What significance does "not from men" have for understanding Paul's message in Galatians? Setting the Context Galatians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle — sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead —” Divine Origin Highlighted The phrase “not from men” anchors three core truths: • Paul’s commission is wholly divine, not institutional. • The gospel he preaches carries heaven’s authority, not human endorsement. • Any competing message that originates in human tradition stands automatically disqualified (cf. Galatians 1:11-12). Why Paul Emphasizes It First • Judaizers were claiming Paul’s gospel lacked credentials because he was not one of the original Twelve (Galatians 2:4). • By declaring his apostleship “not from men,” Paul establishes that he answers directly to the risen Christ, overruling every earthly court (Acts 9:15-16; Acts 26:16). • This opening assertion becomes the foundation for his later rebuke: “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9). Contrast: Human Religion vs. Divine Revelation • Law-keeping and circumcision promoted by the Judaizers arose from human tradition (Mark 7:6-8). • Paul’s gospel of grace came by revelation “through Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). • The source determines the substance: human effort breeds bondage; divine grace brings freedom (Galatians 5:1). Echoes Through the Letter • Galatians 1:11-12 — “I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it.” • Galatians 2:6 — “Those esteemed as pillars added nothing to me,” underscoring independence from Jerusalem leadership. • Galatians 3:2-3 — They received the Spirit by hearing with faith, not by works dictated by men. • Galatians 4:29 — The child of promise (divine) is persecuted by the child of flesh (human). Reassurance for the Galatians Because Paul’s message originates with God: • Its promises are unbreakable (Numbers 23:19). • Its power is Spirit-driven, not personality-driven (1 Thessalonians 1:5). • Its verdict of justification by faith is final; no human court can reverse it (Romans 8:33-34). Personal Application Points • Measure every teaching by its source: Does it rest on Scripture or on human opinion? • Stand firm in grace; drifting into rule-keeping for acceptance is to swap divine freedom for human bondage. • Boldly share the gospel, knowing its authority is Christ’s, not ours (2 Corinthians 5:20). Takeaway Truths • “Not from men” safeguards the purity of the gospel. • It validates Paul’s sharp warnings against any altered message. • It reassures believers that their salvation rests on the unchanging word of God, not the fickle judgments of people. |
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