Galatians 1:1 – Paul, an apostle not from men

Paul, an apostle, not from men, neither through a man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who rouses Him from among the dead.

We are at the beginning of a fierce letter. After (as usual) first mentioning his name, Paul immediately brings in his authorization. And in doing so, he sets the tone for this entire letter. For after Paul had heralded the Gospel in Galatia and had left, there came those who discredited his authority. He would be an inferior apostle and they used that as a motive to attack his teaching.

Paul immediately counters that what he has to say and teaches, is not just his explanation or opinion. Nor was he a representative of “the twelve” in Jerusalem. Neither Peter nor James had called him or appointed him. No, Paul speaks with authority, as a delegate of Jesus Christ himself. 

As a delegate, Paul is by no means inferior to his colleagues in Jerusalem. On the contrary! They had been trained during Jesus’ tour of the earth. Paul, on the other hand, had met him and been taught from heavenly glory! Do you want to know what Jesus Christ has to say to the nations today? Then you have to go to Paul!

Delen: