Paul defended his apostleship because he was constantly accused of being an imposter and not a rightful apostle.
According to Les Feldick, Paul faced constant attacks from Judaizing Jews who pointed out that he did not walk with Jesus like Peter did. They accused him of heresy and being an upstart. Paul had to repeatedly defend his apostleship and remind his readers of the revelations he received and the suffering he endured for the gospel.
The Bible does not explicitly explain why Paul had to defend his apostleship in a narrative passage, but several verses indicate that Paul's apostleship was questioned and that he asserted its validity. For example, in 1 Corinthians 9, Paul defends his apostleship: "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?" (1 Cor. 9:1). Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, Paul says, "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." These verses show Paul responding to those who doubted his authority, but they do not give the full reason why he faced such opposition.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul had to defend his apostleship throughout his letters because the Judaizers and even some believers constantly attacked his authority. They accused him of being an imposter because he did not walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry like Peter, James, and John did. Les says Paul faced these accusations whether he was among Jews or Gentiles, and he had to constantly remind them that he was indeed an apostle and had received special revelations. Les also notes that Paul had to suffer greatly so that the Gentiles could receive the message of grace, and even in his second letter to the Corinthians, he was forced to boast about his apostleship because they compelled him to do so.
Paul faced accusations that he was an imposter and an upstart because he did not walk with Jesus like Peter did. The Jewish element in Corinth and other places said, "Who do you think you are? You're just an imposter." They also said he had no authority and no letters of commendation. (Clips 1, 4, 7)
Even among believers, such as the carnal Corinthians, Paul had to defend his apostleship. They were still influenced by their old pagan background and were divided, some following Paul, some Apollos, others Peter, and some even Christ. This division led them to question Paul's authority. (Clips 4, 5)
Paul endured constant suffering to bring the gospel of grace to the Gentiles. He suffered and suffered some more so that the Gentiles could get this message. He also had to refer to his suffering over and over to defend his apostleship. (Clip 6)
The Weapons of Our Warfare — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Explained
Again we always like to let our television audience understand that we're just an informal Bible study, and I stress the word informal. And you have no idea how many people write and say, don't ever put on a suit and tie. And I write back and say, don't you worry, because when we first were invited to do this by this particular station in Tulsa, and I came up, and Iris was with me, and we sat down…
Paul's apostleship under attack
Les explains that Paul had to defend his apostleship because people accused him of heresy and being an imposter, since he did not walk with Jesus like Peter did.
Constant defense throughout epistles
Les says Paul had to constantly defend his apostleship throughout his letters, and even today many won't give Paul the time of day.
False accusations against Paul
Les mentions that Paul was constantly falsely accused and had to be blameless to avoid giving offense.
Judaizers questioning Paul's authority
Les describes how the Jewish element in Corinth accused Paul of being an imposter because he didn't walk with Jesus.
Defense amid church divisions
Les notes that Paul had to defend his apostleship even among carnal believers who were divided over who to follow.
Suffering as proof of apostleship
Les explains that Paul's suffering for the gospel was part of his defense, showing the Corinthians all he went through.
Forced to boast of apostleship
Les says Paul was compelled to claim his apostleship because the Corinthians constantly accused him of not being a rightful apostle.
1 Corinthians 9:1: Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
Paul defends his apostleship by pointing out that he had seen the Lord and that the Corinthians were his work.
2 Corinthians 12:11-12: I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Paul says he was forced to boast of his apostleship because the Corinthians compelled him, and he cites the signs of an apostle performed among them.
Paul was accused because he did not walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry like Peter, James, and John did. His opponents used this to question his authority and legitimacy as an apostle.
Yes, Les Feldick says that Paul had to constantly defend his apostleship in all his letters because he was constantly falsely accused of being an imposter.
Paul suffered greatly, as Les Feldick explains, so that the Gentiles could receive the message of grace. He referred to his suffering over and over to show his legitimacy.
Watch the Teaching: The Weapons of Our Warfare — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Explained