Why does Paul keep emphasizing that he is an apostle not of men?
Paul emphasizes that his apostleship was not of men to establish that his authority to proclaim truth came directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father, not from human appointment. This gave his gospel absolute authority, showing that his message did not depend on men's approval or commissioning.
Les explains that in Galatians 1:1 Paul immediately reminds his hearers of the authority of his apostleship. He always comes at that first, because he had the absolute authority to proclaim the truths he was proclaiming, and it had nothing to do with men appointing him. His apostleship was by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. The broader theme of Galatians is to convince them and us that we are not under Law but under Grace.
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
More Questions
Who gave Paul his authority as an apostle?
Paul's apostolic authority had nothing to do with men appointing him, since he was made an apostle by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
Why does Paul begin Galatians by calling himself an apostle?
In Galatians 1:1 Paul immediately reminds his hearers of the authority of his apostleship; he always comes at that first, asserting his absolute authority to proclaim the truths he is proclaiming.