Unveiling the Mystery of the Gospel (Part 1 of 5)

Unveiling the Mystery of the Gospel (Part 1 of 5)

The Power that Establishes the Believer

"Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ..." — Romans 16:25a

The Doctrine: Divine Establishment

In the closing of his letter to the Romans, Paul shifts from the logic of justification to a final declaration of God’s sovereignty. The Greek word for "stablish" (sterizo) means to fix something so firmly in place that it becomes immovable. Within the context of this entire letter, Paul is teaching that spiritual stability is a work of God, not an achievement of man. After sixteen chapters of explaining the depth of human sin and the riches of God's grace, Paul concludes that the only way a believer can remain firm in the "obedience of faith" is through the external power of God.

Extracting the Truth in Context

This "stablishing" does not happen in a vacuum. Note the specific boundaries Paul sets: "according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ." God does not stabilize us through vague spirituality or emotional experiences; He uses the objective truth of the Gospel. This is the same power Paul referenced in Romans 1:16—"for it is the power of God unto salvation." Furthermore, to be stablished, one must be anchored in the "preaching of Jesus Christ." This isn't just preaching about Him; it is the proclamation that He is the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. In context, Paul is asserting that your stability is directly tied to your understanding of the Gospel he has just spent sixteen chapters explaining. If you are not grounded in the doctrine of Christ, you cannot be "stablished."

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.

The Office of an Apostle: Rightly Divided and Rightly Understood

The Office of an Apostle: Rightly Divided and Rightly Understood

In a world where titles are freely claimed and spiritual offices are often misunderstood, it’s vital that we return to Scripture and rightly divide the Word of truth. One such office that has been widely misapplied in modern Christianity is that of the apostle. What does the Bible say? Who qualifies? And most importantly—is the office of an apostle still active today?

Let’s walk through this biblically, thoughtfully, and with reverence for the Word of God. You can also watch the video of this lesson here.

What Is an Apostle?

The word apostle comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning one who is sent or a messenger. It refers to someone specifically commissioned and sent by Jesus Christ with a divine message and mission. See the following scriptures for reference: 

• The 12 apostles under the Kingdom dispensation: Luke 9:2; John 20:21; Mark 16:15. 
• Paul under the Grace dispensation: Acts 9:15-16; Acts 26:16-18; Romans 1:1; Romans 11:13; Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Timothy 2:7.

Paul opens his letter to Titus with this declaration:

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1, KJV).

This is not a casual title. It is a divinely appointed office, not a self-assumed role.