Not before men - Galatians 1-3

Paul is about to unload some of his best doctrine to the churches in Galatia. This book of Galatians is to silence those who thought we need to get saved by faith and then perfect that salvation by keeping parts of the law (3:1-5). We have some of those people today. They agree we begin in faith - but want to continue in faith by keeping parts of some law; give by men. But, before Paul gets into his doctrine he must silence those who believe they have more authority (or, at least stronger authority) than Paul. After stating the premise of his letter in 1:1-10 Paul begins to defend his ministry. The overwhelming argument he uses is that his ministry is not from men or before men or unto men, but it is used to glorify God by men. When it comes to ministry it is so, so easy to get into the man-watching business. We want to watch for man's reaction and see if they approve our ministry. In fact, that is how we get called to a church, is it not? We offer our services to the church and a group of men (literally, at times) make the call that "they" believe God has called "x" man to pastor "y" flock. It is all by men. What Paul tells the Galatians, before he corrects their doctrine, is that God had called him, sent him, gave him his message and enabled him. Paul has what most of today's ministers don't: He is more concerned about his message and the one who sent him than the one who pays his bills and gives him applause. Paul lives in the fear of the Lord and not the fear of man. Paul plays for Christ not the Crowd. Paul wants sound doctrine not tickled ears. My the pastors of today be so like minded.