Affirmation from the Pillars

Galatians 2:9  In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.


Paul uses this affirmation to solidify his case for apostolic authority.  These three who were at the top of the ladder when it came to influence of the New Testament church gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.  This signified that they agreed with Paul and his call and what he and Barnabas were doing.  This affirmation identifies Paul as a partner with the three.

Paul on Level of the Big Three

Galatians 2:6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 

These leaders with the big reputation were most likely the three apostles listed in vs. 9, James, Peter and John.  These men had nothing additional to add to what Paul had been shown by God.  By saying they had nothing to add, Paul puts himself on the same level as these men. This position validated Paul as an apostle himself. Paul got revelation straight from the horses mouth, Jesus, and did not need any help in understanding the gospel.

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.”

Pauls Apostleship

Acts 1:15 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.”

Romans 1:1  This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.

Romans 11:13 I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, 

1 Cor 1:1  This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes.

1 Cor 15:9  For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

2 Corinthians 12:12  When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.

1 Timothy 1:1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.

1 Timothy 2:7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth

2 Timothy 1:11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

2 Timothy 2:1  This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

Titus 1:1  This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.