Galatians 1:1-12 (NRSV)
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Chapter 1Paul an apostle-sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead- Verse 2and all the members of God's family who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Verse 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Verse 4who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Verse 5to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Verse 6I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- Verse 7not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. Verse 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! Verse 9As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!
Verse 10Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Verse 11For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; Verse 12for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Devotion
"For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin … I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12)
By whose authority do we speak? If, like the Apostle Paul, the writer of this epistle, we claim our authority as being from above, how is it that those claiming to speak this authoritative Word can end up with claims that seem in fact to be polar opposites? Do we run the risk of using words that can create hurdles or cause divisions? Does language fail us at this point of proclamation? How else are we to explain conflicting claims?
In today's reading, the author claims his revelation as one that has come directly from above. Does such an understanding of divine revelation alarm or affirm the preacher? It certainly can raise questions for those contemplating the prospect of proclaiming the Word faithfully. Dare we use words to pass on this gospel received through a revelation of Jesus Christ? As they love to say in Lithuania: "What to do?" or as we might ask: "What to say?"
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gift of the gospel. We know of its mysteries and its wonders, how through this gospel new life and new relationships are created. Continue to speak to us that we might find ways to speak "in living echoes of your tone." Amen.