“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:” (Galatians 1:1–2, ESV)
In June 1974, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. When I looked at the certificate of commissioning, I noticed that it was by the order of the President of the United States. It is interesting to note that authority for me being appointed as an officer came from the highest authority of the President, who is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces. With this level of appointment came a certain level of authority and also a corresponding level of responsibility.
When I was assigned to my first unit, I had a platoon of men under my authority. I was responsible for training these men to go to war and maintain their combat readiness. When I instructed and gave orders, the men were expected to heed the instruction and obey. The weight of this appoint was not based on a vote by my men or my peers. It was based upon the high authority of the one who commissioned me.
Paul wrote a letter to the Galatians to deal with a severe issue. There were some men claiming authority who were going to the churches in the province of Galatia and preaching a doctrine that undermined the truth. They were the Judaizers who were bring a legalistic doctrine that undermined the truth of salvation by grace through faith.
Thus, Paul begins this introduction by presenting the basis of the authority for the content of the letter and his teaching.
“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:” (Galatians 1:1–2, ESV)
His ordination as an apostle was not made by men. His appointment was of the Lord and God the Father. It was of the highest authority. As an apostle ordained by God, he had the right and the authority to speak for God. Thus, this letter was of the highest authority and was of the utmost importance.
There are two implications for us in this. First, this letter is vitally important and authoritative for everyone. As we read and study it, it commands obedience as do all 66 books of our Bible. We must never summarily state that this or that portion of the letter is not important for us. Every thought and precept is vital for us today.
Second, we must also understand that we, as true believers, also have a high calling. Our entrance to the faith was not ordained by man it came from heaven above. We have the highest of calling from the highest authority. Yes, a man or men made it possible for us to hear or read the truth of the gospel. However, the authority over our salvation is the Lord our God. Moreover, each us then have a high level of authority. We carry the message of God’s salvation in this darkened world. Paul wrote to the Corinthians,
“we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
We have been made citizens of Heaven, children of God, a royal priesthood, a special people, and ambassadors for Christ. Thus, we have great authority but also great responsibility. May we seek to act and live in accordance with our high calling.
Renewing the Heart 