My Apostleship
Posted: December 12, 2006
Updated: January 10, 2008**
In I Corinthians 4:9-10, the Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians, "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle (theatre) unto the world, and to angels, and to men. v.9 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised." v.10 The NIV states I Corinthians 4:9-10, "For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. v.9 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!" v.10
In II Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul speaking about visions and revelations of the Lord, he said that he would not glory of himself, but he glories in his infirmities. In verses 9-12 it states, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. v.9
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities (weaknesses), in reproaches (insult), in necessities (pain), in persecutions (pursuit), in distresses (a straight place or state) for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. v.10
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. v.11
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." v.12
As I read these passages of scripture, I make no apology for my apostleship.
**Updated: As your apostle consider these words in Colossians 2:1-23, "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; v.1
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; v.2
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. v.3
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. v.4
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. v.5
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: v.6
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. v.7
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. v.8
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. v.9
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: v.10
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: v.11
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. v.12
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; v.13
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; v.14
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. v.15
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: v.16
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. v.17
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, v.18
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. v.19
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, v.20
(Touch not; taste not; handle not; v.21
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? v.22
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." v.23
God bless you,
Doyle Davidson
