Galatians 1:11
Verse
Context
Paul Preaches the Gospel
10Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man.12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But I certify you, brethren, etc. - I wish you fully to comprehend that the Gospel which I preached to you is not after man; there is not a spark of human invention in it, nor the slightest touch of human cunning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
certify--I made known to you as to the Gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man, that is, not of, by, or from man (Gal 1:1, Gal 1:12). It is not according to man; not influenced by mere human considerations, as it would be, if it were of human origin. brethren--He not till now calls them so.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I certify you, brethren,.... Though the Galatians had gone such lengths with their false teachers, yet the apostle still calls them "brethren"; as hoping well of them, that they were born of God, did belong to his family, and were heirs of the grace of life; and this he the rather makes use of, to show his affection to them, and to engage their attention to the assurance he gives, of the divine original and authority of the Gospel preached by him; which though they formerly knew and believed, yet through the insinuations of the false apostles, were drawn into some doubts about it: wherefore he declares in the most solemn and affectionate manner, that the Gospel which was preached of me, is not after man. Their guides that were leading them wrong, did not presume to say, that the Gospel was after man, for they themselves pretended to preach the Gospel; but that the Gospel preached by the apostle had no other authority than human, or than his own to support it: wherefore he denies that it was "after man"; after the wisdom of man, an human invention and contrivance, a device and fiction of man's brain; nor was it after the mind of man, or agreeably to his carnal reason, it was disapproved of by him, and beyond his capacity to reach it; nor was it of his revealing, a discovery of his; flesh and blood, human nature, could never have revealed it; nor is it in the power of one man to make another a minister of the Gospel, or to give him or himself success in the ministration of it, but the whole is of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:11–2:21 The Judaizers who had come to Galatia preaching faith plus circumcision questioned Paul’s apostleship and attempted to discredit his message. Paul defended his apostolic authority, demonstrating from past events that his message was the true Good News. 1:11 the gospel message I preach: Paul’s message was that people are made right with God by grace through faith, not by obeying the law (see 2:16-17; Rom 10:9-13; Eph 2:8-9).
Galatians 1:11
Paul Preaches the Gospel
10Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man.12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Table of the Lord
By David Wilkerson4.3K1:03:041CO 2:9GAL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus. He shares how he realized the emptiness and dryness of his previous preaching methods and decided to shut down his ministry. He also talks about giving away a five million dollar ranch that was consuming his time and resources. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a revelation of the vastness of the Lord Jesus and how this can transform our perspective on problem-solving. He references the story of Moses and the elders eating and drinking in the presence of God as an example of the awe-inspiring experience of being in the presence of the Lord.
The Gospel Paul Preached
By J. Glyn Owen1.9K48:57GospelGAL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the basic truths of the Gospel and not compromising on them. He highlights that there are forces that try to undermine the purity and power of the Gospel. The speaker then focuses on the Gospel that Paul preached, emphasizing that it was not of human origin but a divine revelation given to him. He urges the audience to recognize the glory of the Gospel and the fact that it was foretold that Jesus would rise again.
(Galatians) Another Gospel
By Brian Brodersen1.7K1:03:19GAL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of discovering the true message of the Bible. He explains that the gospel is the good news of God's grace and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The urgency of the Apostle Paul's message to the Galatians is highlighted, as false teachers had come in and challenged the validity of Paul's apostleship and the gospel he preached. The speaker encourages listeners to open their hearts and receive the grace of God, emphasizing that salvation is about being reconnected with God through Jesus Christ.
Basics of the Gospel Faith
By Stephen Kaung1.3K35:45GAL 1:11GAL 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the eyes of worldly people are blinded by the God of this world, preventing them from experiencing the power of the gospel. He uses the analogy of a covered air conditioner to illustrate how even though something is present, it cannot be seen. The preacher highlights that the gospel of Jesus Christ leaves believers with nothing to do because Jesus has already done it all. He urges the audience to trust and obey God's word and to be faithful to the heavenly vision. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of prayer and receiving Christ as the source of grace, which leads to the reproduction of grace and the growth of Christ's character in believers.
Why Is the Spirit Given
By Chip Brogden1.3K37:29Holy SpiritGAL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus through the spirit and truth rather than just through religious teachings. He highlights the difference between obtaining knowledge from flesh and blood, such as relying on pastors or church traditions, versus receiving revelation from the Holy Spirit. The speaker also discusses the impact of indoctrination and fear in certain religious contexts, using the example of the Catholic Church. The sermon concludes with the message that encountering Jesus and surrendering to Him can bring about a transformative change, as seen in the conversion of Paul and Peter's restoration.
(The Church Needs to Know) 9. Jesus Is Calling Again
By Miki Hardy1.1K1:03:13Jesus CallingMAT 6:33GAL 1:11PHP 3:1PHP 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly the preaching of the cross. He highlights that the gospel not only saves people but also transforms Christians, leading them to perfection. The preacher encourages listeners to seek a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and to identify themselves with what they read. He also emphasizes the importance of following the example of the Apostle Paul and choosing to walk with those who are determined and convicted to live out the true gospel. The preacher concludes by reminding listeners that the Holy Spirit is at work, preparing and speaking to the hearts of believers.
Three Results of Paul's Commission
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K55:37CommissionMAT 7:24MAT 16:24ACT 9:6ROM 8:14GAL 1:11GAL 3:132PE 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being receptive to the message of the Holy Spirit. He observes that some people in the congregation seem disengaged and focused on worldly matters rather than spiritual ones. The preacher urges the listeners to be in the Spirit and not be distracted by gossip or frivolous conversations. He warns that if they do not feed their souls with the word of God, they will lose the impact of the message they have heard. The preacher also highlights the challenges of staying focused on God in a fast-paced and interconnected world, but emphasizes the need to prioritize the things of God to maintain a burning fire of faith.
Accepting the Truth and Living It Out
By Miki Hardy4981:55:32TruthMAT 6:33MAT 16:251CO 4:16GAL 1:111TI 6:7JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting the message of the cross and living it out in our lives. He shares his own experience of feeling fed up and miserable as a pastor, but finding grace and solutions in God. The speaker encourages repentance, humility, and a commitment to live out the truth of the gospel. He also highlights the importance of leaders in the church accepting and living out the message of the cross for the restoration of families and the unity of the church.
The Principles of Paul
By Peter Maiden14150:53PrinciplesROM 1:1ROM 1:5GAL 1:6GAL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses four reasons why the Gospel is important. The first reason is that the Gospel is the story of what God has done for sinners. The second reason is that the Gospel is the message of God, and it is a privilege to share this message with others. The third reason is the power of the Gospel, which is greater than any earthly power. The fourth reason is the beauty of the Gospel, which is seen in the incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the everlasting consequences of the Gospel and encourages the listeners to participate in summer campaigns to share this life-changing message with others.
The Liberty of Sons
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual LibertyGAL 1:1GAL 1:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of 'the faith' as it relates to sonship in his sermon 'The Liberty of Sons.' He explains that true sonship, which is rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ, is the essence of the faith that believers must fight to maintain against legalistic systems that hinder spiritual growth. Sparks highlights the conflict between the freedom found in Christ and the bondage of religious traditions, urging believers to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord rather than adhering to man-made rules. He warns that the fight of the faith is not merely against external challenges but also within the hearts of believers who may be influenced by established systems. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the liberty of sons, which is found in a genuine pursuit of Christ.
In His Letter to the Romans
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:29ROM 12:12ROM 15:131CO 15:1GAL 1:11GAL 2:2EPH 2:8HEB 6:18REV 13:8T. Austin-Sparks delves into the essence of the gospel, emphasizing its significance as 'good news' that covers the entire New Testament, touching every aspect of the Christian life. The gospel is not limited to conversion but encompasses the profound truths in letters like Ephesians and Colossians, revealing hope from beginning to end. By exploring the eternal perspective of the gospel, he highlights how the Cross of Christ transcends time, securing hope in a seemingly hopeless situation, and anchoring believers in the immensity of God's eternal provision.
In His Letter to the Galatians
By T. Austin-Sparks0Indwelling ChristFreedom in ChristGAL 1:11GAL 2:20T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the core message of Paul's letter to the Galatians, focusing on the phrase 'the gospel which I preach.' He highlights the intense conflict between Paul and the Judaizers, who insisted on adhering to the Law of Moses, while Paul argues for the freedom found in Christ. The essence of the gospel, according to Paul, is the indwelling of Christ within believers, which transforms their lives and empowers them to fulfill God's will. Sparks stresses that true Christianity is not merely about freedom from the Law but about living in the reality of Christ's presence and power within us. This understanding of the gospel is vital for Christians to experience true liberty and a new disposition aligned with God's desires.
The Word of Men and the Word of God
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 11:8PSA 33:6LUK 8:13JHN 8:30ACT 26:16ROM 2:151CO 2:92CO 2:16GAL 1:11EPH 1:171TH 2:13J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of receiving the gospel not as the word of men, but as the word of God, emphasizing the vital distinction between the two. He delves into the effects of receiving the gospel as the word of men versus the word of God in the understanding, conscience, and affections. Philpot highlights the necessity of the word of God being received with divine power to work effectually in the hearts of believers, leading to salvation. He concludes by expressing gratitude for those who have truly received the gospel as the word of God, acknowledging the eternal impact it has on their lives.
The Apostle Paul
By T. Austin-Sparks0Imitation of ChristSpiritual Leadership1CO 11:1GAL 1:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound responsibility of spiritual leadership as exemplified by the Apostle Paul, who invites others to imitate him as he imitates Christ. He outlines seven essential factors of effective leadership: vision, experience, originality, courage, balance, dependence on God, and loyalty. Paul’s life and ministry serve as a model for leaders, demonstrating how a clear divine vision and personal experience shape one's ability to lead others faithfully. Sparks highlights that true leadership is not merely about authority but about embodying the principles of Christ in one's character and actions. Ultimately, Paul’s call to follow him is a call to follow Christ, underscoring the importance of integrity in leadership.
On the Conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
By Thomas Reade0ACT 9:12CO 5:17GAL 1:11EPH 2:81JN 4:19Thomas Reade preaches about the powerful conversion of Saul of Tarsus, highlighting the sovereignty and grace of God in transforming a zealous persecutor into a devoted follower of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing a true conversion, where the heart is humbled, pride is shattered, and love for Christ and His people is evident. Reade draws parallels between Saul's unconverted state of self-righteousness and zeal for persecution to the worldly opposition faced by Christians today, urging believers to examine their hearts and strive for spiritual mindedness and devotion to the Redeemer.
Revelation Is Sufficient
By Chip Brogden0DAN 12:4JHN 14:6ACT 7:54ACT 26:16GAL 1:11PHP 3:7COL 2:32TI 3:71PE 2:8Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from God, contrasting earthly knowledge with spiritual truth revealed by the Heavenly Father. He highlights that true spiritual growth comes from knowing Jesus Christ through divine revelation, not just accumulating facts from various sources. Brogden explains that the foundation of the Church, the Ecclesia, is built upon individuals who have received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, as seen in the transformation of Paul from a persecutor to a preacher through divine revelation.
A Reasonable Service
By J. Wilbur Chapman0ROM 5:1GAL 1:11J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God, emphasizing the deep significance of this act of consecration. He highlights Paul's intense care and love for his people, urging believers to yield themselves to Christ in a manner that is both inspiring and convicting. Chapman underscores the mercies of God outlined by Paul in Romans, pointing to justification, safety, deliverance, and the assurance of no condemnation or separation for those in Christ. He challenges listeners to consider the reasonableness of this call to consecration in light of God's immense love and the work He has done for each individual.
Nicolaitanism - the Rise and Growth of the Clergy
By F.W. Grant0JHN 4:24JHN 10:27JHN 18:37ACT 20:281CO 12:42CO 4:2GAL 1:111TI 3:12TI 2:2REV 2:6F.W. Grant delves into the issue of Nicolaitanism, highlighting the danger of clerisy and the rise of a spiritual caste within the Church. He emphasizes the departure from truth and the establishment of a worldly Church under Satan's influence, leading to the subjection of the laity by a privileged clergy class. Grant challenges the traditional concept of ordination, stressing that spiritual authority should come from God's Word and individual gifting, not human authorization. He calls for a return to the true essence of ministry, where every believer is a minister and priest, responsible for contributing to the body of Christ and ministering to one another in love.
Section 1 - Eph 1:1-2
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ACT 20:171CO 10:32GAL 1:11EPH 1:3EPH 2:11EPH 3:1EPH 4:4Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the profound revelations received by the Apostle Paul regarding the gospel of saving grace through Christ and the divine age of the Church, emphasizing the mystery of forming a new heavenly company from both Jews and Gentiles. The Ephesian letter unveils God's plan for the Church, written by Paul in A.D. 64 while in prison at Rome, closely associated with letters to the Philippians and Colossians. The Epistle addresses the saints in Ephesus and all faithful in Christ Jesus, revealing the unique position and privileges of the Church as the New Creation, distinct from the Adamic and Abrahamic stocks.
The Personal Revelation of Jesus
By Randy Jones0MAT 16:151CO 2:2GAL 1:11GAL 1:15EPH 4:13Randy Jones preaches on the importance of having a personal revelation of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for a deep, intimate knowledge of the Son of God that goes beyond mere head knowledge. He highlights how the Apostle Paul received a direct revelation of Jesus from heaven, stressing the significance of seeking a personal experience with Christ rather than relying solely on secondhand teachings. Randy challenges believers to pursue a lifetime of deeper revelations of Christ through prayer and seeking Him in a personal, intimate way.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But I certify you, brethren, etc. - I wish you fully to comprehend that the Gospel which I preached to you is not after man; there is not a spark of human invention in it, nor the slightest touch of human cunning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
certify--I made known to you as to the Gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man, that is, not of, by, or from man (Gal 1:1, Gal 1:12). It is not according to man; not influenced by mere human considerations, as it would be, if it were of human origin. brethren--He not till now calls them so.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I certify you, brethren,.... Though the Galatians had gone such lengths with their false teachers, yet the apostle still calls them "brethren"; as hoping well of them, that they were born of God, did belong to his family, and were heirs of the grace of life; and this he the rather makes use of, to show his affection to them, and to engage their attention to the assurance he gives, of the divine original and authority of the Gospel preached by him; which though they formerly knew and believed, yet through the insinuations of the false apostles, were drawn into some doubts about it: wherefore he declares in the most solemn and affectionate manner, that the Gospel which was preached of me, is not after man. Their guides that were leading them wrong, did not presume to say, that the Gospel was after man, for they themselves pretended to preach the Gospel; but that the Gospel preached by the apostle had no other authority than human, or than his own to support it: wherefore he denies that it was "after man"; after the wisdom of man, an human invention and contrivance, a device and fiction of man's brain; nor was it after the mind of man, or agreeably to his carnal reason, it was disapproved of by him, and beyond his capacity to reach it; nor was it of his revealing, a discovery of his; flesh and blood, human nature, could never have revealed it; nor is it in the power of one man to make another a minister of the Gospel, or to give him or himself success in the ministration of it, but the whole is of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:11–2:21 The Judaizers who had come to Galatia preaching faith plus circumcision questioned Paul’s apostleship and attempted to discredit his message. Paul defended his apostolic authority, demonstrating from past events that his message was the true Good News. 1:11 the gospel message I preach: Paul’s message was that people are made right with God by grace through faith, not by obeying the law (see 2:16-17; Rom 10:9-13; Eph 2:8-9).