Neither Was I Taught

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 is writing to a church that is being deceived and led astray by people claiming to preach another "gospel". Through his own testimony, Paul is pointing out that his experience of the Gospel was not through teaching of men, but by revelation of God.

As Christians, the authority of our faith does not rest in man. Every generation has its well-known Christian leaders. People look to these fallen humans for guidance. And while at times they can provide good leadership, they cannot replace the revelation of God. Even back in Paul's day, he makes the point that he didn't even talk to Peter, one of the main leaders of the church, for 3 years after Paul was saved. He didn't need to because his revelation came from God.

This is not to say that we should all be loners who never talk to other Christians or who never listen to what others have to say. It is merely to point out that Christ and the Gospel is sufficient. If that is all we have, that is all we need. And also to make the point that anything that does not line up with the revealed Gospel of Christ is garbage.

What is your experience with the Gospel? Does it depend on other people and their take on the Gospel? Or is it a deep, intimate, one-on-one relationship with Christ?