Yes, Paul did not have letters of commendation from the apostles because he was commissioned directly by the ascended Christ, not by Peter and the eleven.
Les Feldick explains that the false apostles in Corinth accused Paul of lacking authority because he couldn't claim to have ministered with Christ for three years like Peter could. However, Paul's apostleship came from the ascended Christ, not from men. The proof of his ministry was the transformation of the pagans he had brought to faith, as seen in the Corinthians themselves.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 — Paul states that the Corinthians themselves are his epistle, known and read of all men, serving as his commendation.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostleship against accusations that he lacked proper credentials. He points out that his converts are his commendation: "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men" (2 Corinthians 3:2). He also writes in 2 Corinthians 12:11 that he was compelled to boast because he ought to have been commended by the Corinthians, but he wasn't. In Romans 11:13, Paul plainly declares, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles."
Les Feldick explains that Paul's apostleship was not derived from the twelve apostles but directly from the ascended Christ. Peter and the eleven did not send Paul out; the Lord did. This is why Paul didn't have letters of commendation from men. Instead, his proof was the transformed lives of those he had brought out of paganism, like the Corinthians. Les emphasizes that this unique calling set Paul apart as the apostle of the Gentiles, a role that only he could fulfill.
Paul constantly had to defend his apostleship because his calling was unique and not from the original twelve. People even in his day questioned whether he was a rightful apostle. Les notes that even today many believers neglect Paul's letters, thinking they don't belong in the Bible.
Paul's proof was the very existence of the churches he had planted. The Corinthians, who had turned from idols to the living God, were his living epistle—known and read of all men.
Unlike Peter, Paul could not claim to have walked with Christ for three years. His commission came directly from the ascended Christ, which set him apart as the apostle to the Gentiles.
Ambassadors for Christ
Les explains that believers are saved to serve as ambassadors, not to sit idle, which sets the stage for Paul's ministry of proof.
Accused of Not Being a Rightful Apostle
Les describes how Paul was compelled to boast because he lacked letters of commendation from the apostles and couldn't claim to have walked with Christ like Peter.
Paul's Unique Calling as Apostle of the Gentiles
Les emphasizes that Paul's apostleship was unique and that no one else could have fulfilled the role of apostle to the Gentiles.
The Corinthians as Paul's Epistle
Les teaches that the Corinthians themselves, transformed from paganism, were Paul's letter of commendation—known and read of all men.
Not Comparing with Self-Commenders
Les references Paul's refusal to compare himself with those who commend themselves, highlighting that Paul's validity came from God, not men.
Why Paul's Letters Are the Most Neglected in the Bible
And yet he's the very one that God saw fit to save out of Judaism, commissioned him now to be the apostle of the Gentiles. That's Romans 11, verse 13, where he says just as plain as day, for I am the apostle of the Gentiles. And again, very few people see that verse. But it's Scripture. It's what God has said. That this man is the apostle of the Gentiles.
What It Means to Be Sealed by the Holy Spirit — 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
I did not come to Corinth purposely so that I would not be more stringent in His reproof, and a letter would be a better kinder way of doing it. And so he just knew that time was not ripe for him to make a personal appearance amongst this congregation, and don't forget everything we learned in 1 Corinthians with all the problems and all the necessary reproofs that were brought upon that congregati…
Paul's Constant Defense
Les notes that Paul had to defend his apostleship throughout his epistles, and even today some refuse to accept his authority.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3: Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Paul asserts that the transformed lives of the Corinthians serve as his commendation, more powerful than any letter.
2 Corinthians 12:11: 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.
Paul states he should have been commended by the Corinthians, but was not because of their accusations about his authority.
Romans 11:13: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Paul plainly declares his unique role as apostle to the Gentiles, a role not given by men.
Because his calling was unique and not from the original twelve. People questioned his authority since he couldn't claim to have walked with Christ like Peter did. Les explains that even today some people neglect Paul's letters.
The transformed lives of those he had led to faith, such as the Corinthians, who had turned from idols. They were his living epistle, known and read of all men.
No, the ascended Christ sent Paul directly. Peter and the eleven had nothing to do with his commission, which is why he didn't have letters of commendation from them.
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