I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ – Galatians 1:11-12
I read Galatians chapter 1 with my wife Joy couple of days ago. There is something about Paul’s writings that always captivates me. Paul is so bold in his preaching and it seems like there is nothing else he wanted more than to share the gospel with as many people as possible. But what is important is that the message that Paul preached is not his own or from any human origin but a revelation from Jesus Christ.
In Galatians 1:13-24, Paul shares his testimony about his life. Once he was seeped in tradition-persecuting, destroying and advancing in the name of religion. But God encountered him, revealed Jesus to him, and changed his entire life around. Every time I read his story, it brings me joy. It reminds me of when I was a non-Christian, going to Buddhist temples with my mom, partying with friends, fighting depression, and living without any real purpose in my life- UNTIL God swept me off my feet and changed my entire life around. I even remember the exact dates and time periods when I received a revelation from God that led me to firmly believe in Jesus.
When my wife Joy and I were reflecting on this passage together, it was interesting to hear her say that even though she grew up in the church hearing the gospel her entire life, she still had a time period of revelation. The difference was that it was not instantaneous but rather a more gradual process that God took her through. Although we both have differing experiences, we both have a testimony of God revealing his power, glory, and work in our lives – and without Him, we would not be who we are today.
What’s fascinating is that when Paul shares the gospel to many of the churches –he doesn’t just share about Jesus, but how Jesus has worked and is still working in his life. This is the POWER of the gospel – that it is not just a story about Jesus, but it is also a personal testimony of how the good news of the gospel of Jesus transforms our lives.
Each one of us have a story. Moreover, each one of us have an unique testimony of how Jesus encountered us and continues to be a reality in our lives. May we share those testimonies of Jesus and his work in every opportunity we get so that others may be encouraged and challenged by the good news of the gospel. Let’s be bold as Paul was – living and sharing the gospel well.