The Uniqueness and the Importance of the Apostle Paul

[AVBunyan]

I believe vehemently that the most neglected truths today are those from the Apostle of Paul to the Gentiles.

1. Paul was given the gospel – I Cor. 15:1-5; Rom. 16:25; II Tim. 2:8.

2. Paul as given his revelation directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself – Gal. 1:16, 17; Acts 26:16; II Cor. 12:7; Gal. 2:2

3. Paul fulfilled the word of God – Col. 1:25.

4. Paul was the only apostle who told you to follow him – I Cor. 4:16; I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; II Thess. 3:9; Phil. 4:9.

5. Paul was the only one in the scriptures who told you to study –II Tim. 2:15.

6. Paul was the only apostle in the scriptures who told you that if you wanted to understand all things you had to consider what he said – II Tim. 2:7.

7. Paul was the only one who told you to rightly divide the scriptures II Tim. 2:15.

8. Paul was the only apostle who was given the mystery, which was hid to others – Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:9; Eph. 3:3, 4; Eph. 6:19.

9. Paul was the first apostle to learn that Christ died for sins - I Cor. 15:1-5.

10. Paul was the first to speak of being in Christ and Christ in you - Acts 24:24; Col. 1:27.

11. Paul was the first to reveal that one was justified by the faith of Jesus Christ – Gal. 2:16.

12. Paul was the only apostle who said men would be judged according to his gospel – Rom. 2:16.

13. Paul was the one where you learn the purpose of scripture – II Tim. 3:16,17.

14. Paul was the only man who told you what the root of all evil was – I Tim. 6:10.

15. Paul was one of the two apostles that the Lord appeared to after His final resurrection - Acts 26:16.

16. Paul was given the truth of the body of Christ – Eph. 1:22, 23.

Now, with the above truths – how is it that so many want to relegate Paul to the back seat when it comes to doctrine and truths for this age.  It appears that many churches think that the “words in red” are more important than Paul’s.  It appears to many that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John carries more weight than Paul when it come to truths regarding their lives for today.  Paul wrote 14 books of the NT but then one runs to James for authority regarding justification.  Many go to John’s epistles or the Gospels as the standard which to judge as to whether a person is saved or not!!!  

I find it amazing that the least read portion of scripture when it comes to salvation and one’s position in Christ are the first three chapters of Ephesians.  Paul tells us about how we are to behave in the body of Christ and yet many go elsewhere to get these truths.  It is Paul that reveals the mystery of Christ and yet many go to the Gospels as their authority regarding this matter.

We are told to consider Paul and it appears that when it comes to the major doctrines he is the last one considered – strange thing.  It is though the devil doesn’t want Paul to be studied.  And you wonder why the church today is in such a mess.

Now, don’t leave this post saying I’m saying that the only books to read are Paul’s – don’t you dare do that for I believe II Tim. 3:16,17; I Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4.  I am in I Chronicles now in my daily scripture reading.  My preacher is in the Gospel of John in the Sunday AM service and I Samuel in one of the Sunday PM service – so don’t go accusing me of neglecting the rest of scripture or not believing it all.  Don’t you dare say I am elevating Paul to the fourth member of the trinity over Christ.  I know some of you – don’t misrepresent what I’ve put down here.

I am saying this:

2 Tim 2:7  Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Do you want understanding in all things – I’m assuming you do – then consider Paul first – he got the latest instructions directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Now, you have a blessed day now!  

[Paul2]

Do you want understanding in all things – I’m assuming you do – then consider Paul first – he got the latest instructions directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Now, you have a blessed day now!  

      I like the way you put that. I never really looked at it like that before. Thanks, makes perfect sense to me. Paul received the final instructions that all the others did not receive. Excellent point. But don't forget John who received his vision after Paul. Paul for doctrine, John for end times revelation, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which John gave us. As far as doctrine you are correct. I'm just pointing out John because others will use that as an attack against what you have stated about Paul which I agree with.

   Paul should have last say when it comes to doctrine.

                                                           Paul2

[JudgeNot]

 

Paul should have last say when it comes to doctrine.

Corinthians, Galatians, etc., etc - most of us live by Paul's divinely inspired instruction.  

[AVBunyan]

Paul2 said in the quotes:

"1. Thanks, makes perfect sense to me. Paul received the final instructions that all the others did not receive. Excellent point."

Thanks Paul2 for seeing this simple but vital truth - this shows you are a thinking Christain.

"2. I'm just pointing out John because others will use that as an attack against what you have stated about Paul which I agree with."

Thanks for the warning brother - haven't thought of that.

"3. Paul should have last say when it comes to doctrine."

Amen - Nicely put - that is a good way of summing up what I said - good point -I'll remember that statement - thanks!!!

May God bless you my brother  

[ebia]

Do you want understanding in all things – I’m assuming you do – then consider Paul first – he got the latest instructions directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Paul's commission may have been later than that of the apostles behind the other books, but his letters are mostly written before the other NT books.  You seem to be confusing commision with inspiration and directection of the Holy Spirit.

By putting Paul "first", you relegate the rest to second place, including the words of Christ himself.

[ebia]

  Paul should have last say when it comes to doctrine.

If the whole of scripture is divinely inspired, then doctrine must agree with ALL of it, not with ANY one human author.

[michael_legna]

PART 1 OF 2

1. Paul was given the gospel – I Cor. 15:1-5; Rom. 16:25; II Tim. 2:8.

Are you claiming the other Apostles were not given the Gospel?

2. Paul as given his revelation directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself – Gal. 1:16, 17; Acts 26:16; II Cor. 12:7; Gal. 2:2

Are you claiming the other Apostles were not given their understanding of the Gospel directly from Jesus?

3. Paul fulfilled the word of God – Col. 1:25.

Are you claiming none of the other Apostles did this?

4. Paul was the only apostle who told you to follow him – I Cor. 4:16; I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; II Thess. 3:9; Phil. 4:9.

This proves that Paul did tell us to follow him - it does not prove that the others did not.  To prove that you have to show that none of the verses of scripture do not say something that means that, which of course you cannot do.

5. Paul was the only one in the scriptures who told you to study –II Tim. 2:15.

This proves that Paul did tell us to study - it does not prove that the others did not.  To prove that you have to show that none of the verses of scripture do not say something that means that, which of course you cannot do.

6. Paul was the only apostle in the scriptures who told you that if you wanted to understand all things you had to consider what he said – II Tim. 2:7.

This proves that Paul did tell us to consider what he said - it does not prove that the others did not.  To prove that you have to show that none of the verses of scripture do not say something that means that, which of course you cannot do.

7. Paul was the only one who told you to rightly divide the scriptures II Tim. 2:15.

This proves that Paul did tell us to rightly divide scripture - it does not prove that the others did not.  To prove that you have to show that none of the verses of scripture do not say something that means that, which of course you cannot do.  It isof course nonsense to imply that the other Apostles did not recommend that.

8. Paul was the only apostle who was given the mystery, which was hid to others – Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:9; Eph. 3:3, 4; Eph. 6:19.

This proves that Paul was given a mystery though it does not say what that particular mystery was - it also does not prove that the others were not given understanding of this and/or other mysteries.  To prove that you have to show that none of the verses of scripture do not say something that means that, which of course you cannot do.

9. Paul was the first apostle to learn that Christ died for sins - I Cor. 15:1-5.

This verse does not say he was the first to learn this.

10. Paul was the first to speak of being in Christ and Christ in you - Acts 24:24; Col. 1:27.

Acts 24:24 does not say this.

Act 24:24  And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

...and Col 1:27 does not say that Paul was the first to teach this idea.  To prove that you have to show that none of the verses of scripture do not say something that means that, which of course you cannot do.

11. Paul was the first to reveal that one was justified by the faith of Jesus Christ – Gal. 2:16.

This is a misinterpretation due to a mistranslation of the greek by those who translated the KJV.  The word OF does not even appear in the greek text of that verse as found in the textus receptus.  Modern translators translate it as faith in Jesus Christ and that message appears much earlier as taught by other Apostles.

12. Paul was the only apostle who said men would be judged according to his gospel – Rom. 2:16.

Paul doesn't have his own Gospel, he only calls it his because he has accepted it and believes it - he could only teach what Christ gave him

Rom 15:19  Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

- it was Christ's gospel the same that was taught to the other Apostles.

2Co 2:12  Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

The same Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus not Paul, is for salvation of both the gentiles and the jews.  

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The Gospel is eternal and everlasting

Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

it does not change from time to time and for group to group.

13. Paul was the one where you learn the purpose of scripture – II Tim. 3:16,17.

Are you claiming the other Apostles did not understand the purpose of the scriptures?  Do you claim the Jews themselves did not understand the purpose of the scriptures?

John 5:39  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

It seems Jesus seemed to think they understood the concept.

14. Paul was the only man who told you what the root of all evil was – I Tim. 6:10.

Are you claiming the other Apostles did not understand this concept?  Sure Paul may have written it but if all the Apostles and writers of scripture had repeated each other on every issue the scriptures would have become boring and repetitious.

15. Paul was one of the two apostles that the Lord appeared to after His final resurrection - Acts 26:16.

This is nonsense.

Mar 16:9-14  Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.  And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.  And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.   After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.   And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.  Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

16. Paul was given the truth of the body of Christ – Eph. 1:22, 23.

Are you claiming the other Apostles did not understand this truth?

END OF PART 1

[michael_legna]

PART 2 OF 2

Now, with the above truths – how is it that so many want to relegate Paul to the back seat when it comes to doctrine and truths for this age.  

I don't know why anyone would want to relegate Paul to a back seat but then I don't know anyone who does this.  I do wonder why anyone would want to move him to a position of primacy when Paul tells us not to.

1 Cor 1:12-13  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

To claim all these things as unique to Paul is to claim him as special in your development of doctrine and that means you claim to be of Paul rather than of Christ, especially if you claim Paul had his own Gospel.

It appears that many churches think that the “words in red” are more important than Paul’s.  It appears to many that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John carries more weight than Paul when it come to truths regarding their lives for today.  Paul wrote 14 books of the NT but then one runs to James for authority regarding justification.  Many go to John’s epistles or the Gospels as the standard which to judge as to whether a person is saved or not!!!  

No not if they study scripture properly - but you do have to o to these other books because they are all God's word and they cannot contradict each other - so when the writings of Paul seem to say one thing it is always a good idea to see if your first attempt at understanding it can be supported with other verses.  If you cannot support your interpretation from other writers of God's word you should definitely reconsider your interpretation.

I find it amazing that the least read portion of scripture when it comes to salvation and one’s position in Christ are the first three chapters of Ephesians.  

How do you know they are the least read?  Did you do a poll of all Christians and their reading habits?

Paul tells us about how we are to behave in the body of Christ and yet many go elsewhere to get these truths.  It is Paul that reveals the mystery of Christ and yet many go to the Gospels as their authority regarding this matter.

That is because these other sources teach these same truths worded slightly differently so that we can verify our understanding of a particular verse.  If the Gospel was a simple as you claim and we only needed one writer to get a perfect understanding the Bible could have been made alot shorter.  Do you think God was just adding filler to here Himself speak?

We are told to consider Paul and it appears that when it comes to the major doctrines he is the last one considered – strange thing.  It is though the devil doesn’t want Paul to be studied.  And you wonder why the church today is in such a mess.

We are never told to consider only Paul and you have not even shown we are not told to consider the other Apostles either.  If gentiles are not to consider the teachings of the others then the first gentile convert (Cornelius in Acts 10) made a serious mistake.

Now, don’t leave this post saying I’m saying that the only books to read are Paul’s – don’t you dare do that for I believe II Tim. 3:16,17; I Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4.  I am in I Chronicles now in my daily scripture reading.  My preacher is in the Gospel of John in the Sunday AM service and I Samuel in one of the Sunday PM service – so don’t go accusing me of neglecting the rest of scripture or not believing it all.  Don’t you dare say I am elevating Paul to the fourth member of the trinity over Christ.  I know some of you – don’t misrepresent what I’ve put down here.

I don't think we have to misrepresent you when you say Paul had his own Gospel and he was the ONLY one given certain truths.  You may not be elevating Paul above Christ but you elevate him over the other Apostles when Paul tells you himself not to do such a thing.

I am saying this:

2 Tim 2:7  Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Do you want understanding in all things – I’m assuming you do – then consider Paul first

Why first?  Are you claiming that the other Apostles did not get an understanding of all things?  Jesus promised them they would.

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

he got the latest instructions directly from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Are you claiming that the instructions changed?

Heb 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

END OF PART 2

[ollie]

"I believe vehemently that the most neglected truths today are those from the Apostle of Paul to the Gentiles."

Another neglected truth:

 1 Corinthians 1:11.  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
 12.  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
 13.  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
 14.  I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
 15.  Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
 16.  And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
 17.  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
 18.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
 19.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
 20.  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
 21.  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
 22.  For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
 23.  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
 24.  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Notice Paul does not say "I" preach Christ, but "we" preach Christ. He was not alone in the effort to preach Jesus and the gospel.
He is not alone today when one considers the whole of the Bible message instead of just bits and pieces that seem to suit them.

Ollie

[Sower]

By putting Paul "first", you relegate the rest to second place, including the words of Christ himself.

I have to agree. We are not commanded to place one apostle above another, nor one book of Scripture above another. The little book of Jude is as much Scripture as the entire book of Revelation.

Another important Bible truth is that ALL TWELVE APOSTLES [Judas excepted and Paul included] will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel after the Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 20:4), and the names of all twelve apostles are written  in the 12 foundations of the wall of the  heavenly city,  New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14).

Paul received a very large body of revelation and some which were not given to the other apostles. But his own estimation of himself was "I am the least of the apostles".

[michael_legna]

Another important Bible truth is that ALL TWELVE APOSTLES [Judas excepted and Paul included] will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel after the Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 20:4), and the names of all twelve apostles are written  in the 12 foundations of the wall of the  heavenly city,  New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14).

I am inclined to agree that the one twelve thrones will not have Judas sitting on them but I am not as clear as you seem to be as to who will be sitting on that 12th throne.  I really don't know which of the other Apostles it will be.

Do you have specific scripture to support it being Paul and not Matthias or one of the other Apostles mentioned as there are at least 5 to consider and possibly as many as 10.


1.
Matthias is elected to replace Judas in Acts 1:15-26
15And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said,  (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 18Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.  21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

2.
Paul claims to be an Apostle in Romans 1:1
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

3.
Barnabas is listed as an Apostle in Acts 14:14
14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

4. and 5.
Andronicus and Junia are listed among the Apostles in Romans 16:7
7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Though not as clear, there is reference to others who seem to share the ministry of spreading the Gospel that was reserved to the Apostles.  They include:

6. and 7.
Silvanus and Timotheus who were commissioned in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6
1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.  5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

8. and 9.
Timothy and Erastus who were commissioned in Acts 19:22
22So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

10.
Titus who was commissioned in 2 Corinthians 12:18
18I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

I really don't have any firm basis for choosing anyone to fill Judas' spot on the thrones, but I would lean toward the one who took his bishopric and that would be Matthias.

[JudgeNot]

Paul.
A short, skinny, baldheaded dude with a speech impediment who survived (some say was resurrected from) a stoning, only to stand in very spot of the stoning and resume evangelizing (almost taunting) those who stoned him.  

Paul.
Perhaps THE person who molded more lives in Jesus name than anyone in history.

Paul.
Heaven’s nectar served in a paper cup?  

[Brother Love]

By putting Paul "first", you relegate the rest to second place, including the words of Christ himself.

I have to agree. We are not commanded to place one apostle above another, nor one book of Scripture above another. The little book of Jude is as much Scripture as the entire book of Revelation.

Another important Bible truth is that ALL TWELVE APOSTLES [Judas excepted and Paul included] will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel after the Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 20:4), and the names of all twelve apostles are written  in the 12 foundations of the wall of the  heavenly city,  New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14).

Paul received a very large body of revelation and some which were not given to the other apostles. But his own estimation of himself was "I am the least of the apostles".

Another important Bible truth is that ALL TWELVE APOSTLES [Judas excepted and Paul included] will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel after the Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 20:4), and the names of all twelve apostles are written  in the 12 foundations of the wall of the  heavenly city,  New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:14).

 Paul is NOT one of the 12, your doctrine is false. Am I right Black?

Brother Love

[AVBunyan]

Paul.
A short, skinny, baldheaded dude with a speech impediment who survived (some say was resurrected from) a stoning, only to stand in very spot of the stoning and resume evangelizing (almost taunting) those who stoned him.  

Paul.
Perhaps THE person who molded more lives in Jesus name than anyone in history.

Paul.
Heaven’s nectar served in a paper cup?  

Hey, I liked that - thanks  

[michael_legna]

Does anyone hvae any Biblical support for who the 12th Apostle will be on the thrones (assuming it is not Judas)?