Paul talks about the gospel he preaches:
“For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”— Galatians 1:11-12
This is powerful, and let’s explore what this means, why it matters, and how it challenges us to engage with God’s Word personally and passionately.
How did Paul position himself to receive the revelation?
Paul’s words make it clear: his gospel was not handed down by tradition or man-made doctrine—it was a direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
Paul’s revelation brought clarity and completeness to the revelation that was around then—a divine puzzle-piece that fit perfectly with the truths of Scripture. He didn’t violate anything which was already said, but rather he presented the complete picture.
1- Don’t let your Traditions Hold you back
The early church was a melting pot of diverse backgrounds and traditions (see Acts 2:5-12). Consider Peter’s ministry: God had initiated outreach to the Gentiles through Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48), yet Peter often remained in the familiar confines of Jerusalem. This hesitance may have stemmed from a deep-seated Jewish upbringing and culture—a legacy that, while valuable, sometimes held them back from fully embracing the radical, expansive call of God (cf. Galatians 2:11-14).
William Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival
We all have our own cherished traditions that, over time, can become a form of confinement. Take the Azusa Street Revival as an example. When this extraordinary movement broke out, people from all over the world converged on Los Angeles, and its power was undeniable. Under the leadership of William Seymour, the revival was a groundbreaking moment in modern Christianity—a time when the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable and transformative.
Seymour had a clear understanding of what had worked in the early days of the revival. He held on to the practices and rituals that had initially sparked such fervor and unity among believers. However, as time went on, this commitment to established methods sometimes led to a stagnation in growth.
While there were undoubtedly gifted teachers and preachers who entered the scene with fresh insights and a deep knowledge of the Bible—elements that had the potential to empower and expand the church, he declined to embrace and the church began to wane. What was once a vibrant, life-changing movement eventually became a faint echo of its original promise. This experience teaches us that while our cultural practices can shape us, they should never become a barrier to embracing the full revelation of God’s Word.
2- Know that the anointing in you will teach you
Paul’s eagerness to embrace God’s call led him to a profound period of study. He spent three years in Arabia—a time of solitude, prayer, and intense learning—where he absorbed deep revelations about the Scriptures. He studied with God, not just sitting with commentaries.
Very often when people say they are studying the Word, they mean that they are looking into their pet commentary. But the problem is that you are reading what someone else gleaned. We never know what their motivations, biases were. Why don’t you read the Word for yourself?
Sometimes, ministry leaders will try to restrict us saying that we should only study by looking at commentaries and should always look into what has established. I understand why leaders tend to worry too much. They feel that if people start to get things out from the scriptures too much, they might fall into error.
I say, don’t worry about that. John wrote, “the anointing … teaches you about all things” (1 John 2:27). All true followers of Christ are given the “anointing” (1 John 2:20) to guide them into all truth (cf. John 14:26; 16:13). There will always be people who will glean the wrong things and doctrines out of the scripture, but if their heart is to find the truth, they eventually will. Truth has a nice ring to it. The Holy Spirit will guide them to it. Sometimes by restricting believers, more harm is done than good. Paul decided to let the anointing in him teach him, and he learnt deep revelations.
3- Have a Berean mindset
Jesus had said in John 16:12-13 “I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
When questions arise, do we immediately turn to the opinions of our ministry leaders, or do we return to the Scriptures to seek answers? I have made it a point to study the Word of God, no matter what prominent leader teaches. I have decided to be Berean.What does that mean? I’ll think for myself, and chew on the Word and ask God to reveal. Of course, I will listen to the teachers, but I will not accept it as it is. Some of my leaders don’t necessarily like that I am thinking for myself, but that is one thing I don’t want to compromise. I am not saying to be arrogant or prideful. Take time to learn from people, but always chew the meat and spit out the bones.
You too reader, think for yourself. Ask questions. Ask God, and he will give you the deep revelations and answers. You can use the commentaries but using that is not the inspired Word of God. Paul’s emphatic declaration, “I received it from God, and not man,” is a call for us to value personal revelation and to trust that when the Holy Spirit is leading, our hearts will not stray into heresy but will be anchored in the true identity of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: Study, Surrender, and Revelation
Paul’s journey is a powerful testimony of what happens when one’s zeal is redirected by the grace of God. His gospel—revealed to him by Jesus Christ—was a revelation that completed and clarified the truths of Scripture. It challenges us to set aside cultural constraints, to study the Word with a discerning mind, and to be open to the deep, personal revelations God has for us.
So, the next time you’re faced with a question about your faith, ask yourself: Do I turn to Scripture first, or do I wait for someone else’s interpretation? Embrace the pursuit of personal revelation, and let your understanding of God’s Word grow. Like Paul, be bold, be curious, and let your life be a testimony to the transformative power of a gospel revealed directly from the heart of Jesus Christ.
May you be inspired to dig deeper into the Scriptures, to challenge old patterns, and to discover the fullness of God’s truth as it is meant to be lived out every day.
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