Galatians 1:11-24 (NRSV)
Read Galatians 1:11-24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; Verse 12for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Verse 13You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. Verse 14I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. Verse 15But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased Verse 16to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, Verse 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Verse 18Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; Verse 19but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. Verse 20In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Verse 21Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, Verse 22and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; Verse 23they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." Verse 24And they glorified God because of me.
Devotion
Paul, like so many proclaimers of the Gospel in our world today, is quick to point out that the Gospel is not of human origin. Indeed, in the 21st century, if we do this “Christian gig” of our own accord, then we should all be locked up in a padded room. To deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus simply doesn’t jive with the messages and invitations from the culture at large. But, “the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with gifts, sanctified and kept me in true faith. In the same way the Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.” [Martin Luther’s Small Catechism]
Prayer
O Holy Spirit, call us once again this day and lead us to proclaim your good news to the ends of the earth. Amen.