Galatians 1:1 ("not man, but Jesus")

In the opening of his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul makes a powerful statement about the origin of his authority. He asserts that his apostleship is "not from men nor through man." This declaration raises an intriguing question: what exactly did Paul mean by this, and what does it reveal about his understanding of Jesus Christ's role in his divine commission? This article explores the nuances of this pivotal phrase in Galatians 1:1.

The Source of Apostolic Authority

The core of Paul's statement lies in the definition of an "apostle" — one who is sent with the authority of the sender. Paul's primary concern here is to establish his credentials with the Galatian churches. He makes a clear distinction between two possible sources of his commission: it is not from a human origin ("from men") nor is it administered through a human agent ("through man"). Instead, his authority comes directly from the highest possible source: "through Jesus Christ and God the Father."

This emphasis was crucial because Paul's legitimacy as an apostle was often challenged. By stating his case so forcefully in his introduction, he asserts that his message is not his own opinion or the product of some ecclesiastical committee, but a divine revelation he received directly. His apostleship is on par with that of the original twelve, who were also commissioned by Jesus himself.

Addressing the "Jesus is Not a Man" Argument

Some might read the phrase "not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ" and conclude that Paul is placing Jesus in a non-human category. However, this interpretation misunderstands the nature of Paul's contrast. The rhetorical device he uses is meant to highlight the source of his authority, not to make an ontological statement about the nature of Jesus.

The contrast is between that which is merely human and that which is divine. Paul is not saying, "My authority is not from humans, but from this non-human named Jesus." Rather, he is saying, "My authority is not derived from any human institution or individual, but from the divine authority of Jesus Christ and God the Father." The verse doesn't negate Jesus' humanity; it elevates the origin of Paul's mission to the divine realm, in which both the Father and the Son operate.

Other translations help clarify this distinction:

Conclusion

In summary, Paul's declaration in Galatians 1:1 is a powerful assertion of his divine commission. His carefully chosen words establish that his apostleship is not a product of human institutions but a direct appointment from Jesus Christ and God the Father. Furthermore, the verse's contrast between "man" and "Jesus Christ" is a rhetorical device used to emphasize the divine nature of his calling, rather than an argument against the humanity of Jesus.