This is a short lesson this week, partly because of my week and partly because I don’t want to get into the next few verses quite yet. Paul is still laying a foundation for the message of FREEDOM he is going to deliver strongly to these believers. So, it will get quite interesting in the coming weeks and months.
We’re just going to briefly look at some more spiritual food from verse 11 & 12 this week. Also, this would be a good week for you to back track over previous lessons and please ask questions and add comments.
Let’s look at verse 11: But I make known to you, brethren [Gk. Adelphos], that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man [man’s gospel]. v.12: For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul wants to make known, or as we might say today, “I want this to be crystal clear to you.”
Who do we see this verse was written to? Brethren!
We’re just going to briefly look at some more spiritual food from verse 11 & 12 this week. Also, this would be a good week for you to back track over previous lessons and please ask questions and add comments.
Let’s look at verse 11: But I make known to you, brethren [Gk. Adelphos], that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man [man’s gospel]. v.12: For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul wants to make known, or as we might say today, “I want this to be crystal clear to you.”
Who do we see this verse was written to? Brethren!
This is Paul, a Jewish believer, calling these Gentile believers BRETHREN!!! To make this connection even more clear, the word for “brethren” in the Greek is adelphos, with the "A" meaning 'same' and "delph" meaning 'womb'. Paul referred to the Galatian believers as his brothers in Christ by this strong terminology. They both had the same heavenly Father (we are born again from above – John 3:3). WOW!!!
Then, Paul makes it clear that no man had any part in what he had learned and was speaking. This message was not something learned in educational schools, seminary, or any man-made institute. It came directly from the LORD Himself.
Paul ends verse 12 by saying the gospel message he was sharing with the Galatians came “through the revelation of Jesus Christ". Paul is saying he was not indebted to people for his knowledge of the gospel, but had derived it entirely from Jesus Christ.
No pushing around or accusing Paul when he was bringing this liberating truth direct from the Lord!
As we close, let me ask, are we being sucked into a MAN-MADE gospel today?
Then, Paul makes it clear that no man had any part in what he had learned and was speaking. This message was not something learned in educational schools, seminary, or any man-made institute. It came directly from the LORD Himself.
Paul ends verse 12 by saying the gospel message he was sharing with the Galatians came “through the revelation of Jesus Christ". Paul is saying he was not indebted to people for his knowledge of the gospel, but had derived it entirely from Jesus Christ.
No pushing around or accusing Paul when he was bringing this liberating truth direct from the Lord!
As we close, let me ask, are we being sucked into a MAN-MADE gospel today?
Sadly, I think so many are! And as I’ve said before, since the closing of the canon of the scriptures (66 books – Our Bible), there is no revelation that will EVER come from God that contradicts the Bible. Anyone can say, “Thus saith the Lord” and then say words that are “supposed” to be direct from heaven (and thus, don’t need to be tested by the Bible). HOGWASH!!! The very early church only had the Old Testament, and then over time what we call the New Testament. What a privilege that we don’t have to wonder what God is saying to us, it’s ALL in the Bible.
Next week we’ll get a little bit into Paul’s testimony as we pick up at verse 13.
Next week we’ll get a little bit into Paul’s testimony as we pick up at verse 13.
