What does Paul mean when he speaks of revelation?
Paul’s revelation means the truth Christ revealed from His position in the heavenlies, not from the Twelve or Christ’s earthly ministry. It also refers to God instructing Paul to go up to Jerusalem and communicate the gospel he preached among the Gentiles, showing his message came from the ascended Lord in glory.
Les explains that when Paul speaks of revelation, he is always referring to what Christ revealed from His position in the heavenlies. Paul had no contact with the 12 men at Jerusalem, so his gospel did not come from them or from the earthly ministry of Christ. In chapter 2, Paul says he went up to Jerusalem by revelation; God instructed him to go up and meet with the 12 and communicate the gospel he preached among the Gentiles. Les also points to I Corinthians 11:23, where Paul uses that same word.