Called apostle, God's gospel

Paul’s second credential for ministry is that he is a called apostle. “Called” actually modifies apostle. It tells us what kind of apostle he is. He did not volunteer or apply for the job. He was not recommended and voted in. God chose him.

The word apostle means “one sent forth with orders”. So not only does he belong to Christ and act in a capacity of slave for His master, he was also chosen by God as a special messenger.

Thirdly, Paul points out his consecration in regards to his position in ministry. The word translated “having been separated”, means to mark off from others by boundaries. It is in the passive voice, meaning the action was done to him. He was separated out by God. Paul was actually separated out three times. Once, he says he was separated from his mother’s womb. The second time was at his conversion (Acts 9:15), and the third time was when he was set apart by the Holy Spirit for ministry (Acts 13:2).

The next prepositional phrase is really interesting: “To the gospel God”. The Greek word sometimes translated “for” here, means to or towards. He was not separated from something, but to something.

It’s a little funny to me that the Aramaic word perishim is the word for Pharisee. Which literally means “separated one, legally”. The Pharisees were separated to the law and for the law. They served the law. Paul is clearly contrasting himself from them in this passage by saying in essence, “They are separated by the law, I am separated for the gospel!”

God is in the genitive case showing possession. God is the source and origin of the gospel. It is God’s gospel. He is the source of the gospel.

The word translated “gospel” is used in Paul’s writings 60 times. The word actually originated in Greek society, for an official government announcement made by town criers, usually to announce a victory. The word picture here is beautiful. Paul is crying in the town square, “The war is over!! Jesus has won!!!” That is the good news. That is the gospel. God is the source of it. Jesus has accomplished it. Amen