Why does Paul have to defend his apostleship in 2 Corinthians?
Paul had to defend his apostleship because he did not walk with Christ along the roads of Palestine during His earthly ministry, even though he possessed true apostolic authority. His unique calling and authority were questioned, so he affirmed that his apostleship was genuine and tied to the Gospel of Grace for Gentiles.
Les explains that in 2 Corinthians Paul is constantly dealing with two basic points. First, he has to defend his apostleship, showing that he does have the authority even though he did not walk with Christ up and down the roads of Palestine. He had that apostolic authority. Second, Paul keeps emphasizing that we are not under Law but under Grace. Les teaches that Paul was brought into suffering and turmoil so that Gentiles could have the tremendous Gospel of the Grace of God. The uniqueness of Paul's apostleship is a vital part of the New Testament from Romans through Hebrews, and it is often shunned or not heard today.