[Jvette]

We have discussed this before and I thoroughly disagree with your contention that Paul was given a different gospel than the one given to Peter and the original disciples.

Yes, Paul was called directly by Jesus, yes, Paul received Jesus’ revelations from Jesus and not from the others, but Paul went to the others to share this gospel and to make sure that what he was preaching was acceptable to them and what they had been taught. Paul says so himself.

1 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

He went and met with the others to receive their approval.
Can’t be much clearer than that.

****NOT by Peter and the 11, is not at ALL what Apostolic Succession is about.****

I never said it was given to him by Peter and the others. And, yes, Paul is the first in the line of Apostolic Succession, for whether YOU want to admit it or not, Paul needed their hand of fellowship for others to accept him.

[smvoice]

Paul had BEEN preaching the gospel of the grace of God (the gospel of the uncircumcision) when he went to Jerusalem to meet with Peter, James, and John. He was preaching the gospel of the uncircumcision. So NO, he did NOT need their approval, as they were preaching the gospel of the circumcision, to the Jews. The only approval he needed was from the risen Christ, who gave him his commission and ministry. Can't be much clearer than Gal. describes it. Whether you choose to believe it or not changes it not one bit. It just clouds and confuses the truth.

The Word says what it says.