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It seems that constantly Paul's credentials as an Apostle and minister of the gospel was being questioned and even criticized, and doubted. To some degree, this continued his entire life as a minister of the Gospel.

Much of the criticism and suspicion surrounding his ministry arose from his supposed lack of credibility as an apostle because he had not been called during the time that Jesus walked on the earth and personally taught other apostles. He seems to often have to defend his apostleship. Sometimes, his credentials did not seem enough to many of the converts from the Jewish element in his audiences. even thought he was grounded in the scriptures more perhaps than any of the other apostles.

We see evidence of this in one of the occasions when he had to defend his apostleship:

"Am I not free [unrestrained and exempt from any obligation]? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our [risen] Lord [in person]? Are you not [the result and proof of] my work in the Lord? Even if I am not considered an apostle (a special messenger) by others, at least I am one to you; for you are the seal (the certificate, the living evidence) of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it]. This is my [real ground of] defense (my vindication of myself) to those who would put me on trial and cross-examine me." - 1 Corinthians 9:1-3

In defending his legitimacy as an approved and called apostle, he offers as part of his defense the short statement "have I not seen the Lord?" This is interesting in that he had seen an angel in a vision. He does not call the vision a vision of the "the Lord".

Because of this, and other issues, he was forced to constantly defend his apostleship.There is a short reference in one of his letters that may shed some light on how Paul was so grounded in ALL the elements of the gospel. Perhaps more than any of the others, even though many had walked and talked personally with Jesus for three and half years.

The Silent Three Years

There is an interesting comment by Paul in one of his letters in which he defends himself regarding his apostleship that may be a key to the conviction and enthusiasm that he constantly exhibited all of his life as an apostle.

Paul In Arabia

"Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles (special messengers of Christ) before I was, but I went away and retired into Arabia, and afterward I came back again to Damascus.Then three years later, I did go up to Jerusalem to become [personally] acquainted with Cephas (Peter), and remained with him for fifteen days." - Galatians 1:16,17 Paul said that for three years he "retired" to Arabia.

In another place he states "have I not seen the Lord?" implying that he had actually seen the Lord. He did not see Him when he was struck blind. He only heard His voice. He indicates that he had seen Him in a vision, although he may have seen an angel messenger when he was told not go into Europe at that time.

The question arises as to why he "retired" to Arabia. We are not told what he did in Arabia other than the expression that he "retired to Arabia". Why to Arabia (a desolate place), and for three years, apparently in some kind of voluntary seclusion? No one knows for sure. But a logical supposition could be that he met there the Lord in person in some way during those three years. It is interesting that the Lord's ministry on earth was three and a half years in which the twelve apostles were taught sitting at His feet.

Could it be that the Lord also taught Paul for three years, one on one, in seclusion in Arabia"?

It is not known for sure. It is speculation that seems logical, given the overall setting in the witness of the apostles and their different spheres of activity.

However, it seems to be a logical assumption in view of the circumstances in Paul's ministry, and the sometime conflicts with others who questioned his authenticity.

Some day, we will know for sure. Until then, we can be assured of Paul's authenticity. Perhaps he received one on one teaching by Jesus Himself, and we can be assured that what he has taught is valid, and from Jesus Christ in person.

"I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing" (His return).- 2 Timothy 4:7-8

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Character