Divine Origins of the Gospel
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
We are going to pick up in verse 11 this week as we read the beginnings of Paul, on the offense, defends his apostleship and the gospel he preached that was revealed from heaven.
We are going to pick up in verse 11 this week as we read the beginnings of Paul, on the offense, defends his apostleship and the gospel he preached that was revealed from heaven.
We’ll see the divine origins of his gospel, and how it is all bound up with his call as an apostle.
We’ll see the divine origins of his gospel, and how it is all bound up with his call as an apostle.
Key Verse
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 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. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 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; 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.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.
A brief outline of the letter:
There were certain men, Judaizers or those of the circumcision party, who claimed that Paul was a lesser apostle, or no apostle at all. They claimed that his gospel did not have the seal of approval of the apostles at Jerusalem, from whom the gospel really came. And they claimed that their gospel was the one preached by the apostles in Jerusalem. They claimed they were the ones who were bringing the truth and full understanding.
There were certain men, Judaizers or those of the circumcision party, who claimed that Paul was a lesser apostle, or no apostle at all. They claimed that his gospel did not have the seal of approval of the apostles at Jerusalem, from whom the gospel really came. And they claimed that their gospel was the one preached by the apostles in Jerusalem. They claimed they were the ones who were bringing the truth and full understanding.
A brief outline of the letter:
They claimed that one had ‘to be a Jew’ in order to be saved and that one had to be circumcised in order to be a part of the covenant of grace.
They claimed that one had ‘to be a Jew’ in order to be saved and that one had to be circumcised in order to be a part of the covenant of grace.
Theology of the Gospel - 3:1-4:31
Her election remains prior to the call to obedience, yet now the maintenance of that elect status, and the realization of the covenant promises, are made contingent upon obedience to the commandments.
How do we apply the Gospel -
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
So these Judaizers were attempting to convert the Galatians to a “Gospel” that was no gospel at all, where the continuance of the Grace was incumbent upon the believer to follow the law see
So these Judaizers were attempting to convert the Galatians to a “Gospel” that was no gospel at all, where the continuance of the Grace was incumbent upon the believer to follow the law see
Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
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So Paul comes out, as Brandon said last week, with Both Barrel’s blazing. Attacking this false gospel. Paul’s defense begins with communicating the Origins of his Gospel
So Paul comes out, as Brandon said last week, with Both Barrel’s blazing. Attacking this false gospel. Paul’s defense begins with communicating the Origins of his Gospel
Divine Origins of the Gospel
Divine Origins of the Gospel
Divine Origin of Gospel (v
Divine Origin of Gospel (v
We got a foretaste of where Paul was going with his defense when we read the first verse of this letter.
We got a foretaste of where Paul was going with his defense when we read the first verse of this letter.
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
Galatians 1:1
Paul’s commission or calling as an apostle was not his doing,
Paul’s commission or calling as an apostle was not his doing,
In Verses 11 & 12 Paul uses 3 negative assertions and 1 Positive assertion to define where his gospel is from:
In Verses 11 & 12 Paul uses 3 negative assertions and 1 Positive assertion to define where his gospel is from:
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.
First, this is not man’s gospel.
First, this is not man’s gospel.
It is a rather formal statement that Paul uses here to introduce and grab their attention as he begins to tell ‘his story.
It is a rather formal statement that Paul uses here to introduce and grab their attention as he begins to tell ‘his story.
Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,
The Gospel of Christ didn’t originate in Man’s thinking. It was not as some versions read ‘according to man’; man is not it’s center. It is not some invention by man.
The Gospel of Christ didn’t originate in Man’s thinking. It was not as some versions read ‘according to man’; man is not it’s center. It is not some invention by man.
For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Every other man-originated religion has at it’s core the obedience to some law,
.This is a The Gospel of Christ didn’t originate in Man’s thinking. It was not as some versions read ‘according to man’; man is not it’s
.This is a The Gospel of Christ didn’t originate in Man’s thinking. It was not as some versions read ‘according to man’; man is not it’s
Neither was Paul taught this gospel. Nobody witnessed to him. He didn’t attend classes to obtain it, He didn’t sit under anyones teaching, or get it from traditions handed down from other teachers.
Neither was Paul taught this gospel. Nobody witnessed to him. He didn’t attend classes to obtain it, He didn’t sit under anyones teaching, or get it from traditions handed down from other teachers.
It was, as Paul said, ‘a revelation of Jesus Christ’. Now it is possible to take this statement 2 ways - either Jesus was revealed to Paul or Jesus revealed the truth to Paul.
It was, as Paul said, ‘a revelation of Jesus Christ’. Now it is possible to take this statement 2 ways - either Jesus was revealed to Paul or Jesus revealed the truth to Paul.
I happen to believe that this is the first, rather than the second.
I happen to believe that this is the first, rather than the second.
Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
What Paul saw was not just “light” but the Glory of the Risen Christ. Immediately this man who had been “breathing out murderous threats” encountered the risen savior. He saw the truth of the empty tomb and the resurrection all at once and the truth of who Jesus is. He also came face to face with his attempts at ‘law-keeping’ and his glory he perceived he had by his obedience and he was undone.
What Paul saw was not just “light” but the Glory of the Risen Christ. Immediately this man who had been “breathing out murderous threats” encountered the risen savior. He saw the truth of the empty tomb and the resurrection all at once and the truth of who Jesus is. He also came face to face with his attempts at ‘law-keeping’ and his glory he perceived he had by his obedience and he was undone.
At that revelation he no longer had a need to have anyone tell him about Jesus because it was revealed to him all at once. He didn’t have to double check his facts
At that revelation he no longer had a need to have anyone tell him about Jesus because it was revealed to him all at once. He didn’t have to double check his facts
So this gospel we have, that we read from the scriptures, is not something dreamed up by humanity, but originates from God and from the mind of God.
So this gospel we have, that we read from the scriptures, is not something dreamed up by humanity, but originates from God and from the mind of God.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Circumstances of Paul’s Conversion and call
Circumstances of Paul’s Conversion and call
Secondly Paul gives his conversion experience as an apologetic for his Gospel and apostolic calling Paul’s contact with Christianity prior to his conversion was an adversarial one. He was zealous for the traditions of Judaism, persecuting the church,
Secondly Paul gives his conversion experience as an apologetic for his Gospel and apostolic calling Paul’s contact with Christianity prior to his conversion was an adversarial one. He was zealous for the traditions of Judaism, persecuting the church,
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 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. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 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;
Circumstances of Pauls
violently (hyperbole) & attempting with all fervor to destroy (portheo ) the church. Its the word for wreak havoc, pillage. Men and women were treated alike in Paul’s zeal to destroy the church. Because of his zealousness he was growing and surpassing many those his own age.
violently (hyperbole) & attempting with all fervor to destroy (portheo ) the church. Its the word for wreak havoc, pillage. Men and women were treated alike in Paul’s zeal to destroy the church. Because of his zealousness he was growing and surpassing many those his own age.
Our Conversion and Call
VV 15-16a in my mind are key to this whole thing.
VV 15-16a in my mind are key to this whole thing.
It was God’s selection of Paul that led to his conversion.
It was God’s selection of Paul that led to his conversion.
God who set me apart before I was born - like Jeremiah of old
God who set me apart before I was born - like Jeremiah of old
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Paul was set apart for God, it was God’s initiating Grace that changed everything. He called Paul by his grace , and it God was pleased to call Paul and set him apart
Paul was set apart for God, it was God’s initiating Grace that changed everything. He called Paul by his grace , and it God was pleased to call Paul and set him apart
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Please, Pleasing (Noun), Well-Pleasing, Pleasure
eudokeo (εὐδοκέω, 2106) signifies (a) “to be well pleased, to think it good” [eu, “well,” and dokeo, see Note (1) below], not merely an understanding of what is right and good as in dokeo, but stressing the willingness and freedom of an intention or resolve regarding what is good
It was God’s kindly act, his gracious purpose. This is God’s election of Paul to salvation. It began in the mind of God to set apart Paul, both to salvation, but also for the purpose for which he called him (to take the gospel to the gentiles). To announce the good news that is Jesus, God’s son.
It was God’s kindly act, his gracious purpose. This is God’s election of Paul to salvation. It began in the mind of God to set apart Paul, both to salvation, but also for the purpose for which he called him (to take the gospel to the gentiles). To announce the good news that is Jesus, God’s son.
Today as one commentator said, we don’t have a Damascus road experience, we cannot go back to Damascus and on that road find the light where God revealed himself to Paul. Nevertheless, there are many common elements in Paul’s salvation and ours. Our salvation comes from the same place. It comes from God’s kind intention towards us.
Today as one commentator said, we don’t have a Damascus road experience, we cannot go back to Damascus and on that road find the light where God revealed himself to Paul. Nevertheless, there are many common elements in Paul’s salvation and ours. Our salvation comes from the same place. It comes from God’s kind intention towards us.
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
Ephesians 1:4-5
He chose us in love; choosing us in him before the foundation of the world, adopting us as his son’s through Jesus Christ according to the purpose (Eudokia - kind intention, or good pleasure) of his will. He chose us to be set apart for him.
He chose us in love; choosing us in him before the foundation of the world, adopting us as his son’s through Jesus Christ according to the purpose (Eudokia - kind intention, or good pleasure) of his will. He chose us to be set apart for him.
We believe God b/c he revealed his son to our hearts, we came to know him in truth in ourselves, to know the truth. Then he gave us a place of service (Paul’s to take the Gospel to the Gentiles)… Ours?
We believe God b/c he revealed his son to our hearts, we came to know him in truth in ourselves, to know the truth. Then he gave us a place of service (Paul’s to take the Gospel to the Gentiles)… Ours?
If you do not know Christ today, he is calling you. Commanding that you repent, to turn from your sin, to trust him. If you feel that pull today or that desire, that his him calling. Believe the good news
If you do not know Christ today, he is calling you. Commanding that you repent, to turn from your sin, to trust him. If you feel that pull today or that desire, that his him calling. Believe the good news
The After Conversion Experience
The After Conversion Experience
To continue the theme of the fact that Paul wasn’t taught the Gospel by any man, Paul says that after his calling, he didn’t go up to Jerusalem, he didn’t go to the other apostles, he didn’t seek out any man, but he went away into Arabia. He didn’t talk to any that were apostles before him
To continue the theme of the fact that Paul wasn’t taught the Gospel by any man, Paul says that after his calling, he didn’t go up to Jerusalem, he didn’t go to the other apostles, he didn’t seek out any man, but he went away into Arabia. He didn’t talk to any that were apostles before him
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.
Galatians
Paul considered his apostolic calling as equal to theirs, Jesus himself appearing to him and commissioning him. Even as one untimely born as he says elsewhere in the scriptures.
Paul considered his apostolic calling as equal to theirs, Jesus himself appearing to him and commissioning him. Even as one untimely born as he says elsewhere in the scriptures.
It wasn’t until 3 years later that Paul went to Jerusalem (Luke in Chapter 9 of Acts doesn’t communicate this distance in time. Paul asserts his Apostolic independence here. He didn’t need confirmation by any of the other apostles, because Jesus himself appeared to Paul and sent him to the Gentiles, giving him the specific commission.
It wasn’t until 3 years later that Paul went to Jerusalem (Luke in Chapter 9 of Acts doesn’t communicate this distance in time. Paul asserts his Apostolic independence here. He didn’t need confirmation by any of the other apostles, because Jesus himself appeared to Paul and sent him to the Gentiles, giving him the specific commission.
Paul was preaching the faith he once tried to destroy; a faith revealed to him by Jesus on that road, and at other points.
Paul was preaching the faith he once tried to destroy; a faith revealed to him by Jesus on that road, and at other points.
Paul asserts the independence and first class of his message.
Paul asserts the independence and first class of his message.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
Our faith rests in the end on these apostolic witnesses testimony, on those who heard directly from God, who saw him face to face. We do not have a man-made religion of commandments but a religion that is based on God’s revelation of himself in the person of Jesus Christ who, having died in our place, rose again.
Our faith rests in the end on these apostolic witnesses testimony, on those who heard directly from God, who saw him face to face. We do not have a man-made religion of commandments but a religion that is based on God’s revelation of himself in the person of Jesus Christ who, having died in our place, rose again.
Next week
Next week
We will continue discussing Paul’s defense of his apostolic calling and Gospel next week as we look as he finally takes his Gospel to the other apostles 17 (3+14) years after his conversion.
We will continue discussing Paul’s defense of his apostolic calling and Gospel next week as we look as he finally takes his Gospel to the other apostles 17 (3+14) years after his conversion.
