Galatians 1:11-12
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul's strong declaration that the gospel "is not man's gospel" isn't just about its origin; it's a profound statement about its quality. It means the gospel doesn't align with human wisdom or desires, but rather stands completely apart, originating from and validated by God alone.
Having just vehemently warned the Galatians against any who preach a distorted gospel, Paul now asserts that his own message is not a human invention. He clarifies that the gospel he proclaimed to them did not originate from human wisdom or authority but was directly revealed to him by God, setting it apart from any man-made teaching. This foundational claim is the launchpad for his argument in this chapter about the divine origin of his apostleship and message.
Paul is about to launch into a bold defense of his apostleship. He starts by making a crystal-clear declaration about the gospel itself.
Paul emphatically states that the gospel he preaches is "not after man." This means it's not a human idea, a philosophical concept, or something developed by human reasoning. It wasn't conceived in the minds of people or based on human wisdom. Instead, it originates directly from God.
Why does Paul spend so much time stressing that the gospel isn't 'after man'? It’s because his entire ministry and apostleship are on trial.
Paul's declaration directly counters the claims of the false teachers in Galatia. They were questioning his authority, suggesting he wasn't a 'real' apostle and that his teachings were inferior because he hadn't learned them directly from the original twelve disciples in Jerusalem.
Paul's response is firm: his apostleship and the gospel he proclaims are not derived from any human source. He wasn't appointed by human leaders, nor did he learn the gospel from them. This separation from human authority is precisely what validates his message. It means his message stands on the authority of God Himself.
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.
apokalypsis · Greek Noun
An uncovering or disclosure of something previously hidden. In a theological sense, it refers to God making known divine truth or His redemptive plan directly to humanity.
Paul's declaration that his gospel is 'not of man' directly addresses the false teachers in Galatia who were undermining his authority. He reminds them that his apostleship and message were directly from God, not learned from human teachers or derived from human wisdom, a truth powerfully demonstrated by his dramatic conversion and subsequent independent ministry.
c. AD 33-34— this verse
Saul's Conversion on the Damascus Road
Saul, a fierce persecutor of the early Christian movement, has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. This event radically transforms his life and sets him on a new path as a follower of Christ.
c. AD 34-37
Saul's Retreat to Arabia and Return to Damascus
Following his conversion, Saul withdraws to Arabia for a period of reflection and instruction, likely receiving direct revelation from God. He then returns to Damascus to begin proclaiming the gospel.
c. AD 37-40
Paul's Visit to Jerusalem and Return to Tarsus
Saul, now known as Paul, travels to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and James, the brother of Jesus. After a brief stay, he returns to his hometown of Tarsus, likely engaging in ministry there.
c. AD 43-46
Ministry in Antioch and First Missionary Journey
Paul uses the same emphatic verb 'to make known' in this passage, signaling the importance of the gospel message he is about to declare.
Ephesians 3:3This verse echoes the idea that Paul's understanding of the gospel was not received through normal human teaching but by direct divine revelation.
1 Corinthians 2:10Paul explains that the truths he preaches were revealed by God through the Spirit, underscoring that the gospel's source is divine, not human.
Jeremiah 23:16This Old Testament passage warns against prophets who speak from their own imaginations, highlighting the ancient distinction between God's true message and human invention.
Acts 9:17This passage describes Paul's direct encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, the very event that initiated his apostleship and gospel ministry independently of human apostles.
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's strong declaration that the gospel "is not man's gospel" isn't just about its origin; it's a profound statement about its quality. It means the gospel doesn't align with human wisdom or desires, but rather stands completely apart, originating from and validated by God alone.
Having just vehemently warned the Galatians against any who preach a distorted gospel, Paul now asserts that his own message is not a human invention. He clarifies that the gospel he proclaimed to them did not originate from human wisdom or authority but was directly revealed to him by God, setting it apart from any man-made teaching. This foundational claim is the launchpad for his argument in this chapter about the divine origin of his apostleship and message.
Having just vehemently warned the Galatians against any who preach a distorted gospel, Paul now asserts that his own message is not a human invention. He clarifies that the gospel he proclaimed to them did not originate from human wisdom or authority but was directly revealed to him by God, setting it apart from any man-made teaching. This foundational claim is the launchpad for his argument in this chapter about the divine origin of his apostleship and message.
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Barnabas seeks out Paul in Tarsus to assist in the growing ministry in Antioch. Together, they embark on Paul's first major missionary journey, spreading the gospel to various regions.
c. AD 49
The Jerusalem Council
A crucial council is held in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile believers needing to adhere to Jewish law. The apostles, including Paul and Peter, affirm that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through observance of the Law.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey and Founding of Corinthian Church
Paul undertakes his second missionary journey, establishing churches in key cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. His ministry in Corinth is particularly significant, though it faces challenges.
c. AD 53-57
Third Missionary Journey and Ministry in Ephesus
Paul's longest missionary journey takes him through Asia Minor and Greece, with a significant extended period in Ephesus. It is likely during this time or shortly after that he writes the letter to the Galatians.
"For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." — Paul's strong declaration that the gospel "is not man's gospel" isn't just about its origin; it's a profound statement about its quality. It means the gospel doesn't align with human wisdom or desi…
