How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)
Quote #4
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. (NRSV 1 Corinthians 9:1-3)
Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this. (KJV Corinthians 9:1-3)
Paul sums up how he got this sweet position right here. He's been called by God and he's also seen the Risen Christ. Impressed yet? If that weren't enough, he's also founded churches, which must be proof that he's doing something good. Are you sold?
Quote #5
Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (NRSV 1 Corinthians 15.24-26)
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (KJV 1 Corinthians 15.24-26)
This is what God thinks of human authority figures: he's gonna crush them. Paul believes that the end of the world will shift the balance of power, and authority will move to new, Christian hands.
Quote #6
For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 2:17)
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV 2 Corinthians 2:17)
Doubting Paul's authority? Just remember that he's not only sincere, but he was actually "sent from God." That's probably the high point of his resume.