Faith without religion.
Set Apart and Sent: Understanding Paul’s Authority
In a recent discussion, Shawn and Delaney delved into the complexities of apostleship, focusing on the distinctions between the noun and verb forms of “apostle” in the context of Barnabas and Paul. They explored how Barnabas, though sent, did not meet the qualifications of an apostle as outlined by Paul, who emphasized the necessity of witnessing Christ’s resurrection and being taught by Him.
The conversation then shifted to Galatians 1, where Paul asserts that his teachings were not of human origin but received through revelation from Jesus Christ. This sparked a discussion on the nature of apostleship and whether such divine encounters could occur today. Shawn expressed skepticism about the necessity of modern apostles, suggesting that the Spirit now governs believers directly.
The dialogue also touched on the transformative journey of Paul, who, despite being set apart from birth, initially persecuted Christians before his dramatic conversion. This led to a broader reflection on the idea of being called for a specific purpose, with Shawn sharing his belief in a personal calling to address and understand Mormonism deeply.
Throughout the discussion, the importance of individual spiritual experiences was emphasized, challenging the notion that divine revelation is exclusive to biblical times. Shawn and Delaney concluded by acknowledging the complexities of faith and the evolving understanding of spiritual authority, encouraging listeners to seek direct relationships with God.
