Why Is Paul's Apostleship Unique and Important?

Direct Answer

Paul's apostleship is unique because he is the apostle to the Gentiles, receiving revelations directly from the ascended Lord.

Les Feldick teaches that Paul's apostleship is distinct from the twelve because he was specifically chosen to bring the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles. Unlike the other apostles, Paul never walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry; instead, he received all his revelations from the risen Christ after the cross. This unique role makes Paul the primary source for church doctrine.

Key Scriptures

Romans 11:13 — Paul explicitly identifies himself as the apostle to the Gentiles, underscoring his unique calling.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible declares in Romans 11:13 that Paul is 'the apostle of the Gentiles.' In his letters, Paul defends his apostleship, as seen in 1 Corinthians (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:1). He emphasizes that he was called by God's will, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:1. Scripture also notes that Paul received revelations from the ascended Lord, not from his earthly ministry with Jesus (Galatians 1:12).

What Does Les Feldick Teach About Paul's Apostleship?

Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul is 'THE apostle of the Gentiles,' not just one of many. He points out that Paul's unique calling is evidenced by his receiving revelations directly from the ascended Lord, separate from the twelve apostles. Les underscores that Paul's letters are the primary doctrinal source for the church, as he was specifically commissioned to bring the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles. Les also notes that Paul's lack of contact with Jesus during His earthly ministry is what gives his apostleship its unique authority.

How Is Paul's Apostleship Different from the Twelve?

Les Feldick teaches that Paul, unlike the twelve, never walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Instead, he received all his revelations from the ascended Lord after the finished work of the cross. This distinction is crucial because Paul's unique calling was to the Gentiles, as he states in Romans 11:13.

Why Did Paul Have to Defend His Apostleship?

Les explains that Paul constantly defended his apostleship because people in his day considered him an imposter, since he hadn't been with Jesus during His earthly ministry. However, Paul insisted that he was indeed an apostle, commissioned by God, and that it was to him alone that the great doctrines of grace were revealed.

What Is the Significance of Paul Being the Apostle to the Gentiles?

Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles, a role that is unique and not shared with any other apostle. He says that we Gentiles have a relation to Paul that we do not have to the other apostles, and that Paul's letters are the only ones written to the Church. This makes Paul's teaching essential for our understanding of grace.

Why Is It Important to Recognize Paul's Unique Role?

Les warns that failing to separate the ministries of Peter and Paul leads to confusion in Christendom. Recognizing Paul's unique apostleship is crucial for properly understanding the doctrines of grace and the church's foundation.

From the Teaching

Paul's Care for the Churches

Les describes Paul's deep concern for the assemblies he established, showing his pastoral heart in his unique apostolic role.

Paul as the Apostle of the Gentiles

Les quotes Romans 11:13 to show Paul is the unique apostle to the Gentiles, and his letters alone are written to the Church.

Paul's Unique Revelation

Les stresses that God revealed the great doctrines of grace to Paul alone, and any teaching that makes him just another apostle contradicts Paul's own claims.

Paul's Unique Background

Les explains that Paul's unique background perfectly fit him for his role as apostle to the Gentiles, and he often defended his apostleship.

Paul's Relation to the Gentiles

Les highlights that 17 of 28 chapters in Acts focus on Paul, indicating his unique role for Gentiles, and stresses the need to separate Peter and Paul's ministries.

Paul's Revelations from the Ascended Lord

Les notes that Paul never had contact with Jesus or the Twelve on earth, but received all revelations from the ascended Lord, giving his apostleship power and authority.

Paul Defends His Apostleship

Les explains that Paul defended his apostleship against accusations of being an imposter because he did not walk with Jesus, but he was God's designated apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul as THE Apostle

Les emphasizes that Paul is uniquely called as THE apostle to the Gentiles, not one of many, and we must go to him for our basic doctrines.

Bible Verses

Romans 11:13: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Paul directly identifies himself as the apostle to the Gentiles, highlighting his unique role.

1 Corinthians 1:1: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Paul asserts his apostleship as a divine calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Paul considered the apostle to the Gentiles?

Paul himself declares in Romans 11:13 that he is the apostle of the Gentiles. Les Feldick teaches that this was a unique calling from God, distinct from the twelve apostles, and that Paul's letters are the primary doctrinal source for the church.

Did Paul have contact with Jesus during His earthly ministry?

No, Les Feldick points out that Paul never walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry, nor had he contact with the twelve. Instead, he received all his revelations from the ascended Lord after the cross, which gave his apostleship its unique authority.

Why did Paul have to defend his apostleship?

People in his day considered him an imposter because he hadn't been with Jesus in His earthly ministry. Les Feldick explains that Paul constantly defended his apostleship, asserting that he was God's designated apostle to the Gentiles and had received the great doctrines of grace by revelation.

Why is it important to distinguish between Peter and Paul?

Les Feldick teaches that until you separate the ministries of Peter and Paul, you will be in confusion. Paul's unique apostleship to the Gentiles is essential for understanding the Gospel of Grace and the church's foundation.

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