In what respect did Paul separate himself from the twelve in his letters?
In his letters, Paul disassociated himself from the twelve regarding their doctrines and their Gospel. God had revealed to Paul something no one else had heard, keeping it secret until revealed, so the twelve could not comprehend it. Paul was designated apostle of the Gentiles, while the twelve were apostles of Israel.
Les explains that God had to break even Saul away from the traditions of the fathers. In Galatians 1:12, Paul says he did not go up to Jerusalem to check in with the twelve, those who were apostles before him, but went into Arabia. Les emphasizes that as Paul writes his letters, he disassociates himself from the twelve so far as their doctrines and their Gospel were concerned, because God had revealed something to this man that no one else had heard. Les notes that God keeps things secret until He is ready to reveal them, and the twelve could not comprehend it, but Paul does. Later, God designates Paul as the apostle of the Gentiles, whereas the twelve were apostles of Israel.
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
More Questions
Why does Paul separate himself from the twelve apostles in Galatians chapters 1 and 2?
Paul deliberately separates himself from the twelve apostles in Galatians 1 and 2 because he was not taught the gospel by them.