Yes, Paul's later revelations are significant because they supersede earlier revelations and establish him as the primary apostle for the Church.
According to Les Feldick, Paul received new revelations directly from the ascended Lord that the twelve apostles could not comprehend. These revelations, revealed only after Christ's resurrection and ascension, introduce doctrines like justification by faith and the indwelling Spirit, which are central to the Gospel of grace for Gentiles. Thus, Paul's role and teachings take precedence for believers today.
Galatians 1:12 — Paul states his gospel came by revelation of Jesus Christ, not from men, supporting his unique authority.
Paul writes in Galatians 1:12, "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." This indicates his gospel was directly revealed by the risen Christ. In Galatians 2:2, Paul mentions going up to Jerusalem and communicating the gospel he preaches among the Gentiles, but he clarifies in the same epistle that he did not immediately confer with the apostles (Galatians 1:16-17). The Bible also records in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 Paul's vision of being caught up to the third heaven, showing his direct access to divine revelation.
Les emphasizes that Paul received unique, progressive revelations directly from the ascended Lord, not from the twelve apostles. These revelations, given after the cross and resurrection, reveal doctrines previously hidden, such as justification by faith and the indwelling Spirit. Les teaches that Paul's gospel supersedes earlier teachings for the Church today, and the twelve apostles themselves could not comprehend the depth of Paul's revelations. He also stresses that Paul's writings are progressive revelation, unfolding deeper truths for believers.
Les explains that God separated Paul from the twelve, sending him to Arabia for three years to receive revelations directly from the ascended Lord (Clip 6). This direct contact, unlike the twelve's earthly ministry, gave Paul unique authority for the Gentile church.
Les points out that the twelve apostles, who were with Christ for three years, could not comprehend Paul's revelations because they were new, post-resurrection truths (Clips 0, 1, 3). Paul did not check in with them but received his gospel independently (Clip 4).
Les notes that Paul introduced doctrines not taught in the Old Testament, such as justification by faith, the indwelling Spirit, and redemption (Clip 5). These were progressive revelations, building from simple beginnings to deeper truths (Clip 7).
Paul Defends His Apostleship
Paul had to constantly defend his authority as the apostle to the Gentiles, countering accusations that he lacked the authority of Peter, James, and John. He showed he also had direct contact with Christ.
Paul's Revelations Beyond the Twelve
The Lord revealed things to Paul that were beyond the comprehension of Peter and the eleven, showing Paul operated by direct revelation.
Paul's Private Seminary
Paul did not receive his Gospel from the twelve or from Christ's earthly ministry, but from his own private training by the ascended Lord.
Disassociation from the Twelve
Paul disassociated from the twelve in matters of doctrine and Gospel, because God revealed secrets to him that no one else had heard.
Separated from the Twelve
After conversion, Paul was separated from the twelve and sent into the desert to receive doctrines, emphasizing his independence from the original apostles.
New Revelations in Paul
Paul introduced new revelations like justification by faith and the indwelling Spirit, which were not taught in the Old Testament.
Revelations in Arabia
Paul received all his revelations from the ascended Lord during three years in Arabia, not from the apostles before him.
Progressive Revelation in Paul
Paul's writings are a progressive revelation, moving from simple beginnings to deeper spiritual truths, similar to the Bible's overall progression.
Galatians 1:12: For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Shows Paul's gospel came directly from Christ, not from the twelve.
Galatians 1:16-17: To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Paul did not consult with the twelve but sought direct revelation in Arabia.
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 presented his gospel to the apostles after receiving it, but it was not derived from them.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Paul's direct encounter with divine revelation, showing his unique access.
Les teaches that Paul was deliberately separated from the twelve because God revealed new truths to him that were not given to them. He went to Arabia to receive these revelations directly from the ascended Lord, as seen in Galatians 1:16-17.
Les emphasizes that Paul's writings are for the Church, the Body of Christ, and contain doctrines not found in the Gospels, such as justification by faith and the indwelling Spirit. Thus, for believers today, Paul's epistles are primary.
Paul received truths like justification by faith, the indwelling Spirit, and the mystery of the Church, which were previously hidden. Les notes these are found only in Paul's writings.
Watch the Teaching: Caught Up to the Third Heaven — 2 Corinthians 12 Explained