Yes, Paul's point in this part of Galatians is that his call to be an apostle and the message of salvation that he preached were in no way mediated through those who were already apostles. He needs his readers to know that he is not a second-tier apostle. If the Galatians had thought that he was a second-tier apostle, they might have been less willing to listen to him in his arguments against the false teachers. And these false teachers were preaching a false gospel. So Paul defends his credentials, not because he has a big ego but because the gospel message is at stake.
A very good and worthy point, brother! Many years ago I thought Paul may have been tooting his own horn, but over these ensuing years, it’s understood Paul has no regard for self aggrandizement. God bless him for it!
John Piper is right that Paul comes across as a very credible witness. I would also say that he was clearly very intelligent and knew what he was talking about.
Yes, Paul's point in this part of Galatians is that his call to be an apostle and the message of salvation that he preached were in no way mediated through those who were already apostles. He needs his readers to know that he is not a second-tier apostle.
If the Galatians had thought that he was a second-tier apostle, they might have been less willing to listen to him in his arguments against the false teachers. And these false teachers were preaching a false gospel. So Paul defends his credentials, not because he has a big ego but because the gospel message is at stake.
A very good and worthy point, brother! Many years ago I thought Paul may have been tooting his own horn, but over these ensuing years, it’s understood Paul has no regard for self aggrandizement. God bless him for it!
John Piper is right that Paul comes across as a very credible witness. I would also say that he was clearly very intelligent and knew what he was talking about.
Praise the Lord, he reveals many hidden and wonderful things to those whom he calls out of bondage.
Shorts will help alot, if you do it very often. Like me, for example.