Whereunto
I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and
lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
As we saw earlier on in Chapter 1,
Paul was commissioned by the Lord, to be an Apostle to the Gentiles to declare
the Gospel. Here, Paul states this fact again. Adding that he is a teacher of
Faith and Truth and ordained to be a preacher. This “ordination” carries with
it some significance. First of all, Paul was ordained to be a preacher. In
Romans 10, the Word says how shall they (Gentiles, Lost) hear (the Gospel,
Truth) without a Preacher?
In Noah Webster’s 1828
dictionary, ordain is defined as to appoint, to prepare, so set apart
for an office. Ordainable as “appointable” and ordained as
appointed, instituted, established, invested with ministerial or pastoral
functions, settled.
Paul was not ordained by mere men, although the local
church did send them out as missionaries; but was ordained (appointed, set
apart) by God to be minster. Here we see the important principle of a
God-ordained calling. God can call a man to anything, not just “ministry.” Have
you sought God and asked Him what your calling is?
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1
Tim 2:7-8 (KJV)
In the time period Paul lived in, it was common for men to pray standing with
their hands lifted toward heaven. Even pagan idol worshipers would do this.
Paul says, that he wants Christian men everywhere to lift up their hands (a
sign of surrender and trust in the Lord) without wrath (anger) or doubting.
Something just happens, men, when you lift your hands to the Lord and pray. It
is like a burden is lifted, anger disciples, and doubt flees as your full
attention is on the Lord. I encourage you as Paul did, lift up your hands in
prayer.
