Paul’s Proof Of Apostleship

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:11-12).

“I neither received it from men nor was taught by men.” Paul then begins a simple argument: history. Such learning from men would require lengthy contact with one of the apostles (or several of them) in order to learn all of this, and that simply did not happen.

• It didn’t happen BEFORE he was converted (13-17).
• It didn’t happen WHEN he was converted (17b)
• It didn’t happen in the early years after his conversion (18-24).

From the beginning of his life as a Christian, he preached this message. This gospel that he preached was verified, vindicated, and confirmed by God and acknowledged by the other apostles and leaders (2:1f).

• Titus was NOT compelled to deviate from Paul’s message and be circumcised. (2:1-5)
• The other apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the ‘right hand of fellowship’ (2:6-9)
• God had testified and confirmed Paul’s message by ‘effectually working’ with Paul as he preached this message to the Gentiles (2:8; i.e., confirming miracles and signs, cp. Mark 16:16-20; Heb. 2:1-4;       ).
• Peter not only was rebuked for deviating from this message but ACCEPTED the rebuke (2:11f).

Of course, writing about such history while those involved were still alive is a dangerous thing to do IF YOU ARE LYING. With so many people involved it would have been a simple thing to verify OR debunk.

Paul WAS a true apostle of Jesus. Paul’s message was the revelation of the teaching of Jesus. Being a revelation from God: men (and angels) can NOT change it without condemnation. Paul then would admonish believers to ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Gal. 5:1). The danger was and IS real, for there were and ARE those who attempt to change what was taught! Are you standing with Paul? 

Hugh DeLong