Daily Bread

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Gospel’s Origin and Power

Date: Aug. 21, 2024

Passage

Galatians 1:11-24

Paul Called by God

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 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. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 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; 17 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.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

Key Verse: Galatians 1:12

For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Some people in Galatia cast doubt on Paul and, therefore, the gospel he preached. By discrediting Paul, these enemies of the gospel hoped to discredit the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Then these people could win followers to their false gospel and to themselves.

Paul emphasizes that the gospel did not originate in him or any other human being. The gospel is from Jesus, and Paul received it directly from Jesus. Verses 1:13-2:10 are Paul’s testimony. Though Paul had been zealous for Judaism, he did not find the gospel in Jewish religion through his efforts. In fact, his previous efforts led him to persecute the church of God. He was the last person anyone expected to become a Christian. But God, in his sovereign foresight, mercy, and plan, at just the right time, revealed his Son Jesus Christ to Paul (15-16; Ac 9:1-19). Paul was completely changed. He spent time in Arabia, Damascus, and then met the apostles. The churches knew little about Paul, but they praised God because of his work in Paul (23-24). Paul’s transformed life, from persecutor to apostle, testifies that the gospel is not earthly philosophy or influential, human persuasion but the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Ro 1:16).

Prayer: Father, thank you for revealing the gospel to me. Make my life a testimony to your love, mercy, and life-giving power.

One Word: Receive the life-giving gospel

Laws Regarding Property

Exodus 22:1-15

Key Verse: 22:14

“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.

Today's Question

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