what does it mean that Paul's gospel is not after man?
Paul’s gospel is not after man because he did not receive it from any human source or learn it from the other apostles. Instead, Jesus Christ revealed it directly to him, including during his time in Arabia, so the Pauline message is divine revelation, not human tradition or instruction.
Les explains that Galatians 1:11-12 gives the real basis: the gospel Paul preached, the Pauline message, is not after man. Paul says he neither received it of man, neither was he taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. At his conversion on the road to Damascus, the Lord spoke to him and said He would send him far hence to the Gentiles. Paul did not immediately go back to Jerusalem to check in with Peter and the twelve. Instead, the Lord sent him the opposite direction down into Sinai and Arabia, and evidently for three years the Lord laid on this man a whole revelation of things that were never hinted at in Scripture. Les emphasizes that all the way through the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the early book of Acts, you never once see the term the Body of Christ; it does not appear until you get to Paul.
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 did Paul mean when he said his gospel was not after man?
Paul's gospel was 'not after man,' meaning he did not learn it by attending a school or seminary.
What is Paul claiming when he says the gospel he preached is not after man?
Paul's statement in Galatians 1:11 that the gospel he preached is 'not after man' is a claim of apostleship and authority, not one grounded in any relationship with the twelve.