Paul describes his gospel as a unique message revealed by Jesus Christ, preached among the Gentiles, and distinct from the gospel preached by Peter.
In Galatians 1, Paul emphasizes that his gospel is 'not after man,' having been received by revelation from Jesus Christ (Clip 4). In Galatians 2, he specifically calls it 'that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles,' indicating a distinction from what Peter and the Jerusalem apostles preached (Clip 1, Clip 3). This gospel is the message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15 (Clip 5).
Galatians 2:2 — Paul explicitly identifies his message as 'that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles,' distinguishing it from the gospel preached to Jews.
In Galatians 1:11-12, Paul declares that the gospel he preached was 'not after man,' for he 'neither received it of man, neither was [he] taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ' (Clip 4). This indicates its divine origin and uniqueness. In Galatians 2:2, Paul recounts going to Jerusalem and communicating 'that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles' to the leaders there. This phrasing underscores that his gospel was specifically directed to the Gentile world. The core content of this gospel is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: 'Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures' (Clip 5).
Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul's wording is deliberate. In Galatians 2:2, Paul says 'that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles,' which Les argues would be unnecessary if Paul preached the same gospel as Peter (Clip 1). He highlights that this gospel is unique, not previously preached by the twelve, and was revealed directly by the ascended Lord (Clip 2, Clip 4). Les connects this uniqueness to Paul's three years in Arabia alone with the ascended Lord, which prepared him to go to the Gentiles with the Gospel of Grace—not with Law or the Gospel of the Kingdom, but with the message that Jesus is the Christ who died, was buried, and rose again (Clip 6). This gospel was incomprehensible to the Jews at Jerusalem, as it opened salvation to pagan Gentiles outside Judaism (Clip 7). Les concludes that this is 'Paul's gospel and that's our gospel' (Clip 5).
Paul uses this specific phrase to distinguish his message from that preached by Peter and the Jewish believers. Les notes that such language would be unnecessary if Paul had been preaching the same thing (Clip 1). It indicates a gospel designed for the Gentile world, a new revelation that Peter and the others had not yet preached (Clip 3).
Les explains that Peter and the twelve had not preached Paul's gospel, nor had they had a ministry to Gentiles except for Cornelius (Clip 3). Paul's gospel was an advance, bringing grace to the pagan world, which was incomprehensible to the Jewish believers (Clip 7). It was 'not with Judaism, not with Law, but with Grace' (Clip 6).
Les points to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 as the definitive summary: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (Clip 5). This gospel transforms Gentiles from immorality and Jews from legalism, making them new creatures in Christ (Clip 5).
Why Paul's Gospel Was Different — Galatians 1:11 Explained
That's the only reason we're here. This life of 70, 80, 90 years is just not even a split second compared with eternity, and so this is what man is supposed to be getting ready for. Okay, now let's turn again for the sake of our television audience, so that you'll understand that this is the sequence of our program material.
Distinct from Peter
Les uses Galatians 2:2 to show that Paul's gospel is explicitly 'among the Gentiles,' proving it differs from Peter's message.
Revealed Gospel
Les notes that Paul constantly refers to revelations from the ascended Lord, unknown elsewhere in Scripture.
Unique Gospel
Les emphasizes that Peter and others had not preached Paul's gospel, and Peter had no Gentile ministry except Cornelius.
Not After Man
Les highlights that Paul's gospel came by revelation from Jesus Christ, not from man, and Paul did not consult with the twelve.
Core Content
Les defines Paul's gospel as Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, which transforms believers.
Gospel of Grace
Les explains that Paul's gospel is one of grace, not law, and is the message of Christ's death and resurrection.
Incomprehensible to Jews
Les reveals that even the Jerusalem leaders could not comprehend a gospel that included pagan Gentiles outside Judaism.
Galatians 1:11-12: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul emphasizes the divine origin of his gospel, setting it apart from any human teaching.
Galatians 2:2: And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Paul identifies his gospel as specifically for the Gentiles, distinguishing it from the gospel preached to Jews.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Paul summarizes the core content of his gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Paul specifies the gospel that originated with his ministry, emphasizing that it was not after man but revealed directly by Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12). This phrasing highlights its unique, divine origin.
This distinguishes his message from the gospel preached by Peter and the Jewish believers. It was a specific message directed to the Gentile world, which was not previously preached to them.
Paul's gospel is the message that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This is the message of grace that saves both Gentiles and Jews.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul's Gospel Was Different — Galatians 1:11 Explained