An Apostle

Paul's word about himself in the beginning of his letter to the Romans is a bold word as he spoke of himself as one "called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God."  (Romans 1:1)  By his own definition an apostle is one who had seen Jesus.  (I Corinthians 9:1)  What seems obvious to even the casual reader is the reality that Saul of Tarsus was not an eyewitness to the life and ministry of Jesus as were those known as the Twelve.  Of course, what is also a possibility is that Saul did at some point see Jesus, not as a Savior, but as a rebellious troublemaker.    

However, the place where Paul claims to have seen the Lord was on the Damascus Road.  The ninth chapter of Acts tells of this amazing encounter with Jesus.  One moment Saul of Tarsus was full of intent to wipe out the Jesus movement and the next moment he became its most staunch advocate and witness.  About that moment Paul later wrote to the Galatian Christians, "But when God, who had set me apart before I was born, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me..." (Galatians 1:15)      

While there were those who denied that Paul was an Apostle, there was no doubt in Paul's mind that the Lord Jesus had been revealed to him on the Damascus Road and called him to a totally different life.  He saw himself as one sent forth in the same way that the Twelve had been sent forth.  He, too, was commissioned to the task of giving spiritual leadership to the church which was being shaped by the ministry entrusted to him and the others who were called Apostles.  And while none of us are hearing the all to give leadership as an Apostle in the way Paul was called, if we listen we are still hearing God's call to be about the ministry which gives life to Jesus in the world.