Without a Human Commission

Scripture: Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead ... For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:1,11-12

Observation: Paul opens his letter to the Galatians with a clear intent to make this point ... that his source of authority both as a traveling apostle and a teacher of the gospel is not human, but is from the Lord. His first sentence declares he is not sent "by human commission" or any "human authority," but by the Lord. He goes on to describe how he became knowledgeable of the gospel, which was a direct revelation from Jesus and not through any kind of study or instruction by the disciples or other church leaders. In fact, his training was in Judaism as a Pharisee, not as a Christian preacher.

There is clearly an issue with the "gospel" being discussed in Galatia, and Paul is using his own experience to clarify the authenticity of the truth. The good news of Jesus is not his opinion based on study, nor is it a concept derived from what others told him, but rather it is the truth provided by Jesus himself.

This is both the truth about the gospel, and the test for that truth ... that it come from a heavenly, inspired source. Often this therefore relates to the quality of the individual, but that can be a flawed test these days, as good sources can stumble and flawed individuals can receive true words. That latter is in fact Paul's deeper point, that as a flawed individual he was still entrusted by the Lord with the good news.

Application: Perhaps too often I rely upon my past learning in understanding the bible. I am a flawed person, but I can receive spiritual guidance about God's word, and that would be more accurate than any kind of learned knowledge I already have.

I know I have received 'words of knowledge' during my time, and I hope I have passed them on reliably. Those things could not have been from me. I hope that in days and months and years to come, that I may receive more "commissions" to encourage others, not from human authority, but from Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, may I be your servant here on earth every day. I do not seek any human commission for any kind of service, but instead I ask you just show me what you would me do. Amen.