GALATIANS 1:11-24

Introduction: Paul defends his Apostleship. When Paul defends his Apostleship, he is not wanting to promote himself, but the Gospel. When Paul was called to be an Apostle, he was given a Gospel to preach. His Gospel preaching and his Apostleship are tied together. If he was not truly called to be an Apostle, then his Gospel could be deficient. But if Paul truly was an Apostle, then the Gospel he preached was sure and true.
Paul begins this section by telling us with a certainty that he is certain of his Apostleship. (Verses 11-12) He then offers the Galatians proof of this by telling them his story. (Verses 13-24) As we begin to look at these verses in more detail, we see that Paul's emphasis in defending his Apostleship is motivated by his love and respect for the Gospel. The Gospel is not man's invention, it is the very truth of God without mixture of error. Paul is sure of this because he has been taught by God and not by man. He makes it very clear that he did not go to Jerusalem at any time in order to be taught by the other Apostles, but rather he went to meet with them so that they could testify of the grace of God that had been given to him. They were witnesses of his Apostleship, not his teachers of the Gospel.

I. Paul's History

A. Judaism
B. Persecuting the Church
C. Advancement in Religion

II. Paul's Calling

A. Based on Election
B. Based on Grace
C. Based on God's Pleasure

III. Paul's Authority

A. Not from the Apostles
B. From God

IV. Paul's Testimony

A. His Preaching
B. God's Glory

Conclusion: Paul evidenced his calling of salvation and Apostleship by a dramatic change in character. The question may be asked, "Has there been a change in you or me?" Paul also had a testimony that he preached the Gospel. Has there been such a love for the Gospel present in our lives that we do not cease to speak of it to others?