apostle Paul didn't do that; his authority was given to him by the Lord.
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
More Questions
How does Paul's authority differ from how a corporate president gains his position?
Paul's reception of authority contrasts with the corporate world, where a president reaches the pinnacle by paying his dues and working his way up from the lower echelons.
Why did Paul say the Lord gave him authority over the churches?
Paul says the authority the Lord gave him was for edification and not for the destruction of the Corinthians.
Why did Paul say his authority was given for edification and not destruction?
Paul's apostolic authority was given by the Lord for edification and not for the destruction of believers, which is a flashback to his former days as a persecutor when he destroyed lives as a religious Jew.