A Called Apostle
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Understanding what it means to be a called apostle, why Paul qualifies as one, and why we should listen to him.
Text: Rom. 1:1
Date: 07/26/2026, the Combined service.
Series: "Romans: Unashamed of the Gospel" Part 2
Description:
Throughout the history of the church, people have asked the question, "Why should we listen to Paul?" After all, he is nowhere mentioned in the Gospels and actually opposed Christ and ravaged His church. Well, as he introduces himself in this letter to the Romans, Paul wastes no time addressing this question by declaring he has been called to be an apostle. We will carefully analyze what it means to be an apostle, why Paul qualifies, and why the myriad voices that continue to claim apostolic power and authority do not. Towards this end we will explore the crucial distinctives required for apostleship and why the fact that Paul was "called" by Christ makes all the difference. Ultimately we will realize that it is the sovereign decree of God, established from all eternity past, that Paul would be his apostle to the Gentile world and that we should listen to him for that precise reason-- because he is a called apostle.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Rom. 1:1.
A. Context
B. A called Apostle set apart by God.
1. A "called apostle".
a. What it means to be an apostle.
i. Why the word-ordering?
1) Verification, 1Cor. 9:2.
2) Establishing his authority.
ii. Defining "apostle".
1) Why it is important to define "apostle", 2Cor. 11:13-14.
2) The etymology of the word.
3) More than just a disciple.
a) Distinct from disciples, Luke 6:12-13.
b) Distinct from church leaders, Acts 15:23; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1.
4) Clarifying the distinctives.
a) Chosen to be an apostle by Christ, Acts 1:24-26.
b) An ambassador sent by Christ.
(1) Sent by Christ, Matt. 28:19-20; John 20:21; Luke 10:1.
(2) As an authoritative "ambassador", 2Cor. 5:20-21; Isa. 18:1-2; Luke 9:1-2; John 20:22.
c) A disciple with supernatural powers, Matt. 10:1.
(1) The mighty works of the apostles, Acts 5:12; 2Cor. 12:12.
(2) The mighty works of others, Luke 10:9,17; Acts 6:8, 8:6.
d) A witness to the Resurrected Christ.
(1) Analyzing Peter's criteria, Acts 1:21-22.
(2) Not an exclusive distinctive, 1Cor. 15:5-6.
5) Summarizing the distinctives.
b. An apostle called by Christ.
i. Defining the word, 1Kings 1:41; Rom. 1:6-7, 8:28.
1) A word of sovereign invitation.
2) A statement of exclusivity, John 6:44, 14:6, 15:16.
ii. The power, authority and the Words of the apostles.
1) The Power and authority of Christ, Rom. 15:18-19; 1Cor. 2:4-5.
2) The Words of Christ, 1Th. 2:13; 2Pet. 1:21, 3:15-16.
2. Why Paul was an apostle.
a. Paul was "sent" by Christ, Acts 22:21; Rom. 11:13; 1Tim. 2:7; Gal. 1:11-12.
b. Paul worked mighty miracles, Acts 19:11-12, 20:9-12; 1Cor. 2:4; 2Cor. 12:12.
c. Paul was witness to the Resurrected Christ, 1Cor. 9:1, 15:8; Acts 26:14-18.
d. Paul was called to be an apostle., Acts 9:15, 20-22; Eph. 6:20; 2Cor. 10:8, 13:10; Gal. 1:1.
3. Why you are not, Rev. 2:2; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:14.
4. God's eternal decree, Gal. 1:15.
III. Application
IV. Conclusion
