Galatians 1:11 kjv
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Galatians 1:11 nkjv
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
Galatians 1:11 niv
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.
Galatians 1:11 esv
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.
Galatians 1:11 nlt
Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning.
Galatians 1 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gal 1:1 | Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ...) | Paul's apostleship is divinely appointed |
| Gal 1:12 | For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Direct revelation of the Gospel from Christ |
| Gal 1:6-7 | I marvel that ye are so soon removed... unto another gospel: which is not another... | Warning against a "different" (false) gospel |
| Gal 1:8-9 | But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel... let him be accursed. | Denunciation of any gospel other than the revealed one |
| Eph 3:3-5 | How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery... as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles... | Mystery of Christ revealed to Paul by God |
| 1 Cor 2:1-5 | ...my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom... but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power... | Gospel is not based on human eloquence/wisdom |
| 1 Cor 2:13 | Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth... | Spiritual truth revealed by the Spirit |
| Rom 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation... | Gospel's divine power, not human weakness |
| Col 2:8 | Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men... and not after Christ. | Warning against human traditions over Christ |
| Mark 7:7-8 | Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men... leaving the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men. | Human traditions supersede God's commands |
| Matt 15:9 | But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. | Condemnation of human-made doctrines |
| John 14:26 | But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost... he shall teach you all things... | The Holy Spirit guides into all truth |
| 2 Pet 1:21 | For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. | Scripture is God-breathed, not man-derived |
| Acts 9:15-16 | But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me... | Divine call of Paul directly from Christ |
| 2 Cor 11:4 | For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit... or another gospel... | Warning against counterfeit teachings |
| Rom 3:20 | Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight... | Law cannot justify; implies human effort fails |
| Gal 2:16 | Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ... | Justification is by faith, not human effort (Law) |
| Isa 55:8-9 | For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways... | God's wisdom transcends human wisdom |
| Prov 14:12 | There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. | Human understanding can be deceptive |
| 1 Tim 6:3-4 | If any man teach otherwise... he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions... | Warnings against doctrine not from God |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword... | The divine power of God's word |
Galatians 1 verses
Galatians 1 11 Meaning
Paul declares with solemn certainty to the Galatian believers that the gospel he preached to them is not derived from human origin, human tradition, or human wisdom. It is not a man-made teaching, but rather has its source in divine revelation, setting it apart as supremely authoritative and distinct from any distorted message.
Galatians 1 11 Context
Galatians chapter 1 immediately sets a confrontational tone. Paul opens by strongly asserting his apostolic authority, stating it is "not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father" (Gal 1:1). He quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers are so rapidly turning to "another gospel," which is, in fact, a distortion (Gal 1:6-7). The primary contention is with Judaizers who insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law in order to be truly saved, thereby mixing human works with God's grace. In this context, Galatians 1:11 is a crucial foundational statement. Paul declares that his gospel is not a human construct or adaptation; it is of divine origin. This directly counters any argument that his message is less authoritative or derived from secondary sources like human teaching or tradition, which could then be "corrected" or "improved upon" by the Judaizers' human-instituted additions.
Galatians 1 11 Word analysis
- But (Greek: De): A transitional particle. It introduces a strong contrast or opposition to what has been said or implied by his opponents. It functions as an emphatic "furthermore" or "however," marking a crucial shift to his central defense.
- I certify you (Greek: gnōrizō hymīn): gnōrizō means "to make known," "to declare," or "to certify with full knowledge." Paul is not just informing them casually; he is making a solemn, authoritative declaration based on his unique experience and certainty, highlighting its absolute truth. This carries the weight of a factual, verifiable testimony.
- brethren (Greek: adelphoi): Though stern, Paul maintains a familial, intimate address. This balances his authoritative declaration with an appeal to shared spiritual kinship, reminding them of their unity in Christ despite the current doctrinal strife. It underscores his pastoral concern.
- that the gospel (Greek: hoti to euangelion): hoti introduces the content of his certification. Euangelion ("good news") refers to the central message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection, apart from works of the Law. This is the very core of his dispute with the Judaizers.
- which was preached of me (Greek: to euangelisthen hup’ emou): This is a passive construction ("that which was evangelized/preached by me"). The focus is on the content delivered by Paul, linking it specifically to his ministry and distinguishing it from other potential messages the Galatians might be hearing. It underscores that this is his specific message under scrutiny.
- is not (Greek: ouk estin): A strong negation. It decisively rules out any possibility of the gospel having human characteristics in its origin.
- after man (Greek: kata anthrōpon): Kata can mean "according to," "originating from," or "in the manner of." Anthrōpon refers to "man" or "humanity." This critical phrase denies that the gospel's origin is human (human reason, human invention, human tradition), or that it conforms to human standards or principles. It specifically refutes claims that it was received through human intermediaries, human education, or adapted to human preferences or wisdom. It means "not of human origin, structure, or content."
Word-Group Analysis:
- "I certify you, brethren, that the gospel...": Paul directly addresses his audience, employing a declarative statement (certify) and a term of endearment (brethren) to emphasize the gravity and truthfulness of his claim concerning the very core of his message.
- "...the gospel which was preached of me...": This specifies the exact gospel Paul proclaimed, which is now under attack. It highlights that the controversy is over his particular, divinely given, understanding of the good news.
- "...is not after man.": This is the absolute core assertion of the verse, negating any human involvement in the genesis or essence of the gospel Paul teaches. It directly refutes claims of human origin, human mediation, or human conformity for the gospel. It implies the gospel's transcendent, divine source.
Galatians 1 11 Bonus section
This verse subtly introduces the central theological conflict in Galatians: the contrast between a gospel based on human effort (e.g., adherence to the Law, traditions) and a gospel revealed by God's grace (justification by faith in Christ). The phrase "not after man" encompasses:
- Not invented by man: It's not a philosophical construct or religious theory.
- Not received from man: Paul did not learn it from other apostles or human teachers.
- Not modified by man: It cannot be shaped, added to, or subtracted from by human preference or cultural pressure.This establishes a boundary: the true Gospel is solely from God and therefore stands as the supreme authority, brooking no human compromise or amendment.
Galatians 1 11 Commentary
Galatians 1:11 serves as a foundational declaration in Paul's defense of the true Gospel against the severe theological drift occurring in Galatia. By unequivocally stating that "the gospel which was preached of me is not after man," Paul asserts its unique and undeniable divine origin. This is a critical polemic against the Judaizers, who implicitly questioned Paul's apostolic authority and, by extension, the purity of his gospel, perhaps suggesting it was a simplified, less demanding version tailored for Gentiles, or that he received it second-hand from other apostles.
Paul’s strong affirmation “I certify you” underscores his authority and the absolute truth of his claim, leaving no room for doubt or human mediation. The gospel's non-human origin means it is not a product of human wisdom, tradition, or consensus, nor can it be improved or altered by human additions like adherence to the Law. Its divine source provides its unchallengeable authority and universal truth, setting the stage for Paul’s subsequent account of his conversion and direct revelation from Christ (Gal 1:12). This verse reinforces that salvation comes by God's grace alone through faith, revealed directly by God, rather than through human merit or ecclesiastical tradition. Any attempts to blend it with human effort or cultural customs dilute its power and undermine its divine source.