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Not From Men – Gal. 1
Not From Men – Gal. 1
How often do we skim read the opening verses of the epistles? I would guess a lot more than we would likely admit! Don’t skip! Especially here in Galatians. Was Paul an apostle with authority of Jesus behind him? If you are reading this you would simply say yes and that would end the discussion. BUT both now and in the 1st century there was a (large?) portion of people who would dissent and say NO.
Thus, Paul writes this short letter. In chapters 1-2, he argues that he indeed is such an apostle. In chapters 3-4 he will lay out his foundational teaching about Jesus and the new covenant. Then, in chapters 5-6 he will write on the conduct expected of disciples of Jesus.
The problem with the disciples in Galatia: Galatians 1:6-7 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
The true gospel and Paul’s authority: Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),
Galatians 1:11-12 11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
The WARNING of danger: Galatians 1:8-9 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
From this foundation, Paul then outlines his personal history to show that he did NOT learn this gospel message from men for he simply never was in a position that would have allowed such. Challenge: outline his argument in Gal. 1:13-2:21.
Hugh
