How does 1 Corinthians 15:8 affirm Paul's apostleship and unique encounter with Christ? The Resurrection Roster and Paul’s Place • 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 lists verified post-resurrection appearances—Peter, the Twelve, more than 500, James, “all the apostles,” and “last of all He appeared to me also.” • By placing himself in the same sequence of literal, bodily appearances, Paul claims the same eyewitness status as the earlier apostles. • The phrase “last of all” signals finality; the risen Lord’s appearance to Paul completes the roster, underscoring its historic reliability. “He Appeared to Me Also” – Eyewitness Authority • Apostolic qualification required a direct sighting of the risen Christ (Acts 1:21-22). • Paul meets that standard: – Acts 9:3-6 “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him… ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’” – Acts 22:14 “The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One.” – 1 Corinthians 9:1 “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” • This literal encounter, not second-hand testimony, anchors Paul’s authority to teach, write Scripture, and plant churches. “As to One Abnormally Born” – Unique Timing, Same Commission • Greek ektroma refers to an untimely or premature birth. Paul’s call came: – After Christ’s ascension, unlike the original Twelve. – Apart from any human selection—entirely by divine initiative (Galatians 1:15-16). • The metaphor highlights both his late arrival and God’s sovereign grace: he was spiritually “born” into apostleship outside the normal timeframe, yet fully formed for the task. Direct Commission Equals True Apostleship • Acts 26:16 “I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and witness of what you have seen.” • Galatians 1:11-12 “The gospel I preached is not according to man… I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” • Miraculous validations followed: “The signs of an apostle were performed among you” (2 Corinthians 12:12). • Together, appearance + commission + confirming signs seal Paul’s apostolic credentials. Harmony with the Rest of Scripture • Peter affirms Paul’s letters as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16), indicating the early church accepted his authority. • Luke records Paul’s encounter three times (Acts 9, 22, 26), reinforcing its factual certainty. • Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle” echoes the Damascus commission. Why It Matters • Paul’s eyewitness status guarantees the trustworthiness of the gospel he expounds (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). • His unique, grace-saturated call showcases God’s power to transform even the fiercest opponent into a foremost witness (1 Timothy 1:12-16). • The completed list of appearances secures the historical foundation of the faith once for all delivered to the saints. |
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