Gospel Outreach International

How does God reveal His truth to us today, and what role does personal spiritual discovery play in our faith journey? This Bible study explores Paul’s testimony in Galatians 1:11-24, examining how the apostle received the Gospel through direct revelation rather than human teaching. As we consider Paul’s experience—from his dramatic conversion to his eventual acceptance by the Jerusalem church—we’re challenged to reflect on our own relationship with God’s voice and the importance of personally discovering spiritual truth rather than merely inheriting denominational traditions.

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 1:12

• Paul emphasizes that his Gospel message came through direct revelation from Jesus Christ, not from human teaching or tradition
• Christians who grow up within particular theological systems often find it difficult to remain open to fresh revelation from God
• Every generation should rediscover spiritual truths directly from God rather than simply resting on the teachings of previous generations
• Paul faced rejection from the Jerusalem church initially, requiring Barnabas to serve as a reconciler and advocate for his acceptance
• Coming from non-Christian backgrounds can make acceptance in established church circles more difficult, highlighting the need for more “Barnabases” who encourage and lift up new believers
• The church sometimes creates unnecessary barriers to obedience (such as delaying baptism) which can hinder believers and cause them to fall away
• Paul’s calling to reach the Gentiles came through divine revelation, opening the door for the Gospel to spread to the British Isles and beyond
• The modern church has often lost its sense of joy and celebration in relationship with God, appearing miserable rather than victorious
• Even funerals among believers should reflect the victory over death rather than overwhelming sadness, as death has lost its sting for Christians
• Being open to God speaking directly to us is essential—if we’re not open to hearing His voice, we never will

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. Galatians 1:18

This study ultimately points us back to the joy we should have in Christ—a joy that Paul himself embodied throughout his ministry. The speaker reminds us powerfully that Jesus has won the victory over death, taking away its sting completely. Whether we’re celebrating a believer’s homegoing or simply living out our daily faith, we should reflect that triumphant relationship with our glorious God. The challenge for us today is simple: have we lost the plot a bit? Are we demonstrating the joy of knowing Jesus, or do we look like miserable people in black suits? Paul’s testimony shows us that when we truly encounter Christ through revelation and walk in that relationship, there should be something worth celebrating—something that makes us want to shout “Hallelujah!” from the back of the church. That’s the Jesus-centered life we’re called to: one of victory, joy, and genuine relationship with our magnificent Savior.

Bible References

• Galatians 1:11-24
• Galatians 1:11-24
• Ephesians 3:3
• 1 Corinthians 13
• Acts 9
• Acts 26
• Acts 27