An apostle] The title is used in the technical sense, and is introduced by St. Paul to assert his equality with the Twelve which had been challenged. It is always used by him in letters to Churches where his authority was questioned or to which he was unknown in person (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1); whereas in the cases where the Churches were thoroughly devoted to him he drops it altogether (Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1). Not of men, as source, neither by (RV 'through') man, as medium. Sanday suggests the illuminative analogy of the Sovereign as the fount of honour, and the ministry as the channel through which the honour is conferred. But by (RV 'through') Jesus Christ, and God the Father] Both his conversion (Acts 9:4-6; Galatians 1:15) and his call to missionary work (Acts 13:2 cp. Acts 22:21) were directly from God and Jesus Christ.
Who raised him] It is the risen Christ from whom St. Paul derives his authority.