A Reading from the Book of Concord 3 year series January 25, 2009 - Conversion of St Paul

Standard LSB B Readings: First: Jonah 3:1-5,10 Epistle: 1 Cor. 7:29-31(32-35) Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 Psalm: Psalm 62:1ff

The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB, Epistle Galatians 1:11-24 for the Conversion of St Paul, January 25, 2009.

It is from Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, paragraphs 10-11, page 295.

for the Conversion of Saint Paul, Jan.25, 2009.

Like the other apostles Paul received his message and commission directly from the Lord Jesus, the head of the Church. The Church's One Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.

Click here for the reading formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin.

Pastor Doug May
Socorro, New Mexico

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD	CONVERSION OF ST PAUL
TREATISE ON THE POWER AND PRIMACY OF THE POPE	THE POWER AND PRIMACY OF THE POPE

Galatians 2:7-10. St. Paul clearly affirms that he was neither ordained nor confirmed by Peter. Nor does he acknowledge Peter to be one from whom confirmation should be sought. He plainly maintains on this point that his call does not depend upon Peter's authority. If Peter were superior by divine right, he should have acknowledged Peter as a superior. Paul says that he had preached the Gospel without consulting Peter [Galatians 1:10-12]. Also, "from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)." And, "Those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me" [2:6]. Paul clearly testifies that he did not even wish to seek the confirmation of Peter to preach, even when Paul had come to him. He teaches that the authority of the ministry depends upon God's Word, and that Peter was not superior to the other apostles. Ordination or confirmation was not to be sought from this one individual, Peter <[Paul teaches] that the office of the ministry proceeds from the general call of the apostles and that it is not necessary for all to have the call or confirmation of this one person, Peter, alone>.

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul makes ministers equal. He also teaches that the Church is superior to the ministers. Lordship over the Church or the rest of the ministers is not attributed to Peter. Do not let the other ministers or Peter assume for themselves lordship over the Church. (paragraphs 10-11)

Condensed from CONCORDIA: THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS, copyright 2005,2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of CONCORDIA, call 800-325-3040.

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