Paul: Who exactly is this man to us?
This article will be a summary of all the basic but very important things everyone needs to know about the apostle Paul and particularly his teaching.
In his letter to the Philippians, he speaks of how in his younger years he was a Jew known as a Pharisee who lived strictly by the teachings of the Mosaic Law.
Philippians 3:3-9
3 For we [believing Israel] are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
This means he was in no way relying upon his own human ability to perform acceptable works for his salvation.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh [as a basis for the achievement of salvation]. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Here he lists what he had once thought of as his credentials to qualify for God’s blessings.
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church [believing Israelites in that day]; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Having thought he had points of merit with God to burn, he came to a point where he discovered that all his “points” were burnt. Like all of us, he needed a Savior.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [his own righteous works] but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ [Christ’s righteousness], the righteousness which is of God by faith: [Emphasis added]
In this passage he tells us of his “religious” credentials as having once been a wealthy “religious” man but having lost everything when he became a believer, putting his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the sole basis for his salvation. His salvation occurred abruptly at a time when he was on the road to the city of Damascus to persecute people who were then coming to be called Christians. It is in this writing by Luke called Acts that we get the details about this incident.
Acts 9:3-8
3 And as he [Saul who became Paul] journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. [Emphasis added]
Please note that when people persecute Christians who are following the teachings of Christ in the Bible, they are at the same time persecuting Christ Himself because we know that believers are Christ’s personal representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:20
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. [Emphasis added]
Acts 9 continued
6 And he [Paul] trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
This marks not only the day of this “religious” man’s salvation but the occasion of his commissioning as the apostle to the Gentiles.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. [Emphasis added]
Then we have our Lord’s important statement about him in verse fifteen of this passage.
Acts 9:15
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: [Emphasis added]
Yes, it was on this occasion that Paul was saved to become a member of what is now spoken of as the Body of Christ. He later writes about all this.
1 Timothy 1:15-16
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief [PROTOS = denotes the first, whether in time or place].
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first [PROTOS] Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. [Emphasis added]
But what exactly is it that was revealed that people must know and believe to gain everlasting life? Answer: It is all to do with believing and relying on what was accomplished through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Most people didn’t understand that then as so many don’t today.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel [EUANGELION = gospel or good news] which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
After Paul had left the area, false teachers claimed there was no resurrection. Paul is here telling them that if such is true, they’ve believed in vain, meaning there is no salvation.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [Emphasis added]
It is Paul in his letter to the Corinthians who also gives us the full revelation of exactly what Christ accomplished through all this.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
This tells us it is not just SOME believers but EVERY believer is in the ministry to serve up this message to people anywhere and everywhere.
19 To wit [that is to say], that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word [or message] of reconciliation.
Please pay special attention to that little but so important phrase—“not imputing their trespasses unto them.” Instead of being imputed or charged to us, our sins were all charged to Christ who paid for them, providing all with forgiveness. But please realize that there’s a big difference between forgiveness of sins and salvation. In forgiveness, sins are removed as a barrier to our salvation whereas in salvation there’s the believer’s personal acquisition of the righteousness of God for justification and one’s resultant everlasting salvation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, [His personal representatives] as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [Emphasis added]
When anyone accepts by faith Christ’s payment for their sins they are then said to be justified by faith. It is this that provides that person with everlasting salvation. What Christ did through His death, burial, and resurrection He did for all so that anyone could be saved. We are clearly told that God desires for all to be saved, not just some. It is wonderful to know that He provided a Savior so that such could happen.
1 Timothy 2:3-6
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God [Jesus Christ] our Saviour;
4 Who will have [THELO = desires] all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [Emphasis added]
This, of course, does not say everyone is saved but that everyone CAN be saved. What Christ accomplished on the cross made it possible for anyone to be saved, not just some. Some other writers of Scripture who learned about this revelation from Paul tell us the same thing but in other words. Until it was revealed to the apostle Paul no one knew what God had accomplished through Christ on the cross. Please note what the apostle John says about it.
1 John 2:1-2
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation [the One who satisfied the just demands of God] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole [HOLOS = whole] world. [Emphasis added]
This means anyone has the potential for being saved, not just some. As wonderful as it is, this salvation can never be earned or deserved. It is a gift bestowed on anyone who by faith accepts God’s provision through Christ for their salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Emphasis added]
We now know through the apostle Paul’s writings that man’s personal works of any kind have nothing to do with our attainment of salvation.
Romans 4:4-5
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. [Emphasis added]
It is by faith in Christ’s work alone, what He accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection, that we’re able to gain the goodness, that is, the righteousness God demands for our salvation and entrance into Heaven.
Romans 3:28
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Emphasis added]
Well-meaning and maybe not so well-meaning people want to throw man’s “works” into this, as per other passages of Scripture that were addressed to Israel, not us today—
James 2:18-20
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? [Emphasis added]
What so many people fail to realize is that the writings of James were not addressed to us today. Please notice to whom James himself tells us his writing is addressed.
James 1:1
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. [Emphasis added]
Are we today as Gentiles of the twelve tribes of Israel? We are not! We are to realize that it is Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, who gives us God’s directives on this and much more. It is not Moses, Peter, James, or anyone else.
Romans 11:13
13 For I [Paul] speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I [Paul] am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify [MEGALUNO = make large] mine office: [Emphasis added]
It was Peter and the eleven who served as apostles TO ISRAEL, not Paul. Paul made a special trip to Jerusalem to explain to Peter and the others the gospel message and more that the resurrected and ascended Christ had given him and commissioned him to teach. We have a complete record of that.
Galatians 2:1-9
1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Obviously, he did not go there to tell them something they already knew. Instead, he went to tell them about that which he sometimes spoke of as his gospel—the gospel of the grace of God which he also spoke of as the gospel of the uncircumcision [Galatians 2:7]. He went to teach them his gospel which is now ours.
3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek [a Gentile], was compelled to be circumcised:
Circumcision was required as a manifestation of faith under Peter’s gospel, the gospel of the circumcision, but not by Paul’s gospel [Galatians 5:6 & 6:15].
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty [for believers to be left uncircumcised] which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage [that of circumcision and the entire Mosaic Law’s teachings]:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel [Paul’s gospel of grace that is now ours today] might continue with you.
6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
Again, the apostles had nothing to teach him, but he had plenty to teach them.
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
Here in one verse, you have Paul clearly speaking of two different gospel messages. One had been addressed to Israel—the circumcision, and the other was then to be addressed to the Gentiles—the uncircumcision.
8 (For he [God] that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
They both served the same Lord but with a different message. The one to Israel was to eventually fade away because of Israel’s unbelief. Unfortunately, some people have tried to keep certain features of that gospel message in place even to this day.
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen [the Gentiles], and they unto the circumcision [the people of Israel—the Jews]. [Emphasis added]
Of course, Peter’s message faded away because of Israel’s unbelief and Paul’s message remains as the one for us today. Christendom has tried to blend these two messages into one which has created the confusion of denominationalism. The book of Acts is the record of all that as it was then. By the end of the time frame of that book, the ministry of Paul and all others is then directed to the Gentiles.
Acts 28:24-28
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
The people of Israel [with only a few rare exceptions] remain to this day in a state of unbelief.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. [Emphasis added]
It is indeed a rare thing today for a Jew to accept the gospel message. Today, when ANYONE, Jew or Gentile, accepts it they become a member of what is called the Body of Christ where there is no such racial distinction as there had been for so many centuries before. It is God the Holy Spirit who spiritually baptizes [or identifies] them with one body. It is this that becomes the church [or assembly] which is called the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [Emphasis added]
The fact that God was going to do something like this had been what Scripture speaks of as a mystery, that is, a secret held in the mind of God.
Colossians 1:25-29
25 Whereof I [Paul] am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil [or complete] the word of God;
26 Even the mystery [MUSTERION = secret] which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you [as Gentile believers], the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. [Emphasis added]
For more information about this “mystery” please see my articles about it—
Mystery: What is the key to understanding the Bible?
Mystery: What is the fellowship of the mystery?
Mystery: What is this Secret that Paul wrote about?
Our responsibility today is to be sure we’re presenting Paul’s gospel as he did, the gospel of the grace of God, not anything else. We need to always be mindful that we will all be judged in accordance with Paul’s gospel, not Peter’s. Note Paul’s important words about this.
Romans 2:16
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. [Emphasis added]
Please note that he doesn’t say “the” gospel but rather “my” gospel. He also states it that way in other passages [Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8] Even our spiritual growth and attainment of spiritual maturity depend upon our understanding and proclamation of this truth that has come to us through the revelation and then writings of the apostle Pual. How could anyone today be thought of as spiritually mature without at least having a clear and correct understanding of our gospel message!
Romans 16:25
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish [STERIZO = establish] you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [Emphasis added]
What he’s saying here is that it is this gospel which is “the preaching of Jesus Christ” today. Not anything else! Paul speaks of this as Christ’s heavenly ministry to man rather than His earthly one.
2 Corinthians 5:15-16
15 And that he died for all [speaking of all mankind], that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. [Emphasis added]
What this is telling us is that Christ now ministers to us from His heavenly state through the writings of the apostle Paul rather than through His teachings during His earthly ministry. This is a major part of why we need to give our primary attention to the writings of the apostle Paul, not what is spoken of as “The Four Gospels” or any other part of the Bible. The whole Bible is FOR us but it is not all TO us or about us. Again, it is Paul who is our apostle having God’s instructions for us today regarding our means to salvation as well as our spiritual growth and maturity.
When we want to look at something closely to see the details, we magnify it. This is precisely what Paul is speaking of when he speaks of magnifying his office. It is through his “office” as the apostle to the Gentiles that we get most of the information we need today for spiritual growth and maturity.
Romans 11:12-13
12 Now if the fall of them [speaking of Israel’s spiritual decline] be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: [Emphasis added]
Therefore, it is this man, Paul, and his message that people today need to focus on primarily. There are many other wonderful things we can learn from other parts of the Bible, but nothing compares with the value of the things we can learn from the writings of the apostle Paul. For he is the one and the only one who is OUR apostle.
Again, Romans 11:13
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: [Emphasis added]
Paul is not bragging here as some have foolishly claimed; he is merely stating a fact, a very important truth from our Lord that we all need to know. Without Paul and the revelation given to him, at best all God’s people would still be living under the directives of the Mosaic Law. Again, all Scripture is FOR us but not all TO us or about us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect [ARTIOS = complete or mature], thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [Emphasis added]
A man named Miles Coverdale who passed away in 1569 made what is now a famous and important statement about this.
“It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after.”
What a helpful and wonderful difference it makes when that is applied! Writings other than the apostle Paul’s are said to be for our learning but many of them are not for our application.
Romans 15:4
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. [Emphasis added]
This is true about every Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, but if you want to understand the means to our reconciliation and salvation today, you must go to the apostle Paul for a full understanding of it.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 again
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
This tells us it is not just some, but every believer is in the ministry to serve up this message to anyone who will listen.
19 To wit [that is to say], that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Instead of being imputed or charged to us, all our sins were charged to Christ who paid for them fully providing all with forgiveness. It foolishly doesn’t seem to concern people who believe otherwise, but there’s not even one word in all of Paul’s thirteen epistles that tells us forgiveness of one’s sins comes by faith in Christ. Forgiveness of our sins was provided at the cross! It is justification and one’s resultant salvation that is provided when someone believes it.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [Emphasis added]
Salvation is something God desires for all people, not just a preselected few as some claim.
Again, 1 Timothy 2:3-6
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God [Jesus Christ] our Saviour;
4 Who will have [THELO = desires] all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [Emphasis added]
It is by faith in this wonderful work of God in Christ that everlasting justification and one’s salvation is offered to all.
Again, Romans 3:28
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [Emphasis added]
How much plainer could all this be!?!? Salvation is readily available for anyone. It is in the writings of the apostle Paul that we find this wonderful revelation of truth and much more. Again, this is why he is spoken of as OUR apostle. If you’ve not placed your faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the sole basis for your salvation, why not do that right now? If you will receive by faith this work He’s done for you, you’ll be saved immediately and permanently.
