20160724 Sunday, July 24 2016
1 Corinthians 09: Who Was The Greatest Apostle?

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him"

The English-language word "apostle" originated from the Greek word, pronounced ap-os-tol-os, that means someone who is officially sent, such as an ambassador of a King. "The Twelve" apostles (Matthias replaced the treason-committing Judas Iscariot; see also Disciples, Ministers, Apostles, Prophets) are the most familiar, however Paul was also chosen by the LORD as an apostle (see Paul, The Apostle To The World). Barnabas too was sent as an apostle (Acts 14:14; see also The Meeting Of Paul And Barnabas and The Ministry Of Paul And Barnabas), as were other lesser-known individuals who are identified as apostles e.g. Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7; see also Paul's Letter To The True Church Of Rome).

The greatest apostle of all was Jesus Christ, Who Himself was sent to represent a King (see The Patriotism Prophecy and The Only Political Party That's Going To Survive):

"3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 3:2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him" (Hebrews 3:1-2 KJV)

Unlike the many self-appointed false Christian apostles (but genuine apostles of Satan i.e. "11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV) that have existed over the centuries, the apostle Paul was humble servant of the LORD. He spoke the Truth that he was given from the Holy Scriptures. Those who heard the Truth were free to choose life or death for themselves from it.

"9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 9:4 Have we not power to eat and to drink? 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?

Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:1-27 KJV)

Fact Finder: Why is the Messiah also called the High Priest i.e. "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him"?
See The Christian Day Of Atonement: Past, Present and Future