11 For I would have you know , brethren , that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man . 12 For I neither received it from man , nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ . 13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism , how I used to persecute the church of God beyond e measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my [1]countrymen , being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions . 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace , was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles , I did not immediately consult with [2] flesh and blood , 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia , and returned once more to Damascus . 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to [3]become acquainted with Cephas , and stayed with him fifteen days . 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except [4] James , the Lord's brother .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Galatians 1:11-19
Commentary on Galatians 1:10-14
(Read Galatians 1:10-14)
In preaching the gospel, the apostle sought to bring persons to the obedience, not of men, but of God. But Paul would not attempt to alter the doctrine of Christ, either to gain their favour, or to avoid their fury. In so important a matter we must not fear the frowns of men, nor seek their favour, by using words of men's wisdom. Concerning the manner wherein he received the gospel, he had it by revelation from Heaven. He was not led to Christianity, as many are, merely by education.
Commentary on Galatians 1:15-24
(Read Galatians 1:15-24)
St. Paul was wonderfully brought to the knowledge and faith of Christ. All who are savingly converted, are called by the grace of God; their conversion is wrought by his power and grace working in them. It will but little avail us to have Christ revealed to us, if he is not also revealed in us. He instantly prepared to obey, without hesitating as to his worldly interest, credit, ease, or life itself. And what matter of thanksgiving and joy is it to the churches of Christ, when they hear of such instances to the praise of the glory of his grace, whether they have ever seen them or not! They glorify God for his power and mercy in saving such persons, and for all the service to his people and cause that is done, and may be further expected from them.