The Gospel: Not Man's, But God's | Galatians 1:11-12

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. — Galatians 1:11-12

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Speakers frequently use quippy statements like Paul does here to drive home a point they want others to remember. Paul's point here is that just because he preached the Gospel doesn't mean the Gospel belongs to him. He was only a messenger of a message that was communicated and revealed by someone else.

This is precisely what some listeners and communicators of the Gospel forget sometimes. The Gospel message does not belong to us even though it is for us.

The ancient Greek word for "Gospel" is "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion). In Greek, this is a compound word. The first part of this word is "εὐ" (eu), which means "good." The second part of this word is "ἀγγέλιον" (angelion), which means "news."  So, "εὐαγγέλιον" translates literally to "good news."

In the context of ancient Greece, this word was often used to refer to any significant news or proclamation made to a King. For example, "good news" would be brought to a King after announcing a victory in battle or the event of a significant event in a kingdom. Gospel messages carried the connotation of joyful events that brought hope, comfort, or relief.

Within the New Testament, the Greek term "Gospel" was appropriated to describe the message of salvation through Jesus Christ our King. It is particularly associated with the four books known as the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which record the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, presenting him as the fulfillment of the message of Salvation for all mankind. Note this: Jesus is the culmination of the "Gospel" in all aspects. He communicated it entirely. He lived it with perfection. He sacrificed his life by dying for it. He rose from the dead, sealing it. Jesus's life and message are the Gospel.

So, the word "Gospel" conveys the idea of joyful and life-changing news—one that does not belong to us but is for us. And in turn, we are tasked with communicating the Gospel to others.

And that is what Paul is doing in this text. He is clarifying his role with Jesus's message. He is reminding the churches that what he has spoken might appear to be from him, but it's not from him. It is the truth about God's great testament to all mankind revealed through the men of renown and culminating in the Prophet, Priest, and King — Jesus Christ.

So, share the Good News today. And remember, you need to tell God's good news God's way because it is his good news for others not just for you.

#GospelTruth #DivineRevelation #GoodNewsForAll #ShareTheGospel #GodsMessage

ASK THIS:

How can we ensure that when we share the Gospel, we're faithfully communicating God's message and not merely our own interpretation or perspective?
In what ways can we reflect Jesus's example in both communicating and living out the Gospel message in our daily lives?

DO THIS: Share the Gospel today.

PRAY THIS: Father, guide my words and actions as I share the Good News with others, reminding me always that it is Your message, not mine, to proclaim. Help me emulate Jesus's example of sacrificial love and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel in all that I do. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Tell Somebody.