What was Paul's relationship to his Jewish past and to Christ when he wrote Galatians 1?
Paul had totally broken with his Jewish past and stood as the bond slave of the resurrected and ascended Lord. He claimed apostleship and authority, but not because of any relationship with the Twelve. The gospel he preached was not after man, nor received or taught by man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ.
Les teaches that Galatians 1 and 2 should be studied until they are almost known by memory, because they blow away the dust and cobwebs of confusion. In Galatians 1:11, Paul certifies that the gospel he preached is not after man, and Les explains that Paul is claiming apostleship and authority, not because of any relationship with the twelve. Paul had totally broken with his Jewish past, and now he is the bond slave of the resurrected and ascended Lord. Verse 12 reinforces that he neither received the gospel of man nor was taught it by man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Les then connects this to 1 Corinthians 15, where the clearest explanation of the Gospel is given.
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
More Questions
Why does Les go back to Galatians 1 when discussing Paul's apostleship?
The Galatians 1 verses are tantamount to understanding Paul's apostleship.