What is Paul claiming in Galatians 1:11 when he says the gospel he preaches is not after man?
Paul is claiming apostolic authority and that his gospel is not of human origin. He did not receive it from man, nor was he taught it by man; rather, it came by the revelation of Jesus Christ. His apostleship rested not on relationship with the twelve but on the resurrected, ascended Lord.
Les teaches that in Galatians 1:11 Paul certifies the gospel he preaches is not after man, meaning it is not human in origin or authority. Paul's claim is apostleship and authority, not derived from any relationship with the twelve. He had totally broken with his Jewish past and now is the bond slave of the resurrected and ascended Lord. Verse 12 confirms he neither received it of man nor was taught it by man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Les urges people to study Galatians 1 and 2 until they know them from memory, because this opens it all up and clears away confusion.
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
More Questions
Why does Paul say the gospel he preached is 'not after man' instead of just saying 'the gospel'?
Paul's wording "the gospel which is preached of me" specifically identifies his gospel, raising the question of why he adds "not after man" if it were the same gospel Jesus and Peter preached.
What does Paul mean when he says his gospel is 'not after man'?
When Paul says the gospel he preached is 'not after man,' he means he did not get it from human schooling or seminary training.