Ephesians begins by declaring that Paul is "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God."
To us it would seem strange that such an obviously called leader would need to declare that he is an Apostle.
At the time of this writing Paul was not universally accepted.
The vast majority of Jewish Christians viewed his message of salvation by grace with suspicion.
Even during our day most Church attendees do not understand the simplicity or power of God's grace.
Salvation and service are by grace!
No works come attached to God’s grace.
Christ Jesus has already done all the "work" required for our salvation.
Paul was not chosen to be an Apostle due to self-will, self-determination, or ego.
He was chosen because of the will, determination, choice, purpose, and inclination of God the Father.
Romans 9:15-16
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Whatever success you have is by the will of God!
Here is an important point. We do not choose God. God chose us!
Without His choosing us, our choosing Him would be an act of futility.
The Father not only chooses us; He equips us according the purpose of His call.
He is the Potter, and we are His clay! Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
It is the faith given through His call that gives us the strength to continue living the life of faith.
The Father's determination-in-love is the only thing that stands between us and Satan's determination-of-death.
His grace was exhibited in, through, and because of Christ Jesus.
As a saint, you are pure, holy, and blameless before God. Your standing in society is of little concern!
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