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DIVINELY APPOINTED
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
2 Corinthians 1:1-2
Galatians 1:1
 
“… called to be an apostle …
through the will of God …”
 
DIVINELY APPOINTED
 
The word “apostle” (apostolos, 2 Cor 1:1) denotes someone who is commissioned as a messenger (cf. Acts 14:14). However, it is often used in the Scriptures to refer to those whom Jesus Christ has specially commissioned to the office of an “Apostle” (Luke 6:13). These were specially chosen by the Lord to preach and pen down the inspired Word of God. The household of God is said to be built upon the foundation of the Prophets and the Apostles, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Eph 2:20).
 
Although many in the Corinthian church desired reconciliation with Paul, there were some who continued to oppose him. Some of these claimed to be “super-apostles” (2 Cor 11:5) and undermined Paul’s apostolic authority.
 
Paul had to defend his Apostleship because these attacks undermined the critical ministry which God had committed to him. Thus, from the beginning of the epistle, Paul asserted that his Apostleship was not of his own appointment, nor that of other men, but solely through the will of God (cf. Gal 1:1). God’s appointment of Paul is recorded in Acts 9. Jesus Christ Himself was the one who proclaimed that Paul was His “chosen vessel” to bear His name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). On the other hand, the super-apostles were but pseudo-apostles. They were self-made and self-appointed. Unlike Paul, they were not from God, but were agents of Satan who is transformed into an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14).
 
Similarly, God had called the Corinthian Christians to be “saints” (hagios, 2 Cor 1:1), that is, “holy ones.” It is God’s appointment that they should bear a godly and holy testimony to the world. They must abide in their call. Alas, the Corinthian church was more known for their carnality than their spirituality (1 Cor 3:1-3). They must repent!
 
What about you, dear reader? Are you serving in God’s appointment?
 
THOUGHT: Read John 4:34. What is God’s appointment for you?
PRAYER: Father, help me to abide in Thy will.

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