Scripture Notes: Paul, an Apostle (Ephesians 1)

St. Paul begins many of his letters with a variation of the declaration that he is “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” While we might dash right past this introduction, it actually contains a great deal of deep meaning that we would do well to reflect on. The word “apostle” refers to someone who is sent. Notice the passive voice there. Paul is not sending himself. He is sent by Christ to carry His Gospel to the world. On that decisive day on the road to Damascus, Paul encountered our risen Lord in person, and his whole life changed in an instant. He was sent, sent to the Jews, sent to the Gentiles, sent to the whole world, sent to us. He became an apostle.

And Paul knows exactly Whose will is behind that sending: God’s will. Paul did not make the first move. In fact, he was persecuting the followers of Jesus, believing them to be blasphemers. He thought he was perfectly fine, right with God, keeping the Law and in good standing as a Pharisee. But Jesus knew better. There was something more in store for Paul, and Jesus chose him specifically for his mission. Paul’s job was to accept the choice and the call and to conform his will to God’s will. 

We have the same job. We, too, are called and sent to speak the message of the Gospel to all the world. We will likely do that in different ways than Paul did, for we all have different gifts and talents and abilities and missions. But, we too, are invited to conform our wills to God’s will and accept His choice and call.