How does Galatians 1:11 affirm the divine origin of Paul's gospel message? Setting the Verse Before Us “ For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not according to man.” (Galatians 1:11) What Paul Is Claiming in One Sentence • Paul’s good news did not originate in human brainstorming, tradition, or philosophy. • It was revealed directly by God, making it infallible, unchangeable, and binding. How the Text Itself Points to Divine Origin • “I certify to you” – a solemn, courtroom-style assertion: Paul swears the source is higher than any human. • “Not according to man” – rules out every merely human channel: classroom, rabbi, apostle, or council. Immediate Context That Seals the Point • Galatians 1:12: “For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” • The next verses (1:13-17) track Paul’s Damascus-road encounter (cf. Acts 9:3-6), proving the gospel came in a supernatural revelation, not a seminar. Supporting Passages That Echo the Same Truth • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul states the gospel “I passed on to you… I received,” listing eyewitness events validated by Scripture. • Acts 26:15-18 – Paul recounts Jesus commissioning him directly “to open their eyes.” • 2 Peter 1:20-21 – Scripture never comes “by the will of man,” but from men “carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed,” underscoring why Paul’s message carries divine authority. Why Divine Origin Matters for Us Today • Guarantees absolute reliability—no hidden errors or cultural myths. • Demands unwavering loyalty—altering the gospel would mean resisting God, not merely differing with Paul. • Offers unshakable confidence—salvation rests on God’s own revelation, not shifting human opinion. • Fuels bold witness—if the gospel is truly from heaven, we can share it without apology or compromise. Practical Takeaways • Measure every teaching by this apostolic, God-given standard (Galatians 1:8-9). • Trust Scripture’s full authority—because its source is divine, its promises and warnings stand forever. • Rest in a salvation that began in God’s heart, not human imagination; therefore, it cannot fail. |
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