4 Ways Paul Understood His Authority

Follow @BrandonSmith85

In the most recent issue of the Criswell Theological Review, Andrew Clarke of the University of Aberdeen has an article entitled, “The Source and Scope of Paul’s Apostolic Authority.” In the article, Clarke argues that Paul’s understanding of the source and scope of his authority is four-fold:

1. Source: Dominical — “Called by God’s will, specifically to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, Paul considers his appointment to be dominical, meaning that it derives from God’s Son. While the Twelve were also commissioned by Jesus Christ, this cannot be said of all in the New Testament who were called apostles.”
2. Source: Scriptural — “Also Paul is sufficiently immersed in rabbinic and other contemporary Jewish bodies of interpretation to the extent that he is aware he is not merely referencing the scriptures, but also serving as their interpreter. … Yet even in this sense, the source of his authority lies in the content of the scriptures; and his interpretation of those scriptures needs to be convincingly consistent with those scriptures.”
3. Scope: Gospel — “Paul’s calling is specifically to proclaim the gospel. Although Paul describes it in Romans 2:16 and 16:25 as “my gospel” and in 2 Corinthians 4:3 as “our gospel,” he is clear that it is something that he received from God and is compelled to pass on to others. … The supreme importance of the gospel trumps any negative consequences for his own ministry.”
4. Scope: Obedience of the Gentiles? — “Although the scope of Paul’s mission is to non-Jewish nations, it is short of universally embracing all Gentiles. Paul reflects that there are important additional limitations to the scope of his ministry. … Rather, he must avoid building on another’s foundation or in another’s territory; and, instead, where there is no further room, he must seek out fresh territories.”

Clarke then enters into a brief, but thought-provoking discussion about the posthumous reception, acceptance, and application of Pauline texts that’s worth noting.

To purchase the entire issue, click here. Or you can find the individual article on ATLA.