Galatians 1:11-24

Paul was not defending himself as much as he was defending the true gospel of grace. In contrast to the false gospel of the Judaizers, Paul received the gospel directly from God. Salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, plus nothing. The Judaizers said true salvation only came through circumcision and following the Law of Moses. If that were true, Jesus needlessly died on the cross. But is was not true and Paul would defend the true gospel with his life, if necessary.