“I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to the Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake.” (Jesus Christ, Acts 9:15)
“Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ”. (Paul, 1 Cor. 11:1)
“Keep on imitating me, my brothers. Pay attention to those who follow the right example that we have set for you (in contrast to) many whose lives make them enemies of Christ’s death on the cross.” (Paul, Phil. 3: 17-18)
“You imitated us and the Lord; and even though you suffered very much, you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.” (Paul, 1 Thess. 1:6)
The Apostolic model of Paul is a simplified example with the following points of imitation:
- Vision
Personal encounter with a mysterious and overpowering “Jesus” as a supernatural being in the form of “a flashing light from the sky” with instruction to Paul (Acts 9: 3-9)
- Source of Doctrine
“Sound doctrine is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God.” (Paul, 1 Tim. 1: 10-11)
It is extremely important to note that the simplified example of Paul’s apostolic model actually highlights the essence of the gospel defining the divine identity and authority of Jesus Christ, as basis of real faith, in terms of a great vision promised (John 1: 47-51), developed (Ibid, 8: 21-28; 14: 15-21; 16: 5-15) and delivered (Ibid, 19: 30-37 in terms of a perfect and transfigurative death on the cross); and in terms of exclusively divine source of teaching for everyone (Ibid, 6: 45 based on the promises in the “new covenant” Jer. 31: 31-34).
Therefore, I submit the Apostolic model of Paul is the most efficient and cost effective way of fulfilling the Great Commission in our lifetime. (Matt. 28: 18-20)
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