Why Paul?

Galatians 2:2-3, 8-9 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek…8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.
 
ONE reason fo Paul’s letter to  the Galatian churches is to defend his calling to preach the gospel. He wants the churches to understand all he has done has been under Jesus’ authority. His ministry is not of his own choosing or own theology. Why does this matter to us today?
    First, Paul’s writings are the core of New Testament teaching to expand Jesus’ teachings summarized in the gospels. Second, Paul’s ministry continues to be challenged. We need to know his letters are under the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus. Many in the church today do not like Paul’s definitive teachings of sin. To many, Paul seems to overextend his authority.
    Here, though, is one place he confirms God has called  him. This is about his second visit to Jerusalem that occurred about 20 years into his ministry. He had been on two missionary journeys to establish churches in Asia Minor and along the Mediterranean coast. At some point God revealed to Paul to go to Jerusalem for this meeting. He took with him Barnabas, his constant helper and encourager, and Titus, who was a Gentile.
    The result of the meeting with James – Jesus’ half brother – Peter and John was a confirmation of Paul’s work. The three pillars of the church approved of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. They recognized Jesus had appointed Paul just as Jesus had chosen them.
    This helps confirm Paul. Peter, John and James had spent considerable time with Jesus. They had witnessed his resurrected life and his ascension. The Spirit anointed them to preach the Good News. If these three confirmed Paul’s ministry, surely the Galatian churches would understand Jesus had also appointed Paul to minister the gospel.
    We can know this for our own faith today. Paul wrote and taught under the Spirit’s authority. We must reject those who reject Paul’s teaching. The Lord prepared him, called him and empowered him to reveal the gospel.
    Yes, we must have faith that the Bible is God’s inspired Word to reveal the gospel. Such faith is not based on a theory or good feelings. But true faith is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20) What we know of Jesus has come directly from those who witnessed his life. God has given us what we need to know, so we can know him.