How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. (Galatians 1:1, NRSV)
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead). (Galatians 1:1, KJV)
This is where real power comes from: God. Sure, humans are okay, but they've got nothing on the Creator of the Universe, says Paul.
Quote #2
Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:10-12, NRSV)
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:10-12, KJV)
Specifically, this is the source of Paul's power. He tells us over and over he's on a mission from God. Literally. No human person told him about Jesus—God himself revealed the truth to him.
Quote #3
I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:13-14, NRSV)
I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. (Galatians 1:13-14, KJV)
The irony here is that, while Paul had the upper hand physically during his persecuting days, he was totally missing the boat spiritually. In other words, true power doesn't come from brute force.