Galatians 1:12

• I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it: Jewish scholars mainly relied on teachers. The Judaizers claimed Paul received his special mission and message from the other apostles, but then had unfaithfully changed the message.

• I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ: See 1:17; Acts 9:3–15; 26:12–18. Paul's unique experience gave him special authority and insight. However, he learned many things about the life of Jesus from other people (for example, Galatians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; 15:3–11).

The Judaizers (people who insisted on following Jewish customs) came to Galatia. They preached that both faith and circumcision were necessary. They questioned Paul's authority as an apostle and tried to discredit his message. Paul defended his authority by showing that past events proved his message was the true good news.

Some people were against Paul and questioned whether he was a true apostle. They did not believe he was honest and did not think he had the right to be a leader in the church. So Paul begins his letter by explaining that he really was an apostle with authority from God.