Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

In addition to introducing himself as a servant, Paul immediately identifies his calling as an apostle. This title is derived from the Greek noun apostolos, which means ‘a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.’ While the Bible does not list the explicit requirements for apostleship, the title is most often applied to the disciples who witnessed the Resurrected Christ and were sent by Him to proclaim the Kingdom of God to the nations. Paul was not present with this original group of witnesses, but he did encounter the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9; 22). In Galatians 1:1, Paul introduces himself as “Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” Paul clearly sees his appointment to apostleship as a divine mandate and refers to himself as an apostle in 10 of his letters.

The Lord told Ananias that Paul “is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). This assignment was particularly unique because the early church consisted primarily of Jews who preached to other Jews. Jewish law forbade close contact (such as eating) with Gentiles (non-Jews). In his pre-conversion life, Paul had been “as righteousness under the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:6). To become not only an apostle but an apostle to the Gentiles required a radical change of his mind and heart.

Martin Luther wrote, “We should rejoice and take comfort and also thank God, who has called such a glorious apostle, Paul, for us Gentiles and has sent him to us.” Why does it matter that Paul was willing to preach to the Gentiles? Because had it not been for Paul’s obedience, you and I, if you are also a non-Jew, may never have heard about Jesus. Jesus was Jewish, as were most of the early Christians. Even though Jesus commissioned His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), the original apostles stayed largely in Jerusalem or the surrounding areas. Christianity only truly began to spread to “all nations” when Paul went on his missionary journeys. In that sense, he is the father of the global body of Christ as we know it today.

It would have been convenient for Paul to stay in Jerusalem, but he realized something is more important than convenience: Jesus Christ. We are called to serve Him, not pursue comfort. Paul gave up the comfort of home so people worldwide—including you and me—could hear about Jesus.

Today’s Reflection

Who would you consider to be apostles of the faith today?