Paul, an apostle, had a remarkable encounter with Jesus in His glorified state. This encounter was not only a requirement for apostleship, but Paul was even granted the privilege of being transported to the celestial realm. It is worth noting that John was the only other individual who shared a similar experience and documented it. Comparatively, if we were to view the Christian journey as a race, Paul would undoubtedly be considered a frontrunner. Furthermore, it can be argued that Paul spoke with great authority to empower Timothy, especially considering the incomplete state of the biblical canon at that time. This notion allows us to draw parallels between our admiration for exemplary leaders and the attributes we should aspire to possess. However, we must also acknowledge the unique circumstances of the early Christian era, where biblical knowledge was primarily transmitted orally, unlike the widespread access to the completed canon that we enjoy today.This is precisely why I consistently advocate for adherents of the Christian faith to align themselves with individuals who are faithfully following the teachings of Christ. By doing so, we can ensure that each person is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the path to righteousness, as each individual possesses a complete Bible. There is no necessity for an individual possessing a unique authority to grant the New Testament books their credibility or to possess the authority to officially recognize and endorse religious leaders. Our guiding principle should be to prioritize respect based on our interpersonal connections, recognizing that contemporary society lacks individuals who have personally witnessed the divine presence.
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