I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 (NIV)
Verse 11 is critical to understanding this passage. Many differing religions find their foundations in the writings and teachings of a single man. Paul’s Jewish faith was established through the teaching he received about Jewish faith. Christians similarly learn about faith through God’s Word and good biblical teaching. For Paul, however, his experience with Jesus was not something a person could capture just with words.
Paul’s experience with Jesus was real and personal. Not everyone experiences Jesus in the same manner. The greatest revelation about the Way (Christian faith) that Paul received was in his conversion. He did not have someone teaching him how to fall down in the presence of a light that blinded him. He knew that God was present. He had a real life experience that impacted him thoroughly.
Jesus revealed truth to Paul, who changed his named from Saul to show this new life transformation. Paul could not preach anything less or more than what had happened to him. He could not add or subtract from the revelation given to him directly from Jesus. This is why Paul was greatly angered by the preachers who preached a gospel born out of preference and not out of truth.
Paul’s life had been radically changed from desiring to kill Christians to desiring lead people to become Christians. He had been notorious for his radical faith. Jesus opened his eyes to the truth. Paul did not have to go seek out the apostles or go on a religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem in order to fully appreciate his faith. He was hooked at his conversion! Paul was convinced and his conviction set him to preaching the truth about Jesus – a truth revealed through Scripture and experience.
Did Paul eventually go to Jerusalem? Yes. He did. He met Peter and James but only three years into his ministry.
When Jesus changes a life, the person is consumed with His way to live life. The presence of the Holy Spirit guides and directs that person. The changes in that person’s life occur because of Christ, and one’s desire to honor Him. As a person studies the Word of God, spends time in worship and prayer, begins to fellowship with other believers, shares the gospel message with others, and gives their time to serve others, a maturity begins.
They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." Galatians 1:23 (NIV)
People will know a person is changed because those who knew them will testify to it. There is excitement about people who choose Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul’s ministry resulted in this type of excitement. The apostles did not chase him down to see if he was legit. Paul’s life change and ministry testified to the gospel Jesus gives – follow Him, He will rescue you from evil, and He has prepared a place for you in eternity. Jesus is alive, and God the Father’s will is being accomplished through Jesus. All praise to Him, forever and ever. Amen!
- What can you say about your decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior?
- What would others say about you now? Would they see the difference?
- How does your faith motivate you to learn more about Jesus?
- How are you maturing in your faith?
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