Compare Paul's revelation in Galatians 1:12 to other biblical revelations. Galatians 1:12 — Paul’s direct revelation “For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” - Paul’s message came straight from the risen Jesus, not from human tradition. - “Revelation” (Greek apokalypsis) means an unveiling—God pulling back the curtain so truth can be seen. How God reveals throughout Scripture - Spoken voice — Genesis 12:1; Matthew 3:17 - Visions & dreams — Genesis 28:12; Acts 16:9 - Angelic messengers — Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:26-38 - Theophanies (visible manifestations of the LORD) — Exodus 3:2-6; Judges 6:12-23 - Direct appearance of the risen Christ — Acts 9:3-6; Revelation 1:12-18 - Inspired Scripture itself — 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul’s experience fits squarely within this biblical pattern. Old Testament parallels - Moses on Sinai — Exodus 19:3-6; 34:28 • Forty days alone with God, receiving the Law apart from human mediation. - Isaiah’s throne-room vision — Isaiah 6:1-8 • Commissioned directly by seeing the Lord’s glory. - Ezekiel by the Kebar Canal — Ezekiel 1:1; 2:1-5 • Heavenly vision followed by a prophetic call. - Jeremiah’s call — Jeremiah 1:4-10 • “Then the word of the LORD came to me…” with no human tutor. Prophets received truth first-hand, then proclaimed it—just as Paul would do. New Testament parallels - Peter’s confession — Matthew 16:17 • “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.” - The Damascus-road encounter — Acts 9:3-6; 26:15-18 • Historical moment behind Galatians 1:12. - Post-resurrection opening of the Scriptures — Luke 24:45 • Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” - John on Patmos — Revelation 1:1 • “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants…” All share the thread of Jesus Himself making heavenly truth known. Distinctives of Paul’s revelation - Received directly from the glorified Christ, without intermediary (Galatians 1:1, 12). - Confirms apostolic authority equal to the Twelve (1 Corinthians 15:7-8). - Centers on justification by faith apart from works of the Law (Galatians 2:15-16). - Explicitly targeted to the Gentile mission (Ephesians 3:2-6). - Reaffirmed through later visions (2 Corinthians 12:1-4; Acts 22:17-21). Unity and continuity — one gospel, one voice - Paul’s message matched that of the Jerusalem apostles (Galatians 2:6-9). - Hebrews 1:1-2: “In the past God spoke … but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” - Every true revelation harmonizes with the rest of Scripture and exalts Christ. Living response - Receive every portion of Scripture as fully reliable, God-given truth. - Recognize Jesus as the ultimate Revealer; all genuine revelation points to Him. - Let the clarity of Paul’s gospel—salvation by grace through faith—shape thinking, worship, and witness today. |
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