Proving The Resurrection By the Minimal Facts Approach

[Randy Carson]

11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:11-12

Nice verses, Jorm. I'm happy to see that you are familiar with them.

In the passage you quoted, Paul says that he did not receive "the gospel" that he preached from man but through a revelation from Jesus Christ. Surely, as a atheist, this cannot help your case.

After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul went to Arabia for three years on what probably amounted to an extended personally retreat. I believe that during this time, he was praying, studying the scriptures and learning much from the Lord. It was during this period that he developed much of the theology that is contained in his many epistles. However, upon his return, he went to Jerusalem. Here are his own words that follow immediately after the verses you quoted:

Galatians 1:13-24
For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.

Now, Paul's Gospel was directly from Jesus, but his knowledge of the events of Jesus' death and resurrection, etc. came from his meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem as described above.

He later repeated that journey.

Galatians 2:1-2
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

Hope this helps.