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Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1, ESV).
Have you been at a conference (or other meeting) with people mostly unknown to one another, and the leader asked everyone to briefly introduce themselves?
I feel awkward at this moment. I’ve used words like pastor, ex-hippie, husband, author, father, cyclist, preacher, and desperado. (Just kidding with this last one, but this song does describe me.)
How about the Apostle Paul? How would he introduce himself at a pastor’s conference? If I were writing his bio, it would contain these phrases: greatest theologian ever, most influential author in history, suffered more than anyone except Jesus, social architect of Western culture, and the originator of the concept of predestination, which, after two thousand years, no one completely understands.
What would the Apostle Paul say? Fortunately, he wrote 13 letters in which he introduced himself. And there are three words (or synonyms of these words) that Paul uses most often in describing himself.
As we read above in Romans 1:1. . .
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.
Servant
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect (Titus 1:1).
The Greek word for “servant” is “doulos,” which can also be translated as “slave.” Yes, the author of 13 books of the New Testament, theologian, world traveler, and social media influencer of which no one today (even Taylor Swift) can compare — introduces himself as a “slave” of Jesus.
Called
Paul uses both “called” and “God’s will” to introduce himself.
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:1).
“Called” in the Greek means that God has something for us to do. The word “will” can be defined as “God’s desire.” Or God’s calling is God’s desire — that’s His will for us.
The formula for success in the Apostle Paul’s life was that God’s desire was his desire, as he obeyed God’s will and calling. It’s also the plan of those who follow Jesus to find peace and fulfillment.
An aspect of calling is “interruption” (like this blog), which can include burning bushes, blinding lights on the road to Damascus, words like “follow me” to the original apostles, and intervening in what they, and we, consider our plans.
But for some, no road to Damascus experience like Paul’s, but God’s voice, heard just as clearly through parents, a preacher, a book, or conviction.
How is God an interruption in our lives now?
Apostle
There is still an apostolic ministry (read Ephesians 4 carefully), but only one Apostle Paul. As he describes himself. . .
Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:8-9a).
The “Apostle” Paul, as the least of the apostles, wrote more letters in the New Testament, traveled further, and had more impact in the Roman Empire than any of the other apostles.
Paul didn’t refrain from claiming to be an apostle; he walked in the authority and anointing of his calling. We should do the same with our calling.
The next time I’m asked at a meeting to introduce myself, I’m going to say, “I’m an ex-hippie that God called to be an evangelist and pastor. I served as a pastor of one church for 49 years and am now producing content to help others learn how to disciple.”
What will you say?