Home -- English -- Galatians - 005 (Paul’s direct call to apostleship by Christ)
Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson
GALATIANS - I Have Been Crucified With Christ
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Galatians
PART 2: THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCES OF THE APOSTOLIC POWERS OF PAUL (Galatians 1:11 – 2:21)
1. Paul’s direct call to apostleship by Christ (Galatians 1:11-17)
GALATIANS 1:11-12
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul called the church members brothers in the family of God, even though they were in all the danger of apostasy to the bondage of the law. The apostle struggled for the trust of believers in the divinity of his epistle about grace, since the Gospel was neither a composition of the minds of men, nor a product of the wisdom of ages. Paul did not sit at the feet of Peter or of other apostles, nor did he study the words of Jesus. The knowledge of his gospel was obtained through seeing Jesus in person.
God did not show him an angel, or a representative light, but spoke to him through his Son in public.
Christ is the Gospel itself, for the despised, crucified man Jesus was not crumbled in the tomb, for he is the living Lord of glory. He did not destroy his enemy, who lurked in ambush for the Christians, but he spoke to him kindly, put away his firm holding of the righteousness of the law, and bestowed on him the service of preaching the Gentiles.
Paul saw the Merciful One, and heard his words. Therefore, he is a true apostle, and bearer of an original revelation in himself. No other apostle experienced what he did. Thus, the proud Saul became the little Paul, for he found in the holy glory of Christ the model and exemplar of his life, the foundation of his faith, and the end of his hope. Paul wanted to think of nobody else but him, and he longed for no other end but him. Christ became his life, his strength, and his good news.
Today, we do bring to you no laws but Christ, who is the standard of your life. We preach not forgiveness of sins, but Christ who forgives you. We declare the eternal life only in him and by him, for he is the Almighty and life-giver. We do not frighten people with the coming judgment, but we emphasize the coming Christ, who is the divine Judge. Thus, study with us the Gospel of Christ that you may meet with his person, see him with the eyes of your heart, and hear the voice of his Spirit who speaks in the Gospel.
PRAYER: O Lord, we glorify you because you are present and living. You guided us to believe not in a mere concept or doctrine, but in your tangible person. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may see your characters and your works. Let us hear your words and your names when we reflect on the Gospel that we may become faithful witnesses of you, and confess publicly that you are our life.
QUESTION:
- What is the essence of the gospel?