Galatians 1:16 – “to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul continues explaining how his life was changed by God’s calling. In the previous verse (Galatians 1:15), he said that God had set him apart before birth and called him by grace. Now, he explains the purpose of that calling: to reveal Jesus Christ in him and to preach to the Gentiles.
Paul’s conversion was not just about his personal salvation—it was about a mission. God revealed Jesus to Paul so that he could spread the gospel. This was not something Paul chose for himself; it was something God had planned from the beginning.
Paul then says that when this happened, “my immediate response was not to consult any human being.” This is important because it shows that Paul’s gospel message did not come from other people. After his encounter with Christ, he did not go to Jerusalem to get approval from the apostles or seek instruction from religious leaders. Instead, he obeyed God’s call directly.
Historical Context
Paul was writing this letter to the Galatians because false teachers (likely the Judaizers) were trying to convince them that faith in Christ was not enough—they needed to follow Jewish laws too. These false teachers may have also been challenging Paul’s authority, claiming that he was not a real apostle because he had not been one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples.
Paul is making it clear: his authority does not come from human teachers. It comes directly from Jesus Christ. Unlike the twelve apostles, who had followed Jesus during His ministry, Paul encountered Jesus in a supernatural way (Acts 9:1-6). His understanding of the gospel was not something he learned from Peter, James, or John—it was revealed to him by God Himself.
Paul also emphasizes that his mission was to the Gentiles. This was a major shift because, up to that point, most of the early church was made up of Jewish believers. Paul’s calling was unique—he was sent to bring the gospel to non-Jewish people and show that salvation was for everyone, not just the Jews.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several key truths:
- God’s calling is purposeful. Paul was not just saved—he was called to a mission. God calls all believers for a purpose, not just for their own benefit, but for His kingdom.
- Jesus is revealed, not discovered. Paul did not “figure out” the gospel—God revealed it to him. This reminds us that true spiritual understanding comes from God.
- Faithfulness to God comes before human approval. Paul did not seek human confirmation before obeying God’s call. He trusted God’s revelation completely.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording in this verse is direct and powerful. The phrase “to reveal His Son in me” suggests something deeply personal. God did not just give Paul knowledge about Jesus—He revealed Christ in him, transforming his life from the inside out.
The phrase “so that I might preach him among the Gentiles” shows the purpose of this revelation. Paul was not just called to believe—he was called to act.
The final phrase, “my immediate response was not to consult any human being,” is significant. It emphasizes that Paul’s authority did not come from men. He did not need human approval to follow God’s call.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 9:15 – “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.’” (God Himself called Paul to preach to the Gentiles.)
- Romans 1:5 – “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.” (Paul understood that his mission was given directly by God.)
- Matthew 16:17 – “Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.’” (Spiritual truth is revealed by God, not by human reasoning.)
- John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (God calls people for His purpose.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that God calls people for a purpose. Just like Paul, every Christian has a mission—not necessarily to preach to the Gentiles, but to share the gospel in some way.
It also challenges us to think about where we get our spiritual direction. Paul did not rely on human approval before obeying God. In the same way, we should not let the opinions of others stop us from following God’s calling.
This verse also teaches that true spiritual understanding comes from God. Many people today rely on human wisdom, philosophy, or traditions to shape their faith, but Paul reminds us that God must reveal truth to us. That happens through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and a personal relationship with Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He reveals Himself to people. Paul did not deserve to know Jesus—he had been persecuting Christians! But God, in His love, chose to reveal His Son to Paul anyway.
This shows that God is not distant or hidden—He wants people to know Him. He actively reaches out, reveals truth, and calls people into His purpose.
God’s love is also seen in His willingness to use broken people. Paul had been completely opposed to the gospel, but God still had a plan for his life. This is a reminder that God does not give up on people, no matter their past.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus! Paul says that God revealed His Son in him—meaning that Paul’s entire life was changed by the reality of Jesus.
Jesus is the reason Paul had a mission. If Jesus had not died and risen again, there would be no gospel to preach. But because of Christ’s finished work, Paul had a message to share with the world.
Paul’s conversion is also a powerful example of what Jesus said in John 14:6—”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Paul had spent his whole life following religious traditions, but it was not until Jesus was revealed to him that he truly understood God’s plan.
Paul’s story reminds us that Jesus is still revealing Himself to people today. He is still calling people to know Him, follow Him, and share His message.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for God to “reveal His Son” in someone?
- Why is it important that Paul did not consult human teachers before preaching the gospel?
- How does Paul’s calling to the Gentiles show that the gospel is for everyone?
- How can we be sure that we are following God’s calling rather than human traditions?
- In what ways has God revealed Himself to you in your life?