¹⁵ But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, ¹⁶ to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Audaciousness based in apostolic authority. Paul did not hesitate to speak boldly, pointedly, about the subject of judging one another in the gray areas. He was not unduly harsh, and he bent over backwards to assure them that his forthrightness in addressing this issue at length came not out of a personal irritation at them but from the position of his calling as an apostle. That’s what he means when he says “because of the grace that was given me from God.” In fact, the core of his teaching on this issue circles back to the beginning of his application of justification to the Christian life: “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Rom 12:3). As one who clearly sees his identity as one called by God’s grace, Paul graciously teaches Christians about seeing themselves clearly and humbly as well.

Paul could never get over his identity change in Christ. He had been a ruthless persecutor of the early church, but God wonderfully met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). True, quite a number of years had passed since that time, but he was always mindful of his new self.

For one, he was continuous recipient of God’s grace, for he knew he continued to be the foremost sinner of all:

Even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor … I was shown mercy … and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant … It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (1 Tim 1:13–15)

Second, he was called to be a “minister of Christ Jesus.” He knew whom he served. Our service to others can only be spiritually worthwhile and effective if we do it as an outworking of our serving Christ.

Third, he acted like a priest, whose offering to God was the Gentiles won to Christ through his ministry. Paul saw himself as a life dedicated fully to the mission God had given him. We, likewise, should dedicate our lives fully to offering the fruit of our individual ministries to God as a priestly offering.

Lord, my life is dedicated to You, as Your minister and priest.