Maybe more than anywhere else in all his Epistles, Paul establishes his AUTHORITY as an Apostle when addressing the Galatian Churches.
(The Epistle to the Romans may be a close second! But he had never seen those people, most of them anyway, face-to-face! Not when writing that Epistle, Romans. Thus it was necessary to show them his “status” as a Preacher. Yet Paul knew the Galatians very well! This is remarkable!)
Look at what I mean, in Galatians, the first part of the salutation there. “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) and all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia.” Galatians 1:1-2
The Greek noun “apostlos” means “an official delegate.” Or “one sent forth with orders!” And clearly Paul here authenticates his “position” by referring to its Source, God the Father and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the RESURRECTED Jesus Christ! (This is powerful!) In Greek “apo” means “from, away from.” And “stello” means “to set in order.”
And Apostle comes, in the New Testament view, to “straighten some things out,” things that have gradually drifted or changed for the worse!
Interestingly. Paul does not even mention being an Apostle in the salutation of Philippians, that being one of his most loving Churches! (No need to “pull rank!”)
Nor in the two Thessalonian Letters, one of Paul’s “supporting” congregations!
So why does Paul feel the need to establish such “gravitas” with the Galatians?
Because they are, at least to some degree, questioning his very Apostleship!
The Believers there have been (wrongly) told that Paul has led them astray!
That Paul’s “Gospel of Grace” is incomplete at best, and at worst, blatantly wrong!
So Paul is flashing his credentials … before engaging in debate with those who say salvation is via Moses, not Jesus! Those called “Judiazers” most often.
Yes, God calls His men and invests them with authority to declare His Word!
And that includes men like your Pastor, by the way!
Thank God that he (the Pastor) loves you and seeks to befriend you and your family again and again. But never forget he is also a MAN OF GOD! Given (via His “call” and the anointing Power of the Holy Spirit) authority to preach the Bible, in its entirety!
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
What a practical Text this morning!