Galatians #2 The Biographical Argument- Independent Revelation, 1:11-24

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation  The Particulars: >Person writing- Paul, 1:1 >People written- Galatians (probably the southern province), 1:2 >Period of writing- A.D. 48 or 49  The Purpose: >Protest letter to rebuke, chastise, and correct the Galatian brethren regarding the binding of Old Testament Law on New Testament Christians (particularly Gentile converts).

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation  What is meant by “Biographical Argument” ? Simply that Paul is going to argue against the proposition of binding Old Testament Law on New Testament Christians first from the standpoint of His own experience.  What is meant by “Independent Revelation” ? Paul is seeking to establish the falsity of the proposition through his own experience first by showing his message was from God and therefore free from man’s distortion. cf.1:7b

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation I. Paul’s Gospel was independent of Human Teaching, 1: it was the gospel which they had been taught, believed, and obeyed- the gospel of Christ, cf.1:4,6,7 -it was “not according to man” v.11 > cf.1Cor.3:4 >not received from >nor taught of, v.12a -it came from Christ, v.12b > cp. Eph.3:3-5 How does he prove this?

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation He reminds them of his own past which they already knew: (vv.13-17) -His former life of persecuting the church, v.13 >was in Judaism, Phil.3:4-5 >persecuted the church beyond measure, cf. Acts 8:1-3 >tried to destroy the church, Acts 9:1-2 -Hewas more advanced in Judaism & more zealous for traditions than any of his contemporaries, v.14

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation What’s his Point? >He knew what he was talking about when it came to this matter of Judaistic teaching and traditions. >He had been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt! But….

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation He saw the light of Jesus Christ and all that changed! -v.15 He was called through grace, cf. 1:6 > 1Tim.1: v.16 when Jesus was revealed to him, he did not confer with men (“flesh and blood”) -v.17a nor did he consult with leaders of men within the movement- the Apostles -v.17b Instead he “went away” to Arabia >this a Gentile country east of Damascus >here he likely preached as before and after, cf. Acts 9:20-22

Paul “went away to Arabia”

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation Then, He returned to Jerusalem, v.18a >he had originally departed from there for Damascus, Acts 9:2ff >but much had happened since he left to “persecute the church” he was now working to establish! v.23 Further evidences of Independence, vv.18b-24. These are given to make the same point: What he had preached to them & what he was about to proclaim to them,

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation WAS FROM GOD- NOT MEN! It was not “distorted” or “perverted” as this so- called gospel of Old Testament justification for New Testament Christians that was now being taught to the Galatians by the Judaizing teachers! His message now was pure as it was then when he first proclaimed it to them BECAUSE IT CAME FROM GOD by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, they had better give heed!

Galatians 1:11-24, Biographical Argument: Independent Revelation And so should we!  The gospel today can be distorted.  We had better be sure the message we believe is confirmed by Book, Chapter, and Verse of the New Testament to be from God and not men-  That it is pure from revelation rather than from human logic, reason, or desire.  Our souls can be “separated from Christ” and we can “fall from grace” just as the Galatians did!