Paul and his writing the Epistle to the Galatians …
The great Apostle has been saved now by at least fifteen years, maybe a little more. And he (finally) says something autobiographical! In fact, he is giving here his “testimony,” in a way! About how he “heard” (really “understood,” became “sure of,” even “believed”) the Gospel!
And he did NOT formulate his doctrine from man!
It came straight from God!
(As opposed to what the Galatians were doing at that very time, reformulating the Gospel they believed, according to a group “outsiders,” a cadre of men who were disciples of Moses!)
Today’s Verse, Text: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12
Wow!
The verb “certify” is “gnorizo” in Greek. A direct relative of “ginosko.” It means “to make known.” In early Greek it even could mean “to thoroughly make known.” And it is also a present active indicative verb. Paul was constantly “making known” the “Gospel” he preached, including its origin in his life! The word’s Latin heritage (“certus”) includes “attestation, confirmation.” And carries a bit of “gravitas” as well.
Paul is “telling them,” the Galatians, his view of the Gospel! (As in he told them “a thing or two!”) His God-given view, as we shall momentarily see.
Back to our Verse: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Notice he is here still calling them “brethren,” though he is becoming doubtful of their real standing in Christ! (As later in Galatians 4:20 he blatantly says to them: “I stand in doubt of you.”)
Wow!
Paul’s verb for “preaching” (“was preached”) here is “euaggelizo,” sharing the Good News about Jesus’ Death, Burial and Resurrection! Our word “evangelizing.”
“Not” is “ouk,” the strongest negative available in the Greek language! No exceptions allowed! Men (or women) did not decide the meaning of Paul’s message!
Even the preposition “after” is significant, strong. It is “meta,” meaning “down from, through, according to.” Nothing “human” about Paul’s Gospel! It’s source is divine!
The adverb “neither” at the beginning of verse 12 is “oude,” a powerful little blend of “ouk” and “de,” forming a conclusion. It can further strengthen any negative already expressed in the sentence, just in a slightly different way. He is piling “no” on top of “no” here. as in “NO WAY!”
“Received” is “paralambano,” meaning “to take something right alongside oneself.” To adopt. To join to one’s self! To make an associate.
“Man” is the noun “anthropos,” self explanatory I suspect. (Paul’s “theology” is not derived from Paul’s “anthropology!”)
“Taught” is “didasko,” formal instruction, “causing someone to learn.” (But past tense now, “aorist” in Greek.) Not by man … but by Jesus Christ!
As in: “Neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The noun “revelation” is “apokalupsis.” Literally “an unveiling!”
John received an “apocalypse” of Jesus on the Isle of Patmos around 95 AD or so.
But Paul received his own “apocalypse” of Jesus in the Arabian desert around 35 AD or so!
A revelation “of Jesus Christ!”
The Name of our Lord is written here in the genitive case.
It either means Jesus’ owned the “Revelation” and gave it to Paul!
Or … it is a “Revelation” focused solely on Jesus Christ, He being the Subject” of Paul’s now Christian education, learning!
Either way, it is beautiful!
Paul’s Testimony, as to its very Source anyway!
Galatians 1:11-12, priceless!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
WHERE/HOW did you learn the Gospel?