Galatians 1:13

"For I didn’t receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ."

Key Reflection

In Galatians 1:13, Paul asserts that his understanding and proclamation of the gospel did not come from human sources or teachers. Instead, this knowledge was directly revealed to him by Jesus Christ himself. This statement underscores the unique and direct divine origin of Paul's apostolic authority, setting it apart from other religious teachings and practices prevalent in the early Christian community. The cultural context suggests that such a claim would have been significant for establishing his credibility as an apostle and distinguishing his message from that of other teachers who might have relied on human instruction or traditions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 13. For ye have heard of my conversation. My conduct, my mode of life, my deportment. See Barnes "2 Co 1:12". Probably Paul had himself made them acquainted with the events of his early years. The reason why he refers to this is to show them that he had not derived his knowledge of the Christian religion from any instruction which he had received in his early years, or any acquaintance which he had formed with the apostles, he had at first been decidedly opposed to the Lord Jesus, and had been converted only by his wonderful grace. In the Jews' religion. In the belief and practice of Judaism; that is, as it was understood in the time when he was educated.

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