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Many people do not believe that Paul was a true apostle of Jesus Christ. Some of them are Jews and Muslims, but some say they are followers of Jesus Christ. Because they believe Paul was a fraud, they deny that any of his epistles are to be followed as part of Scripture. That’s almost half of the New Testament, so it’s a serious issue. That’s why we are investigating questions about Paul in this special series.

The evidence for Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle of Jesus Christ begins in the Gospel of Luke. Luke wrote an extraordinary narrative to a Greek friend for the purpose of explaining what happened in Israel 2,000 years ago.


“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:1-4

Luke is clear from the first sentence of his Gospel account that he was doing what many other people had done – “to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us.” Those others may have included Matthew and Mark. Luke’s Gospel has been known for centuries as an excellent account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and to be synoptic with Matthew and Mark’s Gospel accounts.

Luke continued his narrative about the events in the life of Jesus Christ in what we know as The Acts of the Apostles.

“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:1-3

Luke established clearly in the early part of Acts that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit were in charge of what was going to happen in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world. Jesus promised His disciples they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit” came upon them, and that they would be “witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8.) Jesus, acting in His High Priestly and Prophetic Office, spoke and it was done. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in Jerusalem and the preaching of the Gospel began (Acts 2-3).

Thousands of people were saved on the first day of preaching. They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, in fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayers. Fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all the people, as anyone had need. They continued daily with one accord in the Temple. They broke bread from house to house, ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people (Acts 2:41-47).

Peter was the primary preacher from the beginning of this new movement of the Spirit of God in response to the prophecy of Son of God, Jesus Christ. What was Peter’s message? That the Jews had killed the Messiah and God had raised Him from the dead.

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” Ats 2:22-24

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

“The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:13-15

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32

What did Peter tell the Jews to do because of what they had done to Jesus Christ?

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.” Acts 2:38-40

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:19-21

The tension is powerful in Jerusalem. Peter is preaching, the apostles are working wonders and miracles, the people are being saved and following the teaching of the apostles. The Jewish rulers are arresting Peter and the other apostles and demanding that they stop preaching in the Name of Jesus Christ. Peter and the others refuse to obey the Jewish rulers. Even though the rulers beat the apostles and threatened them, Peter and the apostles “daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:42) The rulers wanted to kill the apostles and began to plot how they could do it without causing themselves problems with the citizens of Jerusalem who were excited about the new Messianic fervor surrounding the preaching of the apostles.

That is the tension that brings us to Paul, known first as Saul of Tarsus. We’ll see the part he played in the Jewish rulers’ plans as we continue our investigation into Paul – Apostle or Fraud.

We are laying an historical foundation for answering questions about the involvement of Saul of Tarsus in the growing movement of Jews who followed the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. There are many people today who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ who believe Paul was a fraud and not a true apostle of Jesus Christ. Because of that they do not subscribe to Paul’s epistles as Scripture, thus cutting out almost half of the Books of New Testament. Many of them believe 2 Peter is also fraudulent, which contains Peter’s support of Paul as an apostle and author of Scripture.

Paul made it clear in his epistles that he was “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God” (Ephesians 1:1) and that he was speaking and writing what Jesus had revealed directly to him (1 Corinthians 9). So, for a group of Christians to deny that Paul was an apostle and to declare his writings as fraudulent is a major problem.

This is not the first time in the history of the Church that groups have opposed Paul’s apostleship and questioned his writings. As we continue laying the historical foundation for answering serious questions by these groups, we will also look at the history of anti-Pauline theology.


The problem between the Jewish leaders and the apostles and disciples of Christ had been growing bigger for months and exploded with the stoning death of Stephen, a deacon in the congregation of Christ followers. Saul was a part of the crowd that stoned Stephen and was a leader in the great persecution of believers that followed.

“At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” Acts 8:1-3

The result of that persecution was not what Saul or the Jewish leaders had intended.

“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4

Instead of running wildly for their lives and hiding from Saul and the soldiers from the high priest, the Christ followers preached the message of Jesus everywhere they went. The remaining verses in Acts 8 contain stories about what happened as they preached.

As we saw in our last study, Saul was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest written to the synagogues of Damascus giving Saul permission to arrest “any who were of the Way, whether men or women” (Acts 9:2) so he could arrest them and bring them bound to Jerusalem.

We also saw that Jesus interrupted Saul’s trip and blinded him with a great light that “shone around him from heaven” (Acts 9:3) Saul heard a voice calling to him saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4) Saul asked the voice who He was and the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5).

Jesus told Saul to get up and go into the city where he would be told “what you must do” (Acts 9:6). The soldiers and others who were with Saul heard a voice but didn’t see anyone. Because Saul was blind the soldiers led him by the hand into Damascus. Saul was blind for three days and didn’t eat or drink. (Acts 9:7-9)

The next event Luke wrote about was a conversation between Jesus Christ and one of His disciples in Damascus. Question: how did Luke know what Jesus and Ananias talked about that day? Answer: Luke was an excellent historian. The work of a journalist is also historical in nature, so I understand how Luke got his information. In fact, he’s already told us.

“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed … The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen.” Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-2

Luke did what historians do – he interviewed the people who made the history. Luke said that he had “perfect understanding of all things from the very first” and used that understanding to write an orderly account to Theophilus so he would “know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” One of the people Luke most likely interviewed was Ananias.

It’s also important to remember that the Holy Spirit is at the center of everything going on in Israel, Samaria, Syria and other places where He spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God spoke directly to those early believers, as we will soon see, and may have given information to Luke that he was not able to gain from personal interviews.

Jesus spoke to Ananias, who lived in Damascus, in a vision. The Lord told him to get and go to a “street called straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.” Jesus went on to tell Ananias that Paul had already seen Ananias in a vision coming to put his hands on him so he could receive sight again. You might imagine Ananias’ response.

“Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” Acts 9:13-14

That statement by Ananias confirms Luke’s earlier information about Paul being an enemy of Christ and His followers. How Jesus responded to Ananias give us great insight to the unique ministry He had planned for Paul.

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16

Look at those words closely:

he is a chosen vessel of Mine
to bear My name before Gentiles
before kings
before the children of Israel
I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake
We’ve already seen that Jesus chose Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. Now, we see that Saul (Paul) was a “chosen vessel of Mine.” That is an extremely personal phrase pointing to Paul’s purpose and position. Paul belonged to Jesus Christ and would perform the duties of a “chosen vessel.” The Greek is skeuos ekloges estin moi – literally, “a vessel of choice is to me.” The word for “vessel” (skeuos) means “container, implement.” The word for “chosen” (ekloges) means “the act of picking out, choosing.” The words for “is to me” (estin moi) carry the idea of personal choice. Jesus told Ananias that He chose Saul to be a container/implement for Himself. The Lord made a personal choice that Saul would belong to Him and be useful as a container for His purpose.

The work that Jesus purposed for Saul was “to bear My name.” Jesus intended for Saul to be His “chosen vessel” (container) to bear His Name “before Gentiles,” followed by “before kings,” and “before the children of Israel.” To top it off, Jesus said that Saul would “suffer for My name’s sake.” Paul would suffer in his position as a “chosen vessel” for the Lord.

When you look at the life that Saul (Paul) lived after his conversion, did it look anything like the life that Jesus prophesied to Ananias? If it did, then Paul was obedient to his calling. If not, then Paul was not obedient. The words of Jesus to Ananias are key to whether Paul was a true apostle of Christ or a fraud.

Ananias went to the house where Saul was staying, entered the house and laid hands on him. Ananias accomplished four things in his message to Saul:

called him “brother Saul” … that carried with it the powerful sense of acceptance, inclusion and purpose
reminded him of his encounter with the “Lord Jesus” on the road … what happened to Saul on that road would forever be a milestone in the life of Saul and the followers of Jesus Christ
that Jesus sent Ananias to Saul so he could receive his sight … the Lord wanted Saul to see again physically, but see as a believer for the first time. The last thing Saul would remember seeing before going blind was his blind anger against God. The first thing Saul would remember seeing after his ‘Damascus road’ experience would be a brother in Christ who accepted him and partnered with him in the ministry Jesus had called him to do.
and be filled with the Holy Spirit … Saul would go from being a young Jewish rabbi who only knew God from a distance to a follower of the Way he had once persecuted having the very Spirit of God living inside him and filling him with His power and glory.
Saul received his sight immediately when something like scales fell from his eyes. He arose, was baptized, received food, was strengthen and “spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.” Acts 9:18-19

What happened next is quite remarkable. ”Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20) Saul went from angry pharisee arresting God’s people to being one of God’s people preaching that Jesus Christ “is the Son of God.” What an amazing theological change was wrought in Saul.

Then all who heard were amazed, and said, ‘Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?’ But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 9:20-22

What caused this amazing change in Saul? Two things: he was filled with the Holy Spirit and he spent time with the disciples at Damascus (Acts 9:17-19). We’re only into the first several days of Saul’s life as a follower of Jesus Christ and already the evidence is mounting in favor of the future of Pauline theology.

Jesus revealed Himself personally to Saul on the road to Damascus
Jesus revealed Himself personally to the disciple Ananias, verified the call of Saul to a special ministry to Gentiles, kings and Jews
Ananias the confirmed disciple of Christ met with Saul and told him what Jesus said about the ministry that Saul would have for Christ
Ananias the confirmed disciple of Christ told Saul that Jesus had sent him so that Saul would receive his sight and be “filled with the Holy Spirit”
Ananias the confirmed disciple of Christ baptized Saul and introduced him to the Lord’s disciples in Damascus
Saul spent time with the Lord’s disciples in Damascus and preached in the synagogues that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
People in the synagogues recognized that Saul was the Pharisee who “destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem” and that he had come to Damascus for that same purpose, “so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests.”
Saul increased in strength and “confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.”
This evidence is powerful for sure, but it’s just the beginning. In the next part of our investigation into whether Paul was an apostle or a fraud, we’ll see what the Lord’s 12 Apostles did when Saul returned to Jerusalem from Damascus and wanted to meet them.

Rebellion Against Pauline Authority
by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam
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One of the chief reasons why so many sincere religious people are left in doubt and uncertainty as to salvation is because the organized Church has rebelled against a distinct and important revelation from God to us who live in this present age. This revelation is found in the inspired words of Paul, in Rom. 11:13:

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles. I magnify mine office.”

Many minimize that which the Word of God magnifies here. They insist upon following Peter rather than Paul, failing to see that Peter’s authority concerned the now-rejected kingdom of Christ on earth over Israel and the nations. Our Lord had said to His twelve apostles:

“Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, YE ALSO SHALL SIT UPON TWELVE THRONES, JUDGING THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL” (Matt. 19:2 cool .

Surely there are no twelve tribes in the Church today, nor was any provision, specific or implied, made by our Lord for “apostolic succession.” This dogma is built upon the unscriptural assumption that the Church today is the kingdom which Christ established when on earth, and that our ministry today is but a perpetuation of that which the twelve began.

The fact is that the ministry of the twelve was halted by the rejection of the King and His kingdom and that the apostles themselves finally agreed to turn their proposed Gentile ministry over to Paul, that other apostle, to whom had been committed “the gospel of the grace of God” (Read carefully, Gal. 2:2-9 and Acts 20:24).

If only the confused religious masses could see that when Israel joined the Gentiles in rebellion against God, when the world’s sin had risen to its height and all was ready for judgment, God revealed “the exceeding riches of His grace” by saving Saul, the chief of sinners, and sending him forth as both the herald and the living example of His grace! Thus he writes:

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound, BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND: “THAT AS SIN HATH REIGNED UNTO DEATH, EVEN SO MIGHT GRACE REIGN, through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 5:20,21).

“Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, ‘You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” Acts 11:1-3

Uh-oh, Peter’s in trouble. The other apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard what had happened in Caesarea. Those of the circumcision (Jews) “contended” with Peter about his going into the home of uncircumcised men (Gentiles) and eating with them.

Watch what happens next because it sets the stage for what God is going to do through Paul (Saul).


“But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: ‘I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me,‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?’ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:4- 17

Many things to see here, but let’s look at two specifics that will relate later to Paul.

Peter knew nothing about God’s plan to save Gentiles and would have opposed it if he had not experienced the vision of the sheet and heard the Holy Spirit tell him to go with the Gentile men to preach the Gospel of Christ to Cornelius and his family
The other apostles and brethren in Jerusalem knew nothing about God’s plan to save Gentiles and would have opposed it if Peter had not confirmed that God told him to do it and the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles while he was still speaking
Think back to what Jesus told His disciple Ananias about Saul – “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16) Jesus chose Saul separately from Peter and the other apostles to be a “chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Why? Why did Jesus choose Saul separately and much later than the Jewish apostles?

Jesus spent months training Peter, James, John and the other apostles for the work He had for them to do after He returned to Heaven and sent His Holy Spirit to empower them. The Lord spent 40 days after His resurrection “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3) The Holy Spirit filled all of them on the Day of Pentecost and Peter preached boldly in the streets of Jerusalem to every Jew who would listen to him. The thousands of Jews who became followers of Christ “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) Do you find it a little unusual that with the years of personal training with Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit and taught by Him what they would teach the disciples, that none of them had any idea Jesus planned to save Gentiles without them first converting to Judaism and that the Holy Spirit would fill them even as He did the Jewish disciples? Gentiles were unclean. How could this be?

We don’t have to go far to find out what God was doing. The very next verses in Acts 11 begin the unfolding of the Lord’s plan for Paul and the Gentiles, immediately following the salvation of Cornelius and his family and friends and Peter rehearsing what happened to the other Jewish apostles who were upset by what he had done. It was apparently vital to God’s plan that Peter be the apostle to preach to the Gentiles and for the other apostles to accept that it was the work of the Holy Spirit.

“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:19-30

Remember Barnabas? He had a direct connection to the apostles in Jerusalem and Saul (Paul). God used Barnabas to introduce Saul to Peter and the other apostles years before and God used Barnabas again to introduce Saul to the church in Antioch Syria. More corroboration and confirmation of Saul having a direct connection to the apostles.

So far in the historical account in Acts we have seen Jesus speak with Saul, Jesus speak with Ananias, Ananias speak with Saul, Saul speak with Barnabas, Barnabas introduce Saul to Peter and other apostles, the apostles send Barnabas to Antioch of Syria to find out what was happening there, Barnabas saw what God was going in Antioch and encouraged the new believers, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to Antioch, Barnabas and Saul taught “a great many people” in Antioch and that’s where the disciples “were first called Christians,” and Barnabas and Saul took a relief donation from Antioch to the elders in Jerusalem. I must say, that’s a pretty impressive list of connections for Saul so far, but we’re not done.

“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark. Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.” Acts 12:25-13:4

The Holy Spirit told the prophets and teachers in Antioch (Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul) to “separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The Christians at Antioch fasted and prayed and laid hands on them and sent them away, but who really sent them? “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit.”

God the Spirit joined God the Son in choosing Saul for a special ministry to Gentiles. (It’s important to remember that Jesus did His Father’s Will, so we can easily see that God the Father is involved in the selection of Saul for this special ministry.) Jesus said that Saul was His “chosen vessel” to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. The Holy Spirit told the prophets at Antioch to separate Barnabas and Saul to Him for the work He had called them to do. The next verses are crucial to see the connection between what Jesus called Saul to do and what the Holy Spirit called Saul to do. Would it be the same or different?

“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”

Jesus said Paul would bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel and the Holy Spirit sent Paul to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. That’s what I would expect to happen “if” Paul was really called by God to be an apostle. God is not divided. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not going to have different ideas about where to send Paul. Jesus called Paul to bear His name primarily to Gentiles and the Holy Spirit sent Paul to bear the name of Jesus primarily to Gentiles.

As we follow Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey we find them starting by preaching in Jewish synagogues about Jesus as Messiah, but it wasn’t long before Paul announced his special calling from God.

“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:44-47

Paul’s famous words, “behold, we turn to the Gentiles,” ring true because of his special calling by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, just because Jesus and the Holy Spirit called Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles did not mean the apostles and other leaders in Jerusalem were in agreement with what he and Barnabas did. We’ll see what happened when the two sides meet next time as we continue to investigate whether Paul was an apostle or a fraud.

Some Christian friends have asked me why I’m writing a series to answer questions about the legitimacy of Paul’s apostleship. Almost every Christian I know personally believes that Paul was an apostle of Christ and that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write letters to 1st century churches (e.g. Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, etc). So, why bother with what appears to be a fringe group of people who call themselves Christians, but do not accept Paul’s apostleship? I am concerned about three important matters.


First, I am concerned about what God is doing in our world today. God the Father sent God the Son to die “for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). God the Son sent God the Spirit into the world to “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8.). As we’ve seen in previous studies, God the Son personally selected Paul to be His “chosen vessel” to bear His name “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). God the Spirit chose Paul to open “the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).” Since God chose Paul to serve Him in this way, it is important to stand on the side of God’s choice.

Second, I am concerned about the integrity of the Word of God. Jesus told Satan, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Since Jesus chose Paul as His chosen vessel to bear His Name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel and since the Holy Spirit chose Paul to open the door of faith to the Gentiles and since God spoke directly to Paul (e.g. Acts 9:4-6; 18:9; 23:11) and the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write prophetic letters to the 1st century churches (e.g. 2 Peter ; Romans 15:17-19; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 13, 16; 9:17-18; 15:51; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 5:19; 10:7-11; 13:1-10; Ephesians 3:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 2:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:8-9; 3:10-11; Titus 1:3), we must stand by God’s choice of Paul to reveal God’s Word to the Gentile churches.

Third, I am concerned about people who are being misled by those who oppose God’s Work through Paul. What will happen to them because of their rejection of Paul’s apostleship? The voice of opposition grows stronger even as the enemy grows bolder in his war against God. People who reject God’s Word through the writings of Paul are losing out on knowing the complete Gospel of Jesus Christ. Does it not seem strange that if Jesus meant for His Church to abide only in the Words He spoke during His earthly Ministry, that He would select Paul as His chosen vessel to bear His Name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel? Does it not seem strange that if the Holy Spirit meant for the Church to live only by the Words of Christ during His earthly Ministry, that He would tell the prophets at Antioch to separate Barnabas and Paul for the “work” to which He had called them? Does it not seem strange that if God meant for Christ followers to believe only what the Lord spoke during His years on earth primarily to Jews in Israel, that He would have chosen Paul to open the door of faith to the Gentiles?

The opposition to Paul’s apostolic ministry began within days of Jesus calling him on the road to Damascus. That’s not surprising because of what our Lord told Ananias: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). Suffering for the Name of Jesus was as much a part of Paul’s apostolic ministry as being a chosen vessel to bear the Name of Jesus. The same was true for Christ’s other apostles.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.” John 15:18-25

Paul, like Peter, James, John and the other apostles, would suffer greatly because of their ministry in the Name of Jesus Christ. Paul suffered from both Gentiles and Jews because that was the ministry to which Jesus had called him (“he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel”). Here are some examples of Paul’s suffering for Christ as recorded in the Book of Acts.

“Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.” Acts 9:23

“And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.” Acts 9:29

“Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. And they were preaching the gospel there.” Acts 14:1-7

“Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.” Acts 14:19-20

“And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, ‘These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.’ Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” Acts 16:20-24

“But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.” Acts 17:13-14

“And all the city was disturbed; and the people ran together, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done. And some among the multitude cried one thing and some another.” Acts 21:30-34

“And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!’ Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him.” Acts 22:22-24

“Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.” Acts 23:10

“And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, ‘We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” Acts 23:12-15

“Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.” Acts 23:31-35

“But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.” Acts 24:27

“And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.” Acts 27:1-2

“But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.” Acts 27:21-26

“When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.” Acts 27:39-44

Paul wrote about his sufferings for the Name of Christ in some of his letters.

“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, inperils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” 2 Corinthians 11:22-29

Paul also suffered for the Name of Christ by the message of Jews who tried to destroy the Gospel message that Paul preached to Gentiles.

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?” Galatians 3:1-4

“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!” Galatians 5:7-12

“See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.” Galatians 6:11-15

These enemies of Paul’s message not only tried to turn the Gentiles toward a Jewish version of faith in Christ, they also tried to turn the Gentiles against Paul’s apostleship.

“Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

“Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I amuntrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, inperils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.” 2 Corinthians 11

“I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!” 2 Corinthians 12:11-13

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— ‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” Colossians 2:11-23

Paul suffered many things for the Name of Jesus Christ. That is clear from both the Book of Acts and Paul’s letters. Paul faced opposition to his apostleship to the Gentiles (uncircumcision) during the many years of his ministry. Even though Paul was eventually killed for preaching the Gospel, that did not end the opposition to his ministry. In the next part of our investigation into whether Paul was an apostle or a fraud, we will look at that opposition from the end of the 1st century to the current 21st century AD.

We’ve spent the past 10 posts in the Book of Acts building a case for the connection Paul had directly to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the 12 Apostles, and the disciples of Christ in Judea, Samaria and Syria. We’ve also demonstrated confirmation by the 12 Apostles of Paul’s call to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Not once in the Book of Acts do any of the 12 Apostles call Paul a fraud or apostate.

We come now to the direct challenge to Paul’s Apostleship. Many who believe Paul is a fraud use the “steamroller approach,” asking scores of questions accompanied by Scripture to give the questions an appearance of truth. Don’t be fooled by that technique. The proof is in the quality, not the quantity.

I’ve been contacted by multiple people about my quoting from Paul’s epistles, so I’ll take their questions in order.


“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ‘I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.” Revelation 2:1-2

The first challenger to Paul’s apostleship asked questions as they relate to Revelation 2:1-2. Below is their list of questions exactly as they sent them to us.

Questions:

o Does Paul indeed address those at Ephesus as an “apostle” in Ephesians 1:1?

Answer:

Yes, Paul called himself an “apostle” in Ephesians 1:1.

o Rev 2:2 speaks in past tense of this occurrence. Was Paul’s ministry before or after 90AD when the vision of Revelation was given?

Answer:

Paul’s ministry was before 90AD.

“Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:14

Question:

o How can Paul be a 13th apostle when Revelation 21:14 says there are only twelve?

Answer:

Paul is not “a 13th apostle.” He did not claim to be a 13th apostle and is not called a 13th apostle by anyone else in the New Testament. Paul’s name is not listed on the foundations to the walls of the New Jerusalem because he is not an apostle to the uncircumcised (Jews). Paul was an apostle to the circumcised (Gentiles).

“So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28

Question:

o If Paul is a 13th apostle, then why does Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:28 there are only twelve?

Answer:

Paul is not “a 13th apostle.” Jesus said there were 12 apostles to Israel and Paul was not one of them. Jesus called Paul on the road to Damascus for a different mission than the 12.

Question:

o If Paul’s apostleship was not in dispute by believers, then why does he defend it in 1st Corinthians 9:1-3?

Answer:

Paul’s apostleship was in dispute by the Judaizers who attacked him at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) and other Jews who opposed his ministry to the Gentiles in many cities across many countries. As we’ve already seen, the 12 Apostles, the Lord’s half-brother James, and other Jewish elders and disciples in Jerusalem confirmed the apostleship of Paul and Barnabas and the Holy Spirit’s opening the door of faith to the Gentiles through them.

The Christians in Corinth were among those the Judaizers impacted by pouring “poison in the ear” to turn them from spiritual freedom to spiritual captivity. You stopped your referencing at verse 3, which cuts off Paul in mid-sentence. Here’s the context of what he wrote in defense of his apostleship in 1 Corinthians 9. It’s clear from his explanation and his humility that his sole concern was to complete the work God had given him to do among the Gentiles.

“Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.’ Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Question:

o Why does he speak in 1st Corinthians 9:3 of those who “try” him unless he was “tried” as Rev 2:2 alleges?

Answer:

The problem Paul was facing with Judaizers attacking his apostleship is a different situation than what Jesus told the Ephesian Christians in Revelation 2. As we’ve already seen in Acts, Jesus called Paul for the ministry to the Gentiles (chapter 9) and John supported Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles (chapter 15). If Jesus wanted to call Paul out as a fraud by name, Revelation 2 would have been the perfect place to do it. The Holy Spirit called Paul to preach the Gospel in Ephesus and minister to the needs of the new Christians for at least two years. Since Jesus was personally addressing “the angel of the church of Ephesus” about testing “those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars,” He could have easily added Paul’s name as a prime example of someone who said he was an apostle, but wasn’t. However, Jesus didn’t mention Paul’s name in that context.

“This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” 2 Timothy 1:15

Question:

o If Paul was not one whom the Ephesians found to be a liar in Rev 2:2, then why does Paul say in 2nd Timothy 1:15 that “all they which are in Asia have turned away from me.”?

Answer:

The answer to your question is in the context of Paul’s letter to Timothy. Begin with verse 1 of 2 Timothy 1 and read through verse 14. What is the context? The issue is suffering and shame. Paul was in a Roman prison for preaching the Gospel (again) and he called on Timothy to not be ashamed of the testimony of Jesus or of Paul being “His prisoner.” Paul asked Timothy to share with him “in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” It was because of the Gospel, Paul wrote, that he was suffering, but he was not ashamed.

With Paul’s imprisonment as the context, read verse 15ff again.

“This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.” 2 Timothy 1:15-18

Do you see why “all those in Asia” had turned away from him, including Phygellus and Hermogenes? Do you see why Paul asked that the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus since he was not ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment and had often refreshed him in prison? Context is an important key to making the right interpretation.

Question:

o If Paul was not called a liar about his apostleship as Rev 2:2 says, then why does he specifically say in 1st Timothy 2:7 he is not lying about his apostleship?

Answer:

Your answer is in the context. Paul’s first letter to Timothy begins with a reminder about being truthful. In fact, Paul begins by calling Timothy “a true son in the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:2)

Paul’s concern was about the truth of the “doctrine” (teaching) about Jesus Christ.

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7

Paul reminded Timothy of the true purpose of the Mosaic Law.

“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Paul was under no illusion about who he was. He was the “chief” of sinners. He even shares a list of those sins (blasphemer, persecutor, insolent), but being a “liar” was not one of them. Paul told the truth about himself and showed how the Lord’s forgiveness of his sins was an example of God’s “mercy” and how Jesus showed “all longsuffering” toward him.

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul emphasized having a good conscience before the Lord.

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Paul’s original letter had no chapter divisions, so chapter two is a continuation of his thoughts from chapter one. These next verses are the closest context to the verse in question (vs. 7).

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Paul is emphasizing the truthfulness and importance of all that he’s telling Timothy. We even use similar language today when emphasizing something that’s truthful and important. Our purpose is to emphasize the truth, not defend ourselves as liars.

More questions and answers next time as we continue to investigate whether Paul was an apostle or a fraud.

Paul – Apostle or Fraud (Part 13)

Saint PaulThe question is not frivolous or trivial: was Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ or a fraud? We’ve seen from the history of the early Church in Luke’s second letter to Theophilus (known to us as the Book of Acts) that Jesus Christ personally called Paul to be an apostle (Acts 9) and that the Holy Spirit called Paul to open the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 13).

About half of the Book of Acts references Paul’s ministry to Jews and Gentiles, and Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament. However, even with that overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe that Paul was an apostle and go as far as to call him a fraud. In calling Paul a fraud they also call his writings fraudulent, which is a major issue for Christians. Most of the Paul-challengers I’ve heard from also believe 2 Peter is fraudulent, partially because the letter supports Paul’s apostleship and his authorship of Scripture.

If Paul is fraudulent, then what do we make of the writings of one of Paul’s most famous students, Luke? Can Luke be trusted if his mentor is a fraud?


Here are the Books of the New Testament that are most likely fraudulent if Paul is a fraud:

Luke

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Hebrews (possibly)

2 Peter

I hope you grasp the seriousness of this question. Much of Christian theology (“God knowledge”) is based on the prophetic and teaching ministry of Paul. If Paul was a fraud and his teachings are fraudulent, then Christianity as we know it is wrong and should be corrected. That’s what many people are challenging us to do – throw out Paul and correct our knowledge and practice to align ourselves with only a small number of New Testament Books.

That’s where some Paul-challengers differ. Some think Luke and Acts are okay, even though Luke was a student and fellow minister with Paul. Some do not think Luke or Acts are okay. Some think Luke is okay, but only the first six chapters of Acts are true. Some think Matthew is okay, but Mark, Luke and John are not. Some think 1 Peter is good, but 2 Peter isn’t. Some think John’s Gospel and 1st John are okay, but that 2 and 3 John and Revelation are not. Do you see the problem here?

If this is your first time reading this series, please read through the first 12 parts before continuing here. We established the foundation of Paul’s ministry in the first ten parts, then started answering specific questions by Paul-challengers in parts 11 and 12.

I’m answering every question sent to me about Paul during the past several months and posting them exactly as sent to me.

Question

If Paul’s claim in Galatians 2:16 is true, that we are saved by faith only, then why does James refute this in James 2:14-26 calling the author of this doctrine “o vain man” in v.20?
Answer

This is the most asked question I receive about Paul’s apostleship. How could Paul be an apostle if James taught something different?

First question that comes to mind is about James. This is not James the Apostle. King Herod killed him prior to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 12). The James who wrote the Book of James is believed to be the half brother of Jesus. This James was also a leader in the Jerusalem assembly. He is not called nor does he refer to himself as an apostle in Acts or the Book of James, but Paul does refer to James as an apostle.

“But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.” Galatians 1:19

In fact, it’s obvious from Paul’s writings and the Book of Acts that Paul had great respect for James. It also appears from Acts that James respected Paul and the special call Jesus and the Holy Spirit had for Paul.

“Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, ‘Men and brethren, listen to me: Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree … Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren … it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Act 15:12-15, 22, 25-26

“And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord.” Acts 21:18-20

“But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” Galatians 2:6-9

Many scholars estimate that Paul wrote Galatians early in his ministry (approx. 50 AD), so Peter, James and John would have had plenty of time before their deaths to refute Paul’s claim concerning what happened in Jerusalem and Antioch. James may have written his letter before the Jerusalem Council, but Peter and John wrote years later and could have addressed Paul’s statements if false.

If James wrote his letter prior to the Jerusalem Council, that would explain why he did not address the issue of Grace to Jews as Paul did later to Gentiles. James wrote specifically to Jews – “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1). James’ letter is entirely Jewish. Nothing is addressed about any Gentiles members in the local assemblies. Given the surprise and concern expressed by the apostles (except for Peter) and the elders in Jerusalem (Acts 15), James writing his letter prior to that would explain why.

Paul is often accused of having no place for “works” in his Gospel. That’s not true.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

Salvation is by grace through faith. It is not something we deserve or can earn. We cannot boast about “working” for our salvation. Our boasting is in Christ. Paul’s letters are abundantly clear that God provides “justification” through faith, not works – “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

However, we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus “for” (Greek – with a view to) good works, which God prepared “beforehand” that we should walk (order our behavior) in the sphere of them. ”Works” is absolutely part of Paul’s Gospel, so much so that he warned the Corinthians that God would test each one’s work, of what sort it was.

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-15

Paul told the Corinthians to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58.). In another letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8.). Again, works is a vital part of Paul’s Gospel. It is what God has called us to do “after” we are saved. We are saved by grace through faith for the purpose of serving God. We were chosen, saved and set apart “for good works.”