Galatians 1:16

To reueale his sonne in mee, that I might preach him among the heathen, immediatly I conferred not with flesh and blood: Galatians 1:16 (KJV)

The book of Galatians was written by the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia, who were facing the influence of false teachers advocating for circumcision and the observance of the Jewish law as a requirement for salvation. Paul wrote this letter to defend the gospel of grace and to emphasize the freedom believers have in Christ.

In Galatians 1:16, Paul speaks of God’s purpose for his life. He says that God had a specific plan to reveal His Son in him. This phrase can be understood in two ways:

a) Personal Revelation: Paul is referring to his personal encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1‑9). It was through this encounter that Jesus was revealed to Paul, transforming him from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ. This revelation was instrumental in his conversion and the subsequent mission he undertook.

b) Proclamation of Christ: Paul understood that the purpose of this revelation was not only for his personal benefit but also for the purpose of preaching Christ among the Gentiles. Paul was specifically called as an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; Galatians 2:8). His mission was to proclaim the gospel to those who had not previously known God, sharing the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul highlights that immediately after receiving this revelation, he did not consult with “flesh and blood,” meaning he sought no human guidance at that time. He did not immediately consult with “any man,” emphasizing his independence from the teachings and traditions of men.

It is important to note that while he prioritized direct divine guidance initially, Paul later engaged in consultations, such as his meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1‑10). This emphasizes his eventual collaboration within the early church community while maintaining the integrity of the gospel message.

Paul’s message throughout Galatians is that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin but is a revelation from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11‑12). His authority and message came directly from God, though he later worked in fellowship with other apostles to ensure unity in the faith.

Application:

Personal Encounter: Like Paul, our faith in Christ begins with a personal encounter with Him. It is through this encounter that we are transformed and called to share the good news with others. Reflect on your own encounter with Christ and how it has shaped your life.

Proclaiming Christ: We are all called to share the gospel with others, just as Paul did. Consider how you can effectively proclaim Christ to those around you, especially to those who have not heard the message before. Be bold in sharing your faith and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dependence on God: Paul’s initial independence from human influence reminds us of the importance of relying on God’s guidance and the truth.