Paul's apostolic credentials come from his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, emphasizing God's calling and grace.
The Apostle Paul distinguishes himself as an apostle not through direct companionship with Christ during His earthly ministry, but through his divine calling after Christ's resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:8, Paul refers to himself as one 'born out of due time,' conveying that while he may not have walked physically with Jesus as the other apostles did, he was nonetheless called to service by the risen Christ. This underscores the sovereign grace of God in using whom He wills. Despite his prior life of persecution against the church, Paul emphasizes that his status as an apostle is entirely due to God’s grace and purpose, demonstrating that the calling to serve comes from God alone.
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