Romans 1:5 Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

It is worth noting that Paul wrote this not as something past, but in the middle of a very active ministry. It was before he went to Jerusalem and was arrested, and he had no idea how his remarks about visiting Rome, in verses 11-13, were going to be fulfilled. He speaks of “receiving grace and apostleship.” He dwells on the grace aspect elsewhere, not only in his descriptions of his conversion but also in 1 Timothy 1:15-16. He mentions his apostleship at the beginning of almost every letter, as well as scattered throughout the text of those letters. This was not bragging, but seeking to help his readers understand that he was writing not on his own, but as Christ’s agent. That’s a heavy responsibility! Some today claim apostleship as though it were simply a rank, and I would say that is dangerous as well as foolish. Proverbs has a lot to say about fools! An apostle is one sent as a representative, and so must faithfully execute not his own will, but that of the one who sent him. Paul expressed that using a term more familiar to us today, ambassador, in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Even today ambassadors are not (or should not be) chosen lightly, but on the basis not only of ability but of faithfulness to the government they represent. Anyone who puts “apostle” on their business card but is not living as an active representative of Jesus Christ is a lie and a sham.

This is a matter of great concern to me, because as was pointed out in the Baptist seminary I attended, the modern term that is closest to “apostle” is “missionary.” Growing up as the youngest child in a missionary family, on a visit to the US I recall hearing, actually and not in jest, the expression “real live missionary” applied to my family. I felt like an animal in a zoo, and the temptation to act up in response was distinct. Now as an adult I find myself as what most people call a missionary, though with no sending organization. I recall, back when we were wrestling with the Baptist mission board over whether they would accept and appoint us, that my wife said clearly, “We’d rather be Lord sent than board sent.” That was true then, and it’s true today. At the time we came to Omura I thought my commission was strictly to the Japanese, but in the Lord’s plan I have ministered to people of many different nations, baptizing people from several countries other than Japan. I guess my commission isn’t so different from that of Paul, even though I haven’t been itinerant the way he was. The point for me to remember is that if I am not a faithful representative of the One who sent me, my commission is meaningless. My words are empty if I’m not living them out. Just yesterday I had the privilege of talking with someone who said they now know God really exists, and they believe in Jesus. I must use the authority God has given me to build them up, (2 Corinthians 13:10) leading them into full, active discipleship, because that is my privilege as well as my calling.

Father, thank You for Your grace and patience indeed, as well as Your calling. Help me be faithful, because I can’t do it on my own. May I be a useful instrument in Your hands on every level, so that many may be brought into Your family, Your kingdom, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!