Why Did God Choose Paul the Apostle and What Was His Ministry?

Paul, a prominent figure in early Christianity, was a man of deep religious and intellectual background. His journey to becoming one of the foremost apostles is a fascinating tale of divine intervention and transformation. This article explores the reasons behind God's choice of Paul, and delves into the nature of his ministry.

Defining the Term "Apostle"

Before we delve into the reasons for Paul's selection as an apostle, it is essential to define the term ldquo;apostle.rdquo; The Greek word ldquo;apostolosrdquo; is derived from the verb ldquo;apostello,rdquo; which means ldquo;one sent out.rdquo; This is further elaborated in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Definition

According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, an apostle is defined as a ldquo;messenger, one sent on a mission,rdquo; or ldquo;an ambassador of the Gospel.rdquo; This definition highlights the primary role of an apostle as someone chosen and sent by God to carry out a divine mission.

Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon Definition

Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon further clarifies that an apostle is ldquo;especially applied to the twelve disciples whom Christ selected out of the multitude of his adherents to be his constant companions and the heralds to proclaim to men the kingdom of God.rdquo; This definition is reinforced by several biblical references, including Matthew 10:1-4, Luke 6:13, Acts 1:26, and Revelation 21:14.

God's Choice of Paul

Despite Paul's initial opposition to Christian teachings, God chose him to be one of the greatest apostles. This decision was not made without significant purpose and divine foreordination.

Acts 9:10–16 provides insight into this transformative journey. In this passage, we see that God directly commissions Saul, who would later be known as Paul, as an apostle. The Lord instructs Ananias to anoint Saul, who was then praying, and informs Ananias that Saul is a chosen vessel to proclaim the Gospel. This commissioning is a clear demonstration of God's sovereign choice.

God's Purposes for Choosing Paul

God chose Paul for two primary reasons. Firstly, he was to spread the Gospel message to gentiles, kings, and children of Israel. This was a major departure from the original disciples, who initially preached primarily to the Jews. Secondly, Paul would suffer for the name of Jesus. This aspect highlights the sacrificial path Paul would follow in his ministry.

Paul's Ministry: A Commissioned Missionary

Paul's ministry was characterized by his unique mission to the gentiles. Unlike the original twelve disciples, who were primarily focused on the Jewish community, Paul dedicated himself to spreading the message of salvation to the gentiles. This change in focus was a significant and transformative aspect of his work.

Acts 13 provides a glimpse of Paul's early ministry when he and Barnabas were driven out by jealous Jews. This event marked the official beginning of Paul's mission to the Gentiles. The map of his travels, including major cities such as Antioch, Corinth, and Rome, attests to the breadth and depth of his ministry. These travels further illustrate the global impact of Paul's work.

Apostleship and Divine Evidence

Paul claimed to be an apostle on the basis of divine revelation and direct commissioning by Jesus. Galatians 1:11-24 and 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 are key passages that attest to Paul's apostolic authority. These testimonies highlight the profound and direct revelation Paul received, which set him apart from his peers.

Conclusion

God's choice of Paul as an apostle was a strategic and purposeful decision. Paul's unique background, combined with his commissioning by Jesus, allowed him to fulfill a mission that greatly expanded the scope and reach of the early Christian message. His ministry to the Gentiles, accompanied by significant suffering and persecution, is a testament to the fulfillment of God's divine plan.

Key Points

Paul was chosen and sent by God to bear the Gospel message to gentiles, kings, and children of Israel. His ministry was marked by a significant change in focus from the Jewish community to the broader gentile world. Paul's apostolic authority was established through direct revelation and divine commissioning.

By understanding the reasons behind God's choice of Paul and the nature of his ministry, we gain a deeper appreciation for the foundational role he played in the development of Christianity.