By the Revelation of Jesus Christ!

Galatians 1: 11-12. “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

(Paul may have walked this road in Galatia)

Paul made a very strong statement of his authority  for what he preached in Galatia.  It was not taught to him by man, but instead was revealed directly from Jesus Christ!

The Greek word Paul used here was apokalupsis; to unveil, reveal, uncover. In the book of Galatians, Paul uncovers both the truth and the lies surrounding salvation. He exposes what God has said; he exposes what the false teachers said.

Can you imagine it?  Whoever the false teachers were, they may have been lingering on the outskirts of the crowds whenever Paul preached and taught. Maybe they said nothing until they gathered together after Paul had left.  Perhaps they commiserated with each other as to how ignorant Paul was, and questioned his right to preach this new gospel. We are not told if they began preaching contrary to Paul’s doctrine or if they were more subtle than that, dropping questions into the ears of those who were just learning of the new Way. These new believers were fertile ground for men who seemed to speak with authority, and who pointed out that Paul was not one of the apostles who traveled with Jesus during His earthly ministry.

Satan’s deceit always operates on several fronts.  Shake the faith of the people in the one who had brought them to Christ. Question his character. Refer only to Old Testament writings that described the Law. Remind them of the traditional law that had been followed for centuries.  Instill fear in them that they may not truly be saved if they don’t observe the Law as well as believing in Jesus Christ.

Satan still uses the same tactics today. We need to be alert. We need to know the Word of God so well that we have an answer for anyone who may have a question for us about the things of the Lord.  We need to watch, and we need to pray.