Galatians 1:12

“For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Context:The book of Galatians is one of the Pauline epistles, written by the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia. In this letter, Paul addresses the issue of false teachings that were infiltrating the church, particularly the issue of salvation by works of the law. He passionately defends the message of the gospel of grace, emphasizing that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Divine Revelation:By stating that he received the gospel “by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Paul highlights the supernatural origin of his knowledge and understanding. The term “revelation” refers to a divine disclosure or unveiling of truth that comes directly from God. Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) was a life-changing experience where he received this revelation.

Authority and Uniqueness:Paul’s assertion that his gospel did not come from man or human teaching emphasizes the uniqueness and authority of his message. His authority as an apostle was not derived from human appointment or tradition but from a direct encounter with Jesus Christ himself. This highlights the divine origin and reliability of the gospel message he preached.

• Application:Galatians 1:12 serves as a reminder to believers today that the gospel message is not merely a human invention or a set of religious teachings. It is a revelation from God. The source of our faith is not rooted in human wisdom or tradition but in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as Paul received the gospel through divine revelation, our understanding and acceptance of the gospel should be grounded in a personal encounter with Christ and a reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.