Paul's authority is significant because he is the apostle of the Gentiles, uniquely commissioned by the ascended Christ to reveal the doctrines of grace for church-age believers.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's apostleship is foundational for understanding God's program for the church. Paul constantly defended his authority because he was accused of being an imposter, having not walked with Jesus like Peter, James, and John. His unique calling and revelations from the ascended Lord establish him as the primary human author of doctrine for this age of grace.
Romans 11:13 — This verse explicitly states Paul's role as the 'apostle of the Gentiles,' which Les highlights as key to understanding his authority.
The Bible reveals that Paul was uniquely set apart by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles. In Romans 11:13, Paul himself declares, 'For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.' This verse establishes his distinct calling. The Bible also notes that Paul did not receive his gospel from men but through revelation from the ascended Lord (as implied in his defense of his apostleship in his letters).
Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul's authority is paramount for church-age believers. He points out that Paul constantly defended his apostleship because he was accused of being an imposter, not having walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Paul's unique calling as the apostle of the Gentiles, receiving revelations directly from the ascended Christ, distinguishes him from the Twelve and makes him the primary human agent through whom God speaks to the whole human race in this age of grace. Les stresses that Paul is the only apostle of the Gentiles, and his letters are uniquely directed to the church.
Les explains that Paul had to establish his authority because many, especially from the Jewish community, accused him of being an imposter since he hadn't walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry like the twelve disciples did. People said, 'I don't care what Paul says. I'm going to do what Jesus said,' leading to divisions. Paul had to constantly assert that he was a true apostle, having received revelations from the ascended Lord, to validate his teaching.
Les highlights that Paul never had contact with Christ in His earthly ministry nor with the Twelve. Instead, he received all his revelations from the ascended Lord after the finished work of the cross. This gives his apostleship a unique character: it's based on direct revelation from the risen Christ, making his letters the authoritative source for church-age doctrine.
Paul is designated as the apostle of the Gentiles, as stated in Romans 11:13. Les emphasizes that this role is unique, and Paul magnified his office, never backing down. God saw fit to save Paul out of Judaism and commission him specifically for this task. His letters are the only ones written to the church, establishing his authority for believers today.
Is the Church the Bride of Christ? 2 Corinthians 11:2 Explained
Hello, and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Paul's Authority Established
Les shows that Paul had to establish his apostleship because of divisions among believers, some preferring Peter or Jesus' earthly teachings, but Paul is the authority for this age of grace.
Paul's Unique Revelation
Les stresses that if Paul were just another apostle, he'd be a liar, because he alone received the revelation of the doctrines of grace; he is the apostle of the Gentiles and magnifies his office.
Defending His Apostleship
Les explains that Paul defends his apostleship because people accused him of heresy and being an imposter, yet he is the one God designated to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
The Only Gentile Apostle
Les points out that Paul is the only apostle of the Gentiles, as stated in Romans 11:13, and while others like Barnabas were apostles, only Paul's letters are written to the church.
Unique Calling
Les emphasizes that Paul's unique background and calling, even amid opposition, show that no one but Saul of Tarsus could fulfill the role of apostle of the Gentiles.
Revelation from Ascended Christ
Les notes that Paul never had contact with Jesus in His earthly ministry or with the Twelve, but received revelations from the ascely ascended Lord, which gives him his power and authority.
Proof of Apostleship
Les shows that Paul's apostleship is proven by his fruit—leading believers out of idolatry—and that the complaint against him was that he wasn't one of the Twelve.
Romans 11:13: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
This is the key verse Les uses to establish Paul's unique role as the apostle to the Gentiles, giving him authority for the church age.
Paul was saved after Christ's earthly ministry, encountering the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. He received revelations directly from the ascended Christ, as Les explains, which is why he is often seen as an imposter by those who doubt his authority.
Les teaches that Paul has a unique authority for the church age, as he is the apostle of the Gentiles and received special revelations of the doctrines of grace. While the Twelve were apostles to Israel, Paul's letters are directed to the church.
Les said some people think Paul's letters don't belong in the Bible, but he emphasizes that Paul's authority is scriptural and that he is the one God designated to take salvation to the Gentiles.
Watch the Teaching: Is the Church the Bride of Christ? 2 Corinthians 11:2 Explained