Pauls Authority

 This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. Gal. 1:1

Paul wasn't chosen by men.  There was no battery of tests.  There was no jury that voted for him.  Men can not find Gods man be testing him or voting on him.  This calling comes from God.  It may not even make sense to men. 

Why would God choose this Hebrew of Hebrews to go and be a witness to the Gentile world.  Wouldn't it make more sense to find a really knowledgeable Gentile and get him saved and sent to his people.

It is Gods calling and Gods authority that can sustain someone who is called.  A man or woman's best efforts won't sustain them in ministry.  There are obstacles, there are challenges that can not be overcome without God giving this person Divine authority to overcome them.

Paul could speak to the Galatians because he was sent by God.  He didn't have to rely on his own merits.

It is interesting to me that Paul doesn't start his letter with "Dear Galatians" but with Paul an apostle.  He comes out of the gate speaking about his authority.  Paul knows it is God who has sent him and is giving him authority.

Acts 9:15 tells us Gods initial word to Paul:  "But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”