Divine Commission and Biblical Authority
Is Paul a legitimate apostle whose writings are divinely inspired Scripture, or is he a false teacher who corrupted the original message of Jesus?
This question has been debated from Paul's own lifetime to the present day. The stakes are enormous: if Paul is rejected, the majority of the New Testament must be rejected with him.
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This controversy is not new. Paul faced opposition during his own lifetime. But Scripture speaks clearly: Paul was Christ's chosen apostle, and his writings are divinely inspired Scripture.
1. **13+ books of the New Testament must be rejected** (over half the NT)
2. **Jesus's choice of apostle is questioned** (calling His authority into doubt)
3. **Peter's testimony is rejected** (calling his apostleship into doubt)
4. **Key doctrines are lost:**
- Justification by faith clearly articulated
- The church as the body of Christ
- The mystery of Gentiles as fellow heirs
- Comprehensive teaching on the gospel
- Resurrection hope detailed
- Christian living instructed
5. **Scripture is not trustworthy** (contradictory voices, not unified revelation)
6. **The Great Commission fails** (gospel to all nations depends heavily on Paul's Gentile mission)
1. **The New Testament is complete and trustworthy**
2. **Jesus's sovereign choice is affirmed**
3. **The gospel is clearly defined** (Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again; believe and be saved)
4. **Justification by grace through faith is established**
5. **Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ**
6. **The church has clear doctrine and instruction**
7. **Believers have confidence in God's Word**
Christ chose Paul. Paul fulfilled his calling. The Scriptures testify. The evidence is clear.
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
— Acts 9:15-16