Galatians 1:11

KJV

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I certify {G1107} you {G5213}, brethren {G80}, that {G3754} the gospel {G2098} which {G3588} was preached {G2097} of {G5259} me {G1700} is {G2076} not {G3756} after {G2596} man {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Furthermore, let me make clear to you, brothers, that the Good News as I proclaim it is not a human product;

Berean Standard Bible

For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man.

American Standard Version

For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 1:11 serves as a pivotal declaration by the Apostle Paul, emphatically asserting the divine origin and authoritative nature of the gospel he proclaimed. In this verse, Paul directly confronts any human attempts to dilute or alter the good news of salvation, establishing that his message was not a product of human wisdom, tradition, or invention, but a direct revelation from God. This foundational statement underpins his subsequent defense of both the gospel's purity and his own apostolic authority against those who sought to undermine it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's declaration in [Galatians 1:11](/galatians/1-11 "Galatians 1:11 - Paul's Divine Gospel") is strategically placed at the beginning of his letter, immediately following his customary salutation and a sharp rebuke of the Galatian churches for their swift departure from the true gospel. He expresses astonishment that they are "so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel" ([Galatians 1:6](/galatians/1-6 "Galatians 1:6 - Paul's Astonishment at the Galatians' Departure")). This verse, therefore, functions as the bedrock for his entire argument against the Judaizers, who were advocating for a gospel mixed with Mosaic Law observance. By asserting the divine, non-human origin of his message, Paul lays the groundwork for his personal testimony in the verses that follow, where he details how he received this gospel directly from Christ, not from any human source or apostle ([Galatians 1:12-17](/galatians/1-12-17 "Galatians 1:12-17 - Paul's Direct Revelation from Christ")). It sets the stage for his subsequent defense of justification by faith alone, apart from the works of the law, which is the central theological thrust of the entire letter to the [Galatians](/galatians/1 "The Book of Galatians").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The churches in Galatia, likely located in the Roman province of Galatia (either northern or southern, though southern is more widely accepted), were predominantly Gentile converts. After Paul's initial evangelistic efforts, a group of Jewish Christians, often called "Judaizers," infiltrated these churches. These Judaizers insisted that Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and adhere to other aspects of the Mosaic Law to be truly saved or to be considered full members of God's covenant people. This teaching was deeply rooted in the Jewish understanding of covenant and identity, where adherence to the Law was paramount. Paul's emphatic denial that his gospel was "after man" directly challenges this cultural and religious pressure. He is asserting that the gospel transcends human ethnic, cultural, or religious boundaries and traditions, deriving its authority solely from God, not from any established human religious system, including Judaism. This was a radical claim in a world where religious authority often stemmed from long-standing traditions and human teachers.
* **Key Themes:** Galatians 1:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it establishes the **Divine Origin and Authority of the Gospel**. Paul's primary concern is to safeguard the purity of the gospel message, emphasizing that it is not a human invention but a direct revelation from God, making it immutable and beyond human alteration. This directly counters the "different gospel" ([Galatians 1:6](/galatians/1-6 "Galatians 1:6 - A Different Gospel")) being preached by the Judaizers. Secondly, the verse underscores **Paul's Apostolic Authority**. By demonstrating that his gospel came directly from Christ, Paul validates his apostleship, which was being questioned by those who sought to discredit his message. He was not merely a messenger of human tradition but an apostle with a divine commission, a point he elaborates on in [Galatians 1:15-17](/galatians/1-15-17 "Galatians 1:15-17 - Paul's Call and Revelation"). Finally, it highlights the theme of **Salvation by Grace Through Faith Alone**. The assertion that the gospel is "not after man" implicitly rejects any system that relies on human effort, works, or traditions for salvation, thereby reinforcing the central message of justification by faith in Christ, as articulated powerfully later in [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **certify (Greek, _gnōrízō_):** From a derivative of *ginōskō*, meaning "to make known," "to declare," or "to inform with certainty." Paul uses this verb to convey a solemn, emphatic declaration. He is not merely suggesting or opining; he is making a definitive, authoritative statement of truth, leaving no room for doubt regarding the origin of his gospel. This term implies a revelation or an authoritative disclosure of something previously unknown or uncertain.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion_):** Derived from *eu* (good) and *angelos* (messenger), literally meaning "good message" or "good news." This term refers specifically to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the implications for humanity's reconciliation with God. Paul's use here emphasizes that this good news is not a human philosophy or a set of moral guidelines, but a divinely ordained message of liberation and grace.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos_):** From *anēr* (man) and a word related to *optanomai* (to see, countenance), referring to a human being in general, encompassing both male and female. In this context, it stands in direct contrast to God. The phrase "not after man" signifies that the gospel's origin, content, and authority are not derived from human wisdom, human tradition, human effort, or human approval. It is fundamentally supra-human.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I certify you, brethren,"**: The conjunction "But" (G1161, *dé*) introduces a strong contrast to the preceding verses, where Paul expressed his astonishment at the Galatians' defection. Paul then uses "I certify you" (*gnōrízō*) to underscore the solemnity and certainty of his declaration. He is not merely stating an opinion but is making a definitive, authoritative pronouncement. Addressing them as "brethren" (*adelphós*) maintains a pastoral tone, even amidst his firm rebuke, indicating his continued affection and concern for their spiritual well-being despite their error.
* **"that the gospel which was preached of me"**: This clause identifies the subject of Paul's declaration: "the gospel" (*euangélion*)—the good news of Jesus Christ—specifically, the version of it that he himself "preached" (*euangelízō*). This highlights the particular message that is under scrutiny and attack in Galatia. Paul emphasizes that *his* gospel, the one he delivered to them, is the true one, setting it apart from the "another gospel" ([Galatians 1:6](/galatians/1-6 "Galatians 1:6 - A Different Gospel")) being propagated by the Judaizers. The phrase "of me" (*hypó emou*) indicates that he was the agent through whom this gospel was proclaimed.
* **"is not after man."**: This is the climactic assertion of the verse. The Greek phrase *ou kata anthrōpon* (literally "not according to man") emphatically denies any human origin, derivation, or conformity for the gospel. It means the gospel is not sourced from human wisdom, human tradition, human authority, or human design. It is not adapted to human preferences or subject to human alteration. This statement is crucial for Paul's argument, as it establishes the divine, absolute, and unalterable nature of the gospel, directly refuting the idea that it could be supplemented or changed by human-devised laws or rituals.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to emphasize his point in Galatians 1:11. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where he sets the gospel he preached in direct opposition to anything "after man." This stark contrast highlights the divine, transcendent nature of the gospel versus any human-derived or human-influenced teaching. This antithesis is crucial for his argument throughout the letter, as he continually contrasts salvation by grace through faith with salvation by works of the law. Furthermore, the phrase "I certify you" functions as a form of **Solemn Declaration** or **Apostolic Assertion**, lending authoritative weight to his statement. It signals to the readers that what follows is not merely an opinion but a foundational truth delivered with divine backing. The use of "brethren" also serves as a subtle form of **Pathos**, appealing to the shared spiritual kinship despite the severity of his message, aiming to persuade them by reminding them of their common identity in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 1:11 is a foundational theological statement that asserts the absolute divine origin and authority of the gospel, distinguishing it sharply from any human construct or tradition. This truth is paramount because if the gospel were "after man," it would be fallible, subject to change, and ultimately powerless to save. Paul's declaration ensures that the good news is understood as God's initiative, God's revelation, and God's power unto salvation, not a human philosophy or a set of rules. This divine origin is what gives the gospel its unchanging truth, its universal applicability, and its inherent power to transform lives, transcending cultural, ethnic, or historical limitations. It underscores that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, received through faith, without any human merit or contribution.

* [1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1_corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching Not of Human Wisdom")
* [Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Power of the Gospel")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 1:11 calls believers to a profound discernment regarding the source and purity of the message they embrace and proclaim. In an age saturated with diverse spiritual teachings, philosophical trends, and cultural pressures, this verse serves as an unwavering anchor: the true gospel is not a product of human ingenuity, nor can it be tailored to suit human preferences or traditions. Our faith must be firmly rooted in the unadulterated, divinely revealed truth of God's Word, rather than in fluctuating human opinions or popular ideologies. This means constantly evaluating teachings against the standard of Scripture, ensuring that Christ's finished work on the cross remains the sole basis for salvation, unburdened by human additions or requirements. Embracing this truth empowers us to stand firm against any attempts to dilute the gospel's power or compromise its purity, reminding us that its efficacy lies solely in its divine origin and not in human eloquence or popularity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of the gospel impact your confidence in its truth and power today?**
* **In what ways might contemporary culture or personal preferences tempt us to subtly alter or add to the pure gospel message?**
* **How can we, as believers, better discern between divinely revealed truth and humanly constructed doctrines or traditions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your personal faith and the message you share remain "not after man" but truly from God?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "not after man" in Galatians 1:11?**

Answer: When Paul states that the gospel he preached is "not after man," he means that its origin, content, and authority are not derived from any human source. It was not invented by human wisdom, passed down through human tradition, taught to him by human teachers, or designed to appeal to human desires or standards. Instead, it is a direct revelation from God, making it inherently divine, authoritative, and unchangeable. This stands in stark contrast to the teachings of the Judaizers, who were attempting to impose human-devised requirements (like circumcision) onto the gospel message, effectively making it "after man" by adding human works to God's grace ([Galatians 1:6-7](/galatians/1-6-7 "Galatians 1:6-7 - Another Gospel")). Paul's assertion underscores the gospel's purity and God's sole authorship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 1:11, by emphatically declaring the gospel's non-human origin, profoundly points to Christ as its divine source and perfect embodiment. The gospel is "not after man" precisely because it is the revelation of God's redemptive plan centered entirely on Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. Paul's assertion that he received this gospel "by the revelation of Jesus Christ" ([Galatians 1:12](/galatians/1-12 "Galatians 1:12 - Paul's Revelation of Jesus Christ")) underscores that Christ Himself is the content and the revealer of this good news. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one whose perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection constitute the very heart of the gospel message. Unlike human philosophies or religious systems that often rely on human effort or merit, the gospel proclaimed by Paul is wholly dependent on Christ's finished work, a divine act of grace that no human could conceive or accomplish. This divine origin ensures that the gospel is not a mere moral code or a set of human traditions, but the living, transforming power of God unto salvation for all who believe, fulfilling God's eternal purpose in His Son ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). It is the ultimate expression of God's love and wisdom, perfectly revealed in and through Christ Jesus ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2-3 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

1 Corinthians 11:23

¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 15:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;