Key Scripture "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11-12 KJV)
Introduction Some mistakenly think Mid-Acts believers make too much of Paul, as if elevating him above Jesus Christ. The truth is that Paul's message came directly from the risen, glorified Jesus Christ, making Paul's ministry unique but always subordinate to Christ.
1. Direct Teaching from Christ
A. Arabian Desert Training
Three years of revelation from Christ: "Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia... after three years I went up to Jerusalem" (Galatians 1:17-18 KJV)
Direct revelation: "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery" (Ephesians 3:3 KJV)
Special commission: "The dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward" (Ephesians 3:2 KJV)
2. Different Gospel Programs
A. The Twelve's Ministry
Limited to Israel: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles... But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:5-6 KJV)
Christ's earthly ministry: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24 KJV)
Kingdom focus: "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6 KJV)
B. Post-Resurrection Commission (Time Past)
Starting at Jerusalem: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47 KJV)
Through Israel to nations: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19 KJV)
Kingdom requirements: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20 KJV)
3. Paul's Distinct Ministry
A. Special Apostleship
Apostle to Gentiles: "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13 KJV)
Different gospel: "But contrariwise... the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter" (Galatians 2:7 KJV)
Pattern for today: "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting" (1 Timothy 1:16 KJV)
4. Not Replacing Christ
A. Christ's Message Through Paul
Christ's words: "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37 KJV)
Christ's revelation: "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you" (1 Corinthians 11:23 KJV)
Christ's power: "Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me" (2 Corinthians 13:3 KJV)
5. Why Follow Paul?
A. Christ's Command
Paul's pattern: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV)
Sound doctrine: "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me" (2 Timothy 1:13 KJV)
Christ's message: "The things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37 KJV)
Conclusion Following Paul's Message Means:
Following Christ's current instructions
Understanding God's present purpose
Rightly dividing prophecy and mystery
Appreciating Christ's full revelation
Remember
Paul received truth from Christ
Different from 12 apostles' message
Not replacing but revealing Christ
Christ's current spokesman
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