September 28, 2017
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Galatians? Here’s today’s reading:
Galatians 1:11-24 (ESV)
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
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6 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I
I guess my comment on 1-10 should have been here. Oh well. Another thought: “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” I also think it is phenomenal how God reaches people who do not have the written Word. I would say that the written Word is essential for growth in Christ, but clearly, people do come to know Christ and grow solely from the spoken Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Paul is beginning his case against the ministers of “a perverted gospel” by sharing his testimony with them. Our personal testimonies bear witness to the world of the power of the TRUE gospel, the gospel of the Jesus Christ of Scripture.
I’m so frustrated, as Paul is, by those who are fighting against the Jesus Christ of Scripture by presenting a “different Jesus” to their friends and family. It reminds me of something we shared with the teens at LHCC, comparing the “Biblical Jesus” with the “Modern Jesus.” Paul had to fight this battle constantly, and we do, too.
I am refreshing the site but can’t get the next readings to come up- anything else I can do?
Hi, Melanie – It’s posted now. I’m later than usual getting this published this morning.
Thanks!🙂
I love Paul’s testimony, but there’s something here I’ve never noticed before. After Jesus’ revelation to Paul, Paul doesn’t go back to Jerusalem. He doesn’t go home and think and doubt what happens. He progresses on his new journey right away seeking guidance from those like Peter and James. I’m praying that when God gives me a message I will act instantly, so the He may be glorified.
What a great testimony of the power and conviction of God. Paul was the last person you think would come to Jesus, but God revealed and Paul believed. See other radical salvations at iamsecond.com. And Paul then went to figure it all out. How did this Jesus stuff fit with Judaism. And the purity of His gospel came from God and not man. And there are not many people who have lived as sold out a life as Paul. He was dedicated to the proclamation of the gospel and the establishing of Jesus’ church on earth. And all to the glory of God.