Definition: To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Galatians 1:16. It's a really significant moment in Paul’s life and reveals a lot about his priorities and approach to sharing his faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul was saying: “I’m willing to share my beliefs with the world, but I’m not ready to do it through a regular, human-made group or system.” Let's unpack that a little further: "To reveal his Son in me..." : This is a really poetic way of saying Paul was wanting to introduce Jesus Christ – his son – into his life and ministry. He wasn’t just talking about himself being converted; he was inviting Jesus to become part of his message and purpose. "...that I might preach him among the heathen..." : “Heathen” means people who are unfamiliar with the ways of Judaism, and the ‘heathen’ at the time were the Gentiles – the non-Jewish populations – that Paul was trying to reach. So, he wanted to share his message with everyone - all people, not just Jewish people. "...immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:" : This is the crucial part. “Flesh and blood” refers to human relationships, traditions, and institutions. Paul wasn’t ready to be involved in a formal group or organization to spread his message. He was saying he wasn’t going to be bound by: Tradition: He didn't want to follow established religious practices or customs. Authority Figures: He wanted to avoid being influenced by people who were more powerful or influential than him in the process of sharing his message. Why was this important? This is a foundational moment because it shows Paul’s commitment to: Authenticity: He wasn't trying to force his beliefs on others. Personal Revelation: He wanted to share his faith directly, through personal experience and the power of his own conviction. In short, this verse highlights a key aspect of Paul’s early ministry – his desire for a genuine, individual connection with Jesus Christ, rather than relying on established systems or traditions. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant in the context of the book of Galatians? Give you some examples of how Paul’s approach might have looked at the time?