The Authenticity Of Paul's Credentials
Galatians 1:11 says, “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.”
Paul gave the authenticity of his credentials as an apostle of Jesus Christ (v. 1). God revealed to him the Son that he “might preach Him among the heathen” (v. 16). This led Paul to preach the gospel in Arabia (v. 17). Then “after three years” (v. 18), he went up to Jerusalem and conversed with Peter and James for 15 days. The short duration of their contact was a confirmation that the message he preached prior to their meeting was received directly from God and not from man! It also proves that his conversion and calling were real (Acts 9:11). Having a real relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour (1 Jn 5:12), means that the basis of our faith comes from His word (Rom 10:17).
Jesus, “the Word was God” (Jn 1:1), Who sanctifies us with His word of truth (Jn 17:17). Thus, enabling us to move forward with our new life “in Christ” (2 Cor 5:17), by “holding forth the word of life” (Php 2:16)! Paul also confirmed that the gospel to the Gentiles was committed to him, while the gospel to the Jews was “unto Peter” (Gal 2:7). They were each given a particular mission to fulfill, and they were never influenced by those who “seemed to be somewhat” (Gal 2:6), or esteemed by others! In other words, we should never set ourselves up by using the humanistic philosophies of this world as our standard (Col 2:8), like “some that commend themselves” (2 Cor 10:12). God’s word is our standard (2 Tim 3:16).
He is the One that we should always please and not men (v. 10). The temptation will always be there to please others (Lk 16:15), especially for most young people today. They don’t want to be left out from their peers (Prov 13:20). However, as God’s children, we are being set apart as His “peculiar people” (Titus 2:14). Therefore, we must humbly obey Him (Acts 5:29), and do what is right according to His word! God bless you!
-Pastor Melito Barrera
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