Paul’s Apostleship: Our Authority, Our Doctrine, Our Growth

Paul’s Apostleship: Our Authority, Our Doctrine, Our Growth

In 1 Corinthians 9:1-2, Paul opens with a series of rhetorical questions that gently affirm his God-given role and the spiritual fruit of his labour among the Corinthians:

“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?”

Each question carries weight:

• “Am I not an apostle?” – Paul was sent by Christ with divine authority and purpose. His apostleship was not self-appointed, nor conferred by men, but established by the risen Lord.
• “Am I not free?” – He served voluntarily, not under compulsion or religious institution. His liberty in Christ allowed him to minister without earthly constraint.
• “Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” – This was a requirement for apostleship (Acts 1:21-22). Paul saw the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6), confirming his divine commissioning.
• “Are not ye my work in the Lord?” – The Corinthians themselves were living proof of his ministry. Their salvation and spiritual growth were the fruit of his labour in Christ.

He continues:

“If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 9:2)

Even if others questioned his apostleship, the Corinthians could not. They had personally benefited from his teaching, correction, and care. Their faith was the seal—the authenticating mark—of his apostleship. A seal confirms ownership, authority, and truth. Their transformation in Christ was the evidence that Paul was sent by God.

This is not mere historical reflection. Paul’s apostleship is directly tied to our spiritual standing today. He was not just an apostle to Corinth, or to a few scattered churches. He was appointed as “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), and he magnified that office—not to elevate himself, but to highlight the grace and responsibility entrusted to him by the Lord.

“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11-12)

Paul received our gospel directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. His epistles are not optional reading for Gentile believers—they are our doctrinal foundation. In them we find:

• Justification – declared righteous by faith, apart from works (Romans 3:24-28)
• Sanctification – set apart and renewed in mind and conduct (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7)
• Maturity – growing into the measure of the stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13-15)
• Eternal glory – our hope secured in Christ, revealed through Paul’s gospel (2 Timothy 2:10)

To neglect Paul’s writings is to sidestep the very truth that Christ gave for our age. To study them is to seek the Lord rightly, to walk in the Spirit, and to be established in grace. Paul’s words are not suggestions—they are commandments of the Lord:

“What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 14:36-37)

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” (2 Timothy 2:7)

Let us not be casual with the scriptures. Let us not be vague about doctrine. Let us not be indifferent to the voice of our apostle. Paul’s epistles are the Lord’s provision for our age. In them is the wisdom, clarity, and spiritual nourishment we need to stand, walk, and grow.

📖 Read them. Study them. Believe them. Teach them. In them is Christ revealed—in truth, in grace, and in glory.