Galatians 1:16
Verse
Context
Paul Preaches the Gospel
15But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased16to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To reveal his Son in me - To make me know Jesus Christ, and the power of his resurrection. That I might preach him among the heathen - For it was to the Gentiles, and the dispersed Jews among the Gentiles, that St. Paul was especially sent. Peter was sent more particularly to the Jews in the land of Judea; Paul to those in the different Greek provinces. I conferred not with flesh and blood - I did not take counsel with men; σαρξ και αἱμα, which is a literal translation of the Hebrew בשר ודם basar vedam, flesh and blood, is a periphrasis for man, any man, a human being, or beings of any kind. Many suppose that the apostle means he did not dally, or take counsel, with the erroneous suggestions and unrenewed propensities of his own heart, or those of others; but no such thing is intended by the text. St. Paul was satisfied that his call was of God; he had therefore no occasion to consult man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
reveal his Son in me--within me, in my inmost soul, by the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20). Compare Co2 4:6, "shined in our hearts." The revealing of His Son by me to the Gentiles (so translate for "heathen") was impossible, unless He had first revealed His Son in me; at first on my conversion, but especially at the subsequent revelation from Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12), whereby I learned the Gospel's independence of the Mosaic law. that I might preach--the present in the Greek, which includes the idea "that I may preach Him," implying an office still continuing. This was the main commission entrusted to him (Gal 2:7, Gal 2:9). immediately--connected chiefly with "I went into Arabia" (Gal 1:17). It denotes the sudden fitness of the apostle. So Act 9:20, "Straightway he preached Christ in the synagogue." I conferred not--Greek, "I had not further (namely, in addition to revelation) recourse to . . . for the purpose of consulting." The divine revelation was sufficient for me [BENGEL]. flesh and blood-- (Mat 16:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
To reveal his Son in me,.... This clause stands in connection with that in the preceding verse, "but when it pleased God"; the revelation of Christ in the apostle being the mere fruit and effect of God's will and pleasure: some versions read it "by me", making the apostle to be the instrument and means, by whom God revealed his Son Jesus Christ to others, which is a certain truth, but this is rather contained in the following clause: others read it "to me", and which also is true; for Christ was revealed to him in the glory of his person, the fulness of his grace, the necessity, suitableness, and completeness of his salvation; not objectively in the Gospel, or merely notionally, speculatively in the theory of things, but spiritually, experimentally, and savingly; and which is better expressed, and nearer the original, by "in him"; for he had an internal discovery of him as God's salvation, and of his interest in him as such; Christ was formed in him, his Spirit was put within him, his grace was implanted in him; he lived and dwelt in his heart by faith, as the Son in his own house; he was known unto him, as Christ in him the hope of glory: now the end of all this, of his separation from mother's womb, of his call by the grace of God, of the large revelation of Christ to him, and in him was, that, says he, I might preach him among the Heathen; as he did: Christ was the subject of his ministry; the things respecting his person, as that he was very God, the Son of God, God and man in one person the things respecting his office, as that he is the only Mediator between God and man, the prophet of the church, the high priest over the house of God, and King of saints; the doctrines of his grace, and which concern his obedience, sufferings, and death; as that peace and pardon are by his blood, justification by his righteousness, reconciliation and satisfaction by his sacrifice, and eternal life and complete salvation alone by him; all which is evangelizing, or preaching good news and glad tidings to sensible sinners: the persons to whom he was to preach these things, and did, were "the Heathen", or Gentiles; he was a chosen vessel for this purpose; Christ, when he called him, sent him to them; the work he was to do, and did, lay chiefly among them; hence he is called an apostle, and teacher of them: immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood; which some understand of carnal reason, and that he did not stand reasoning and debating the matter with himself, whether it would be for his credit and reputation, for his worldly interest and advantage, to enter upon the ministry of the word; whether it would be advisable to expose himself, by so doing, to reproach and persecution; but immediately, as soon as he was called by grace, and Christ was revealed in him, he set about it: others, by "flesh and blood", understand carnal men; and others his countrymen the Jews, and those of them that were his relations, his own flesh; but rather men in general are intended, any whatever, and especially the apostles; whom, he afterwards says, he had no conversation with, upon his first setting out in the ministry. It is usual with the Jews to call men, in distinction and opposition to God, , "flesh and blood". Infinite almost are the examples that might be given thereof out of their writings. See Gill on Mat 16:17. See Gill on Eph 6:12.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:16b-20 Paul was taught by the Lord directly and did not . . . consult with any human being, even the other apostles. Paul was independent from the other apostles yet in harmony with them (2:1-10).
Galatians 1:16
Paul Preaches the Gospel
15But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased16to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Life & Times of Jesus #09
By Jack Hibbs1.8K53:25JOS 1:8ROM 1:13ROM 15:232CO 6:1GAL 1:16COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of getting one's theology from the Bible rather than relying on other sources. He emphasizes that God's revealed word is the ultimate truth and should be the foundation of our beliefs. The speaker also highlights the priority of the gospel, stating that it is our only remedy and should take precedence over other activities or forms of entertainment in church. He concludes by referencing biblical figures like Samuel, Jesus, and Joshua to illustrate the importance of staying focused on God's word and being courageous in our faith.
The Will of God - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K45:38Will Of GodGEN 1:1PRO 29:18MAT 4:10ACT 7:582CO 10:4GAL 1:16HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of having a vision and purpose in the Christian life. He uses the example of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall to illustrate how a clear vision can unify and energize people. The preacher highlights the need for Christians to have a new understanding of God's purpose and will in order to be unified and focused. He also emphasizes the importance of having a divine imperative and a deep personal encounter with Jesus Christ, which will enable believers to persevere in the face of trials and temptations.
Fellowship - Part 7 (Necessity of Vision)
By Lance Lambert1.6K00:00FellowshipEXO 3:2MAT 7:1ACT 9:4ACT 26:19GAL 1:16EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of God and His purpose. He warns against Christians who think they know everything and rely on their own knowledge rather than seeking a true experience of the Holy Spirit. The speaker uses the analogy of a vessel on an infinite ocean to illustrate how a vision of God makes us realize our own insignificance and God's greatness. He also highlights the significance of the apostle Paul's heavenly vision and how it influenced his ministry. The speaker concludes by expressing a desire for God to give believers a vision and open their hearts to truly know and understand Jesus Christ.
Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 5 of 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K50:16RecoveryJDG 7:61CH 28:9PSA 62:12JER 17:9MAT 16:17JHN 1:33GAL 1:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for expansion and enlargement in the spiritual lives of believers. God uses tests and trials to bring about this growth and to fulfill His specific purpose. The speaker also highlights how God has historically chosen individuals or groups who have a deep knowledge of Him to bring about spiritual renewal and revival among His people. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal experience and knowledge of the Lord in effective service and ministry.
Galatians: The Gospel of Grace
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:05:23GospelROM 8:38GAL 1:16GAL 2:20GAL 4:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the grace of God. He explains that even after being saved, people can become greedy and rely on their own strength instead of God's grace. The preacher uses the analogy of a Roman punishment for murderers, where the corpse of the victim is tied to the murderer until it decomposes, to illustrate the frustration of trying to live a pleasing life to God without relying on His grace. He encourages believers to turn their hearts to God and allow Him to reveal His Son in them, which is the essence of the Gospel and the beginning of grace.
The God Centered Can Build the Church
By Zac Poonen4041:08:42MAT 16:182CO 3:182CO 4:10GAL 1:16EPH 4:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving from a self-centered life to a God-centered life within the church. It highlights the need to die to self daily, allowing the life of Jesus to be manifested in our actions and interactions. The goal is to be part of the inner core of the church, willing to pay the price to align with God's interests and fulfill our individual roles in building the body of Christ.
Why Did Moses Veil His Face?
By Daniel Steele0EXO 34:33ROM 15:292CO 3:18GAL 1:16Daniel Steele preaches about the significance of veiling in the Bible, particularly focusing on Moses veiling his face after speaking with the Israelites to symbolize the transitoriness of the Old Testament dispensation. Steele contrasts the fading glory of the law with the eternal radiance of the gospel, emphasizing the permanency and increasing brightness of the believer's experience through the Holy Spirit. He highlights the privilege of believers in the New Testament era to reflect the glory of the Lord without the need for a veil, experiencing the indwelling Christ and the Spirit of truth.
The Church - Its Nature, Principles and Vocation
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spirituality vs. MysticismNature of the ChurchJHN 1:13JHN 3:6JHN 4:20ACT 7:38ROM 11:25GAL 1:16EPH 1:17EPH 3:10EPH 6:12HEB 8:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Church as a significant battleground in history, highlighting the various perspectives on its nature and local expressions. He discusses the challenges faced by the Church, including the belief in its ruin and the need for a return to New Testament principles. Sparks argues that true local expressions of the Church are possible through a spiritual revelation of Christ, which is essential for understanding its true nature. He contrasts spirituality with mysticism, asserting that genuine spirituality arises from a new birth by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Church as the embodiment of the mystery of Christ, which is revealed to believers through divine illumination.
Guidelines for the Understanding of the Scriptues: Introduction
By J. Vernon McGee0ACT 9:30ROM 9:1ROM 16:71CO 1:30GAL 1:16GAL 2:6PHP 1:11TH 1:12TH 1:1John Brown explains that 'prosanatithemi' signifies 'to impose a new burden' or 'to take counsel or advice of a person,' emphasizing the act of consulting with others for guidance. Thayer and Vine elaborate on the meaning of 'prosanatithemi' as 'to consult' or 'to communicate,' highlighting the importance of seeking advice and contributing to others. F.B. Meyer reflects on the significance of God revealing His Son in us, urging believers to surrender their will to God and seek His presence for a deeper understanding of Christ within. Oswald Chambers emphasizes the need to concentrate on God in times of doubt, trusting Him to guide our circumstances and cautioning against becoming contemptuous when others do not share our spiritual enthusiasm.
Epistle 38
By George Fox0GAL 1:16George Fox preaches about the importance of separating from the wicked generation and worship, urging people to come out from among them and be separate to be called sons and daughters of God. He warns against following false prophets, hirelings, and covetous teachers who seek personal gain and prey on the people. Fox emphasizes the need to depart from sin and iniquity, as those who live in wickedness will face everlasting punishment, urging everyone to depart from iniquity and call upon the Lord with a sincere heart.
A Personal Revelation of Christ
By David Wilkerson0Ministry FocusPersonal RevelationACT 17:281CO 9:27GAL 1:16PHP 3:8David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of a personal revelation of Jesus Christ for preachers, missionaries, and teachers. He challenges the audience to reflect on whether their teachings stem from personal experience or merely repeat what others have said. Wilkerson stresses that true ministry requires a continuous flow of revelation from the Holy Spirit, which transforms the preacher and their message. He warns against preaching a gospel that has not deeply impacted one's own life, echoing Paul's concern about being unapproved before God. Ultimately, he calls for a singular focus on Christ, urging believers to count all else as loss for the sake of knowing Him.
The Church to Be In
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Purpose of the ChurchThe Fullness of ChristJHN 16:13ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 12:122CO 3:18GAL 1:16EPH 1:10PHP 3:8COL 1:17HEB 12:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to sum up all things in Christ, who embodies greatness and fullness. He stresses the importance of continually growing in our understanding of Christ's majesty and glory, as this was the foundation of the early Church's power and effectiveness. The spontaneous formation of churches was a result of the Holy Spirit's work, centered around the preaching of Christ. Sparks argues that Christ should be the guiding principle for gathering as a Church, especially in today's complex world. The ongoing revelation of Christ is essential for believers to experience the fullness of God's purpose.
Christ Enthroned Within
By John Hames0GAL 1:16COL 1:27HEB 12:12PE 1:19REV 3:20REV 22:16John Hames preaches on the profound experience of having Christ enthroned within the human heart, emphasizing the mystery of Christ formed within believers as the hope of glory. He delves into the transformation that occurs when Christ is revealed in the innermost being, leading to purity, victory over temptations, and a sense of indescribable sweetness in Christ. Hames highlights the significance of Christ reigning within, bringing constant victory over sin and making the journey towards eternity a glorious and triumphant one.
The Foundation of Spiritual Education
By T. Austin-Sparks0Learning ChristSpiritual EducationEZK 40:2MAT 11:29MRK 3:14LUK 9:23JHN 16:31ROM 8:292CO 4:6GAL 1:16EPH 4:20PHP 3:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of learning Christ rather than merely imitating Him, highlighting that true spiritual education involves a deep, subjective understanding of Christ's nature and our own limitations. He explains that the Holy Spirit's role is to reveal Christ in us and to conform us to His image, which requires recognizing the vast difference between Christ and ourselves. Sparks challenges the audience to confront their own inadequacies and the impossibility of achieving God's standards through their own efforts, urging them to embrace the transformative process of spiritual education in the School of Christ. He concludes by encouraging believers to yield to the Holy Spirit's work, which prepares them for a deeper manifestation of Christ in their lives.
Getting Acquainted With Christ.
By J.R. Miller0Personal Relationship with ChristFriendship with GodPSA 139:7MAT 28:20JHN 14:17JHN 15:15ROM 8:10GAL 1:16PHP 4:13COL 1:27HEB 13:51JN 4:15J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of developing a personal friendship with Christ, noting that many young Christians may trust Him as their Savior without truly knowing Him as a friend. He recounts a poignant experience with a young woman who, despite her devout life, realized for the first time the personal relationship she could have with Christ. Miller explains that recognizing Christ's presence and companionship can transform a believer's life, bringing comfort, joy, and a deeper understanding of faith. He encourages Christians to seek this intimate relationship, which can lighten burdens and enrich their spiritual journey. Ultimately, he asserts that having Christ as a close friend is essential to the Christian experience.
"According to Christ" - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0Revelation of ChristNature of the ChurchMAT 16:18JHN 1:13ACT 20:27ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 1:16EPH 1:17COL 1:18HEB 12:261PE 2:9T. Austin-Sparks addresses the essential nature of the Church, emphasizing that it is not a mechanical system to be replicated but a living expression of Christ. He highlights the dissatisfaction among believers due to the poor state of many churches and the need for a deeper understanding of the Church's true vocation, which is to embody Christ. Sparks argues that the Church was birthed through a revelation of Christ by the Holy Spirit, and its existence is not defined by human organization but by divine action. He calls for a reconsideration of how we view the Church, urging believers to focus on Christ rather than merely traditional systems. Ultimately, the Church's purpose is to bring Christ into every location, serving as His body on earth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To reveal his Son in me - To make me know Jesus Christ, and the power of his resurrection. That I might preach him among the heathen - For it was to the Gentiles, and the dispersed Jews among the Gentiles, that St. Paul was especially sent. Peter was sent more particularly to the Jews in the land of Judea; Paul to those in the different Greek provinces. I conferred not with flesh and blood - I did not take counsel with men; σαρξ και αἱμα, which is a literal translation of the Hebrew בשר ודם basar vedam, flesh and blood, is a periphrasis for man, any man, a human being, or beings of any kind. Many suppose that the apostle means he did not dally, or take counsel, with the erroneous suggestions and unrenewed propensities of his own heart, or those of others; but no such thing is intended by the text. St. Paul was satisfied that his call was of God; he had therefore no occasion to consult man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
reveal his Son in me--within me, in my inmost soul, by the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20). Compare Co2 4:6, "shined in our hearts." The revealing of His Son by me to the Gentiles (so translate for "heathen") was impossible, unless He had first revealed His Son in me; at first on my conversion, but especially at the subsequent revelation from Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12), whereby I learned the Gospel's independence of the Mosaic law. that I might preach--the present in the Greek, which includes the idea "that I may preach Him," implying an office still continuing. This was the main commission entrusted to him (Gal 2:7, Gal 2:9). immediately--connected chiefly with "I went into Arabia" (Gal 1:17). It denotes the sudden fitness of the apostle. So Act 9:20, "Straightway he preached Christ in the synagogue." I conferred not--Greek, "I had not further (namely, in addition to revelation) recourse to . . . for the purpose of consulting." The divine revelation was sufficient for me [BENGEL]. flesh and blood-- (Mat 16:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
To reveal his Son in me,.... This clause stands in connection with that in the preceding verse, "but when it pleased God"; the revelation of Christ in the apostle being the mere fruit and effect of God's will and pleasure: some versions read it "by me", making the apostle to be the instrument and means, by whom God revealed his Son Jesus Christ to others, which is a certain truth, but this is rather contained in the following clause: others read it "to me", and which also is true; for Christ was revealed to him in the glory of his person, the fulness of his grace, the necessity, suitableness, and completeness of his salvation; not objectively in the Gospel, or merely notionally, speculatively in the theory of things, but spiritually, experimentally, and savingly; and which is better expressed, and nearer the original, by "in him"; for he had an internal discovery of him as God's salvation, and of his interest in him as such; Christ was formed in him, his Spirit was put within him, his grace was implanted in him; he lived and dwelt in his heart by faith, as the Son in his own house; he was known unto him, as Christ in him the hope of glory: now the end of all this, of his separation from mother's womb, of his call by the grace of God, of the large revelation of Christ to him, and in him was, that, says he, I might preach him among the Heathen; as he did: Christ was the subject of his ministry; the things respecting his person, as that he was very God, the Son of God, God and man in one person the things respecting his office, as that he is the only Mediator between God and man, the prophet of the church, the high priest over the house of God, and King of saints; the doctrines of his grace, and which concern his obedience, sufferings, and death; as that peace and pardon are by his blood, justification by his righteousness, reconciliation and satisfaction by his sacrifice, and eternal life and complete salvation alone by him; all which is evangelizing, or preaching good news and glad tidings to sensible sinners: the persons to whom he was to preach these things, and did, were "the Heathen", or Gentiles; he was a chosen vessel for this purpose; Christ, when he called him, sent him to them; the work he was to do, and did, lay chiefly among them; hence he is called an apostle, and teacher of them: immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood; which some understand of carnal reason, and that he did not stand reasoning and debating the matter with himself, whether it would be for his credit and reputation, for his worldly interest and advantage, to enter upon the ministry of the word; whether it would be advisable to expose himself, by so doing, to reproach and persecution; but immediately, as soon as he was called by grace, and Christ was revealed in him, he set about it: others, by "flesh and blood", understand carnal men; and others his countrymen the Jews, and those of them that were his relations, his own flesh; but rather men in general are intended, any whatever, and especially the apostles; whom, he afterwards says, he had no conversation with, upon his first setting out in the ministry. It is usual with the Jews to call men, in distinction and opposition to God, , "flesh and blood". Infinite almost are the examples that might be given thereof out of their writings. See Gill on Mat 16:17. See Gill on Eph 6:12.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:16b-20 Paul was taught by the Lord directly and did not . . . consult with any human being, even the other apostles. Paul was independent from the other apostles yet in harmony with them (2:1-10).