For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
I’ve had the opportunity to write a number of letters of recommendation. From high school students seeking endorsements for a scholarship, to people seeking recommendations for a job promotion, to people seeking enrollment into a Concordia to become church workers, I’m always glad to offer a word of recommendation. Sometimes they are more robust than others. But in some cases the recommendation is so strong that I end my letter by saying, “If my endorsement of [this candidate] aids his/her entrance into your program, I would be very honored.” In other words, while I may be recommending someone, and they get the kudos in the body of my letter, I also receive honor by offering my recommendation.
I wonder whether Peter (Paul calls him Cephas), and James felt honored to have been visited by Saul (he would become known as Paul when he began his missionary work in the Greek-speaking world). Were they aware of the impact he would have in his missionary work? Were they aware that they would have to contend with this dedicated missionary who made a strong case to admit Gentile believers into the fellowship of the church? Did they have any idea that he would write more of the New Testament than either of they two?
Yet it was vitally important that Saul gain their acceptance and even their endorsement as a legitimate church leader and apostle. Paul’s claim to be an apostle is not just a matter of authority but a testimony to the grace of God at work in his life. His apostleship reveals the transformative grace of God, who redeems and equips people for His mission. By embracing this calling, Paul demonstrates how God’s grace can overcome even the darkest past and extend His love and salvation to all people. This claim also reassured the early Church of the divine origin and truth of Paul’s Gospel message.
That stands by itself, and truly God was the one who called Paul into service. At his conversion Jesus spoke to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Then at the church in Antioch, the Holy Spirit said, “Set aside Barnabas and Saul for the work I have for them.” That said the human factor remains, and having the endorsement of Peter and James would serve him well – some years later as he writes to the Galatians. This will become evident in Galatians 2 when Paul recounts his confrontation of Peter “to his face.” Sometimes even within the church and among those who respect each other there needs to be challenging conversation and clarifying discussion. Paul will speak about that also in Galatians 6 where he urges we handle even the erring in gentleness and as we bear one another’s burdens.
I greatly value relationships where two people can speak truth to each other in love and iron sharpens iron. I highly recommend such relationships.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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