Main Idea of Galatians:
To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel.
Questions to Consider:
How does Paul emphasize the divine origin of his gospel in this section?
What does Paul highlight about his former way of life and his radical transformation?
What is the significance of Paul’s emphasis on receiving the gospel by revelation of Jesus Christ?
The Text:
“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you have heard about my former way of life in Judaism: I intensely persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.
But when God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus.”
– Galatians 1:11-17 (CSB)
Observations:
Divine Origin of the Gospel (vv. 11-12): Paul asserts that the gospel he preached was not of human origin but received through a direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Former Life (vv. 13-14): Paul recounts his past life in Judaism, his intense persecution of the church, and his extreme zeal for Jewish traditions.
Paul’s Conversion and Call (vv. 15-16): Paul describes his conversion and call to preach Christ to the Gentiles as a work of God’s grace and a revelation of His Son.
Paul’s Independence (v. 17): Paul emphasizes his independence in receiving the gospel and beginning his ministry, stating that he did not consult with other apostles.
Interpretation:
Divine Origin of the Gospel (vv. 11-12): Moo (BECNT) highlights that Paul’s insistence on the divine origin of his gospel is crucial for establishing its authority in the face of the Judaizers’ challenge. He argues that Paul is not just claiming a unique interpretation but the very source of the gospel message itself.
Carson (NIVBTSB) notes that Paul’s words here emphasize the exclusivity of the gospel’s source. It is not a product of human ingenuity or teaching, but a direct unveiling of God’s truth through Jesus Christ.
The phrase “revelation of Jesus Christ” (v. 12) underscores the direct and personal nature of Paul’s encounter with Christ, emphasizing that his gospel was not derived from human tradition or teaching.
Paul’s Former Life (vv. 13-14): Schreiner (ZECNT) points out that Paul’s description of his former life serves to highlight the radical nature of his transformation. His intense persecution of the church underscores the depth of his previous opposition to the gospel.
Paul’s “zeal for the traditions of my fathers” (v. 14) reveals the extent of his commitment to Judaism. This emphasizes the complete change that occurred in his life.
Paul’s Conversion and Call (vv. 15-16): White (GTI) suggests that Paul’s language of being “set apart before I was born” (v. 15) echoes Old Testament language of prophetic calling, emphasizing God’s sovereign plan in his life.
The revelation of God’s Son “to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles” (v. 16) highlights the purpose of Paul’s conversion: to be an apostle to the Gentiles. This is a key theme in Galatians, as the Judaizers were challenging the inclusion of Gentiles in the church.
Carson (NIVBTSB) notes that God’s “grace” (v. 15) is the initiating factor in Paul’s conversion and call, emphasizing the sovereign work of God in salvation.
Paul’s Independence (v. 17): Paul’s emphasis on his independence in receiving the gospel and beginning his ministry is a further defense of his authority. He did not need the approval or instruction of other apostles to preach the true gospel.
His journey to Arabia and return to Damascus (v. 17) indicates a period of reflection and preparation for his ministry, emphasizing that his gospel was not derived from human sources but from God.
Application:
Prioritize God’s Purpose: Paul’s call to preach Christ to the Gentiles reminds us of God’s purpose for our lives. We should seek to understand and fulfill His call, even when it requires sacrifice and challenges our comfort zones.
Embrace the Authority of Divine Revelation: Paul’s emphasis on the divine origin of the gospel should shape our understanding of Scripture’s authority. We should recognize it as God’s revealed truth, not a human invention.
Experience Radical Transformation: Paul’s life demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel. We should expect and pursue radical change in our own lives as we follow Christ.
Respond to God’s Sovereign Call: Paul’s conversion and call highlight God’s sovereign work in salvation. We should recognize His initiative and respond with obedience and gratitude to His call.
Connection to the Main Idea:
This section is crucial for establishing Paul’s authority, which is essential for defending the gospel of grace. By emphasizing the divine origin of his gospel and the radical nature of his conversion, Paul undermines the authority of those who are promoting a different gospel.
How Does This Text Point to Christ?
Christ is the source of Paul’s gospel through direct revelation (v. 12).
God’s grace, which is central to the gospel, is manifested in Christ (v. 15).
Christ is the one whom Paul was called to preach among the Gentiles (v. 16).
Summary:
Galatians 1:11-17 emphasizes the divine origin of Paul’s gospel, highlighting his radical transformation, his call to preach Christ to the Gentiles, and his independence in receiving and proclaiming the gospel.
Ask Yourself:
How has God revealed the truth of the gospel to me?
What areas of my life need radical transformation?
How am I participating in God’s mission to reach the nations?
Bibliography:
Carson, D. A. (General Editor). NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (NIVBTSB). Zondervan.
Merida, Tony & Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (CCE) (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary).
Moo, Douglas J. Galatians (BECNT) (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).
Schreiner, Thomas R. Galatians (ZECNT) (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).
Schreiner, Thomas R. Christ Crucified: A Theology of Galatians.
White, A. Blake. Galatians: A Theological Interpretation (GTI).
