Galatians 1:11

In Galatians 1:11, the Apostle Paul makes a definitive declaration about the origin and nature of the gospel he proclaimed. This verse serves as a foundational statement in his letter to the churches in Galatia, setting the stage for his vigorous defense of the true gospel and his apostolic authority.

Context

Paul is writing to believers in the region of Galatia who were being influenced by false teachers, often referred to as Judaizers. These individuals were asserting that Gentile converts needed to observe elements of the Mosaic Law, such as circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ, to be truly saved. This directly contradicted Paul's message of salvation by grace through faith alone. To counter this, Paul needed to establish that his gospel was not a human invention or tradition, but a divine revelation. This verse is crucial as it underpins his subsequent arguments for the purity of the gospel and his legitimate apostleship, which was being questioned by these false teachers. He immediately follows this assertion in Galatians 1:12 by stating he received it "by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Key Themes

• Divine Origin of the Gospel: The central message is that the good news Paul preached did not originate from human wisdom, instruction, or tradition. It was a direct communication from God. This emphasizes the gospel's inherent truth and authority, distinguishing it from any man-made philosophy or religious system.
• Apostolic Authority: By asserting the divine source of his message, Paul validates his own apostleship. He is not merely a disciple repeating what he learned from others, but an apostle with a direct, heavenly commission. This was vital in countering those who sought to undermine his standing.
• Purity and Unadulterated Truth: The phrase "not after man" highlights the gospel's uncorrupted nature. It implies that the true gospel cannot be adapted, diluted, or added to by human preferences or traditions, a direct rebuke to the Judaizers who were attempting to do just that (Galatians 1:7).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "I certify you" translates the Greek verb gnōrizō (γνωρίζω), which means "to make known," "to declare," or "to inform with certainty." Paul is making a solemn and emphatic declaration, leaving no room for doubt about the veracity of his statement. The critical phrase "not after man" is from the Greek ou kata anthrōpon (οὐ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον), literally "not according to man." This signifies that the gospel is not derived from human thought, tradition, or authority, nor is it designed to please human desires or conform to human standards. It stands in stark contrast to anything of purely human origin.

Practical Application

Galatians 1:11 holds significant relevance for believers today. It calls us to:

• Discern Truth from Error: In an age of diverse teachings, this verse reminds us to critically evaluate all doctrines and ensure they align with the divinely revealed gospel, not human opinions or traditions.
• Stand Firm on God's Word: Our faith should be rooted in the unchanging truth of God's revelation, not fluctuating human philosophies. The power of the gospel lies in its divine origin, not in human eloquence or popularity.
• Guard the Gospel's Purity: We are encouraged to uphold the simplicity and sufficiency of salvation by grace through faith alone, resisting any attempts to add human works or rituals as requirements for salvation, a core message Paul champions throughout his letters (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28).