+III. The Gospel has a distinctly superhuman origin.+--"For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (ver. 12). Paul's reception of the Gospel was not only a revelation of Christ _to_ him, but at the same time a revelation of Christ _in_ him. The human vehicle was spiritually prepared for the reception and understanding of the Divine message; and this moral transformation not only convinced him of the superhuman character of the Gospel, but also empowered him with authority to declare it. The Gospel carries with it the self-evidencing force of its Divine origin in its effect upon both preacher and hearer. It is still an enigma to the mere intellectual student; only as it is received into the inmost soul, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, is its true nature apprehended and enjoyed. +Lessons.+--1. _Man everywhere is in dire need of the Gospel._ 2. _The human mind is incapable of constructing a saving Gospel._ 3. _The Gospel is inefficacious till it is received as a Divine gift._ _GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES._ Ver. 10. _Fidelity in the Ministry._ I. +The proper nature of the ministry is not the word or doctrine of man but of God.+--Ministers are taught to handle their doctrine with modesty and humility, without ostentation, with reverence, and with a consideration of the majesty of God, whose doctrine it is they utter. II. +The dispensing of the Word must not be for the pleasing of men but God.+--Ministers must not apply and fashion their doctrine to the affections, humours, and dispositions of men, but keep a good conscience and do their office. III. +If we seek to please men we cannot be the servants of God.+--He that would be a faithful minister of the Gospel must deny the pride of his heart, be emptied of ambition, and set himself wholly to seek the glory of God in his calling.--_Perkins._ _The Servant of Christ._