Romans 15:15-16, 19 – he felt compelled to back up his authority to reprimand and teach the Roman congregation by reminding his readers, “of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Messiah Yeshua to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God …” and reminding them that he could prove he had been commissioned by God, “by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit” (v. 19).
· 1 Corinthians 9:1-2– Paul’s authority has been seriously undermined in Corinth, and he reminds his listeners, “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Yeshua our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you!” Paul acknowledges that his apostleship is not universally accepted. He then claims that his “proof” of apostleship is the Corinthian’s conversions. “For you are the seal of my apostleship…” (v.2).
· 2 Corinthians 11:5-6, 11:22-12:12 – Evidently, Paul’s authority/apostleship was still under attack in Corinth at the time of his second letter. He spends three chapters defending himself and his authority. One of the most revealing comments, however, occurs in v. 5-6. “But I do not think I am in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles.” I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge.” Evidently people were calling him an “inferior apostle.” He then uses his “foolish” boasting to remind his listeners that he was qualified in every way to be an apostle because of his lineage, background, education, and present-day sufferings.
· Galatians 1:11-2:2; 6:17 – Paul knew that he couldn’t prove his apostolic claims. To be an apostle, he would have needed to be trained under Yeshua and he was not. Therefore, he had to prove that he at least “saw” Yeshua – but Luke clearly states Paul only heard a voice identifying himself as Yeshua and nothing else. So Paul then claims that Yeshua directly taught him – but this, too, is contrary to the events recorded by Luke. Paul was sent to Ananias, and then lived amongst the disciples in Damascus. There is no record of Paul ever receiving any further “enlightenment” directly from Yeshua. To the contrary, his writings repeatedly reference receiving enlightenment through the study of the sacred texts. These claims were solely designed to bolster his fragile reputation and authority amongst the Galatians. He would not have needed to make these claims if the Galatians didn’t doubt his apostleship.
“Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.” Evidently, people were accusing him of lying about his conversion experience. In Galatians 2:9, Paul makes a snide remark about James, Peter, and John. He states, “James and Peter and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.” To use modern day slang, this would read, “the so-called pillars.” This antagonistic comment, when combined with an earlier one, “But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) – well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me” (cf. Peter – Acts 15:7-11; James – Acts 15:13-21) from Galatians 2:6, indicates that Paul harbored bitter feelings towards at least these three apostles. This reveals that a very strained relationship existed between these men.
Lastly, in Galatians 2:12 Paul claims that the disciples of James led Peter astray. Paul then talks about how he had openly rebuked Peter (and, by insinuation, James) – indicating a desire to “bring down” Peter and James’ reputation/authority over the Galatian community, while elevating his own reputation/authority over them. The remainder of the letter appears to an extensive diatribe against the teachings of James and Peter.
· Ephesians 3:1-6; 4:1 – Again Paul reminds his readers that he received a “revelation” (referring back to the Damascus road experience) that commissioned him. He then uses that experience to justify his unique interpretation of sacred texts. He also frequently refers to his imprisonment, “for the sake of you Gentiles” almost as a manipulative tool: to make them feel obligated because of his sufferings, to heed his words. As mentioned below (in Colossians), this is an effective combination of ideas.
· Philippians 3:4-6 – Again, Paul uses “foolish” boasting to bolster his reputation amongst the Philippians (as he had done with the Corinthians). He reminds them of his lineage, background, education, and righteousness, as a tool for diminishing the reputation of those who were disputing his authority (“beware of …”).
· Colossians 1:23-26 – as with Ephesians, Paul reminds his readers of his special commission from God. He also reminds them that he is suffering for their sake (1:24). This is an effective combination: claiming that God commissioned him, and (as proof that one was ordained by God and not man) willingness to suffer in carrying out that commission.
· 1 Thessalonians 2:4-10– Paul talks about his rights as an apostle to exert authority over the Thessalonian congregation (e.g., receive pay). He reminds them that he did not exercise his rights, but preferred to labor and serve amongst them “working day and night so as not to be a burden on you, as we proclaimed the gospel of God” (v. 9). Once again, this is an effective combination for creating a sense of obligation in the readers. Surely God called him to be an apostle since he worked so hard for free amongst them.
· 1 Timothy 1:12-14; 2:7. As before, Paul reminds his readers in Ephesus that Yeshua called him to serve. “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” Here, as with the Galatian congregation, Paul’s declares that he is not lying – indicating that people were accusing him of doing so.
· 2 Timothy 1:11-12 – Though considered his “dear son,” Paul still reminds Timothy that, “I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things …” Again, Paul combines his commission with suffering, and then tells Timothy to guard the “sound words which you have heard from me” (v. 13). He also mentions that a large number of people in Asia have deserted him (v. 15). Because these ideas are all combined into one long thought, it suggests that many people doubted his apostleship, authority, and message. He also sharply condemns others who left him alone in prison or disagreed with him (2 Timothy 4:10, 15).
· Titus 1:3 – Paul reminds Titus that he was “entrusted” with his message by the commandment of God through Yeshua.
Philemon 1:1, 13 – this is the only letter where Paul does not appeal to his apostleship, but only to his sufferings in prison, as the reason for Philemon to do as Paul requests.
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