Paul's Credibility (P3)

Paul's Credibility (Part 3) Paul made some incredible claims in his writings. He claims to be the "mater builder", "the Apostle to the Gentiles" and encourages his converts that they should "imitate and follow him". In this short series we will investigate these claims and determine how Paul could say such bold things.

This study will bring validity and confirmation to the credibility of Paul and to the scriptures he was inspired to write to the Body of Christ.

This is Part 3 of the series. To gain the full context of this article, please start in Part 1 here.

Paul could boldly speak these claims because the ascended Lord chose him.

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him (Ananias), Go! For this one is a chosen vessel to Me, to bear My name before Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. (See also Galatians 1:1)

Transliteration: eklogḗ;  Definition (Strongs Lex G1589): a divine selection; Usage: a choosing out, selecting, choice by God. 

 [1589 /eklogḗ ("divine selection")] occurs seven times in the Greek NT; once for "chosen" (Paul) Acts 9:15, six times for "elect" in reference to the body of Christ.

The word "chosen" in this verse is translated as, "divine selection". This is not just a position ordained by man. Paul was not voted into a position by a selection panel. No! Paul was selected by the Lord Himself, to fulfil a specific and special purpose in His divine plan to redeem humanity; to reach the Gentiles with a new Gospel message and a new Grace doctrine, given by the glorified Lord Himself.

Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in (not to or on) me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,

Acts 26:15 And I said, Who are you, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus whom you persecute. 16  But rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of those things in which I will yet reveal unto you;

(Continue with Part 4 of this study here.)