But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. Galatians 1:15-17. The first few years of his ministry were carried on independently of the other apostles. Paul now demonstrates his independence of other men in connection with his gospel. After his conversion, he did not immediately confer with human leaders, nor did he go up to Jerusalem where the other apostles were. Instead he went to Arabia, then returned again to Damascus. His determination to avoid Jerusalem was not out of disrespect for his fellow apostles; it was rather because he had been commissioned by the risen Lord Himself and given a unique ministry to the gentiles. Hence his gospel and his service needed no human authorization. He was independent of man altogether.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 06:04:37 +0000
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