Galatians 1:11
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul is making a bold declaration here: the gospel he preaches isn't some human idea that he concocted. It's not derived from human wisdom or a product of human reasoning, but comes directly from God. This wasn't just a minor point for Paul; it was the very foundation of his authority and the gospel's truth.
Paul is directly addressing the Galatians' confusion about the gospel, a confusion stirred by false teachers who are undermining his authority. After fiercely rebuking anyone, even an angel, who preaches a different gospel (verses 8-9), he pivots to assert the divine origin of the gospel he proclaimed to them. He clarifies that his message didn't come from human wisdom or authority but was directly revealed by God through Jesus Christ, setting the stage to detail his conversion and independent apostleship.
Paul drops a bombshell in this verse: the gospel he preaches isn't just 'his' gospel, but something far grander. What does it mean for a message to be 'not after man'?
Paul emphatically states that the gospel he proclaimed is not 'after man.' This phrase, 'kata anthropon' in the original Greek, means it's not according to human standards, wisdom, or invention. It wasn't something Paul figured out, developed, or received from other human teachers.
Divine Origin
The commentaries highlight that this 'not after man' declaration points to a divine origin. The gospel isn't a human philosophy or a product of human effort. It surpasses human understanding and capability.
Direct Revelation
Crucially, Paul insists he received this gospel not from human instructors, but directly from God through revelation. This is the bedrock of his authority and the message itself.
This understanding sets the stage for his entire argument in Galatians: his authority and the truth of his message stem directly from God, not from human approval or tradition.
Paul uses a term of endearment – 'brothers' – even as he’s about to launch into a strong defense of his apostleship. Why the warmth amidst the stern declaration?
The opening word, 'brothers' (adelphoi), is significant. Despite the Galatians' wavering and the stern truth Paul is about to lay out, he still regards them as part of God's family.
Affectionate Appeal
This term isn't just a casual greeting; it's an expression of Paul's deep affection and concern for them. He's not attacking them, but trying to steer them back to the truth they once knew.
Hope for Restoration
Calling them 'brothers' signals his hope that they are indeed regenerate and belong to Christ. It creates an atmosphere of care, making them more receptive to his correction and the foundational truth of the gospel.
Understand the original words
euaggelion · Greek Noun
The 'good news' concerning Christ, the Kingdom of God, and salvation by grace through faith. It is the core message of the Christian faith, centering on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Paul's defense of his gospel's divine origin is a direct response to opponents who questioned his apostolic authority, suggesting he received his message from human sources rather than directly from Christ.
c. AD 33-36
Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of the early church, experiences a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He begins preaching the gospel, but initially spends time in Arabia and Damascus before going to Jerusalem.
c. AD 46-49
First Missionary Journey
Barnabas and Paul travel through Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition. This journey is crucial in Paul's development as an apostle to the Gentiles.
c. AD 50-51
Jerusalem Council
A major dispute arises regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in the church without requiring circumcision. The Council, including Peter and James, affirms that salvation is by grace through faith, not adherence to the Law.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul faces significant opposition from those who seek to undermine his authority and distort his teachings, including the specific issue of Gentile inclusion.
Paul uses the same verb, 'to make known,' to introduce a crucial declaration about the gospel, emphasizing its divine origin and salvific power.
Ephesians 3:3This passage echoes Paul's assertion that the gospel mystery was revealed to him by direct divine revelation, not through human teaching.
Acts 9:1-22This narrative describes Paul's dramatic conversion and the immediate commissioning by Christ, illustrating how his apostleship and gospel did not originate from human approval or instruction.
2 Corinthians 11:4Paul contrasts his gospel with other 'gospels' preached by others, warning that a different message is not truly the gospel, reinforcing his claim that his message is from God, not man.
Romans 1:1-4Paul declares that the gospel he preaches was promised beforehand through the prophets and concerns God's Son, highlighting its divine, ancient roots rather than human invention.
gillGalatians 1:11: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man."
But I certify you, brethren,.... Though the Galatians had gone such lengths with their false teachers, yet the apostle still calls them "brethren"; as hoping well of them, that they were born of God, did belong to his family, and were heirs of the grace of life; and this he the rather makes use of, to show his affection to them, and to engage their attention to the assurance he gives, of th…
barnesGalatians 1:11: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man."
But I certify you - I make known to you; or, I declare to you; see 1 Corinthians 15:1 . Doubtless this had been known to them before, but he now assures them of it, and goes into an extended illustration to show them that he had not received his authority from man to preach the gospel To state and prove this is the main design of this chapter. Is not after man - The Greek text: "Not accordi…
Paul is making a bold declaration here: the gospel he preaches isn't some human idea that he concocted. It's not derived from human wisdom or a product of human reasoning, but comes directly from God. This wasn't just a minor point for Paul; it was the very foundation of his authority and the gospel's truth.
Paul is directly addressing the Galatians' confusion about the gospel, a confusion stirred by false teachers who are undermining his authority. After fiercely rebuking anyone, even an angel, who preaches a different gospel (verses 8-9), he pivots to assert the divine origin of the gospel he proclaimed to them. He clarifies that his message didn't come from human wisdom or authority but was directly revealed by God through Jesus Christ, setting the stage to detail his conversion and independent apostleship.
Paul is directly addressing the Galatians' confusion about the gospel, a confusion stirred by false teachers who are undermining his authority. After fiercely rebuking anyone, even an angel, who preaches a different gospel (verses 8-9), he pivots to assert the divine origin of the gospel he proclaimed to them. He clarifies that his message didn't come from human wisdom or authority but was directly revealed by God through Jesus Christ, setting the stage to detail his conversion and independent apostleship.
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Paul's choice of words shows that even in correction, the heart of a true spiritual leader is one of love and a desire for the well-being of those under their care.
c. AD 55— this verse
Writing of Galatians
Paul writes his letter to the Galatians, likely from Ephesus. He addresses the urgent crisis of false teachers who are insisting that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law.
"For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel." — Paul is making a bold declaration here: the gospel he preaches isn't some human idea that he concocted. It's not derived from human wisdom or a product of human reasoning, but comes directly from God…
