STUDY GUIDE
“Galatians chapter 1: Paul’s Apostolic Authority”
Shingi’s Bible Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 1, focuses on establishing Paul’s apostolic authority, the true nature of the Gospel, and the historical context of the early Christian church. Teacher Shingi, emphasises Paul’s bold declaration of his apostleship and his unique revelation from Jesus Christ, arguing that Paul, not Matthias, was the divinely chosen 12th apostle.
Key Themes and Most Important Ideas/Facts:
1. Paul’s Apostolic Authority and Divine Calling:
Bold Self-Declaration: Paul immediately introduces himself as “Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father” (Galatians 1:1). This is presented as a bold declaration in the face of widespread uncertainty and fear surrounding his conversion, given his past as a persecutor of Christians.

Direct Appointment by Jesus Christ: The core argument for Paul’s authority is that his apostleship was “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). This is distinguished from human teaching or study of scripture, implying a personal appearance of Jesus Christ to the apostle Paul. Shingi uses the Greek word “apokalupsis” to highlight this direct, personal encounter, being Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to the apostles.

The “Apocalupsis of Jesus Christ” vs. “Apocalupsis in the Knowledge of God”: Shingi meticulously differentiates these two types of revelation. The “apocalupsis of Jesus Christ” refers to direct, personal appearances of Jesus Christ post-resurrection, like those experienced by the original 12 apostles and, as argued, by Paul himself. “Apocalupsis in the knowledge of God” refers to revelation gained through studying scripture study and the Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:17). Paul’s claim is the former, signifying a foundational and unique authority.

Paul as the True 12th Apostle: A central and strongly asserted idea is that Paul was God’s chosen replacement for Judas, making him the rightful 12th apostle, not Matthias. Teacher Shingi argues that Matthias’s selection by casting lots (Acts 1:26) was a human decision made “before the Holy Spirit had come to start the church” and was therefore questionable. Paul’s apostleship, conversely, was a direct divine appointment, fulfilling the scripture in Psalms about Judas’s bishopric being taken by another (Acts 1:20).

Three Years in Arabia as Divine Training: Paul’s account of spending three years in Arabia (Galatians 1:17) is interpreted as a period of direct, personal training and “apocalupses’ of Jesus Christ”, mirroring the three years the original disciples spent with Jesus during his earthly ministry. This further solidifies Paul’s direct tutelage from Christ.
2. The True Gospel and its Content:
“Another Gospel” and Perversion: Paul expresses “marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you to the grace of Christ unto another gospel which is not another, but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7). This “another gospel” refers to the contention that Gentile believers needed to adhere to Jewish customs (like circumcision) in addition to faith in Christ for salvation...

Ver todos los episodios