1 Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.
7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.
12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.
20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)
21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.
23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
24 And they glorified God because of me.
The True Meaning of Galatians 1
The Epistle to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul addresses the Galatian churches in this letter, which he had previously established, regarding the false teachings that had crept in and threatened to undermine the true gospel message. Paul establishes his authority as an apostle in this opening chapter, appointed directly by Jesus Christ, and not by any human authority. He expresses his astonishment at the Galatians’ quick abandonment of the gospel he had preached to them, in favor of a distorted version. Paul strongly condemns those who are trying to lead the Galatians astray, even going so far as to pronounce a curse upon them.
The chapter also includes a brief autobiographical account, where Paul recounts his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church, and his subsequent calling by God to become a messenger of the gospel. This sets the stage for the rest of the letter, where Paul will defend the true gospel message and confront the false teachings that have taken root in the Galatian churches.
Galatians 1:1-5
Paul, an apostle, sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead, and all the brothers and sisters with me, write to the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
The opening verses of Galatians are significant in that they establish the authority of Paul as an apostle. Paul begins by asserting that his apostleship is not of human origin but was directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father. This is important because there were false teachers in Galatia questioning Paul’s authority and message. Paul reaffirms the authenticity of his message and his calling to spread the gospel by emphasizing his divine appointment.
The mention of Jesus Christ and God the Father in these verses highlights the central role of Christ’s sacrifice in the Christian faith. Paul emphasizes that Jesus gave himself for our sins, emphasizing the atoning work of Christ on the cross that provides redemption and salvation for believers. This core message of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice is a fundamental belief in Christianity, and Paul highlights it to the Galatians as a reminder of the central tenet of their faith. The reference to being rescued from the present evil age underscores the contrast between the ways of the world and the kingdom of God. Believers are called to live in the world but not be of the world, following a different set of values and principles rooted in the love and grace of God. This dichotomy between the present age and the age to come is a recurring theme in Paul’s writings, urging believers to live as children of God in a fallen world. These opening verses of Galatians set the tone for Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, emphasizing his authority as an apostle, the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice for salvation, and the call to live counter-culturally in light of the gospel. The themes of grace, peace, redemption, and the contrast between the present age and the age to come are all foundational teachings that continue to be relevant and impactful for Christians today.
Galatians 1:6-10
The Apostle Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia in Galatians 1:6-10, addressing a significant concern. The section begins with Paul expressing his astonishment that the Galatians are turning away so quickly from the true Gospel to a different one. This is a crucial point because it shows how easily people can be swayed and led astray by false teachings or distorted versions of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes the urgency of the situation by highlighting the rapid shift in the Galatians’ beliefs.
Paul then clarifies that there is no other gospel except the one he originally preached to them. This underscores the importance of holding on to the core truths of the Gospel and not being swayed by any deviations or alterations. It is a reminder to the Galatians, and to us, that the Gospel is unchanging and should not be tampered with or diluted in any way. The purity and integrity of the Gospel message are paramount, and Paul is passionate about protecting it from corruption. Paul issues a strong warning against anyone, even an angel from heaven, preaching a gospel contrary to the one they received in verse 8. This is a crucial point because it highlights the seriousness of deviating from the true Gospel. It serves as a cautionary tale for all believers to be discerning and vigilant against false teachings that may subtly creep into the church. The reference to even an angel preaching a false gospel emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the need for unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
Paul’s strong language in verse 9, where he declares that anyone preaching a different gospel should be accursed, underscores the severity of the matter. This is not a mere difference of opinion or interpretation; it is a fundamental issue of eternal significance. The consequences of distorting the Gospel are severe, and Paul is unapologetic in his stance against any such teachings. It reinforces the idea that the Gospel is non-negotiable and must be preserved in its purity. Verses 6-10 of Galatians 1 highlight the importance of safeguarding the true Gospel against any distortions or alterations. Paul’s passionate plea to the Galatians serves as a timeless reminder for all believers to remain steadfast in the core truths of their faith and to be wary of any teachings that deviate from it. The stakes are high, and the integrity of the Gospel must be preserved at all costs.
Galatians 1:11-17
The apostle Paul is emphasizing the source and authority of his message in Galatians 1:11-17. The section begins with Paul asserting that the gospel he preaches is not something he received from man but through a revelation of Jesus Christ. This is a crucial point for Paul because he wants to make it clear that his message is not based on human origin or invention, but rather it comes directly from Christ Himself. This highlights the divine nature of Paul’s calling and the authenticity of his message as a servant of Christ. It also serves as a reminder to the Galatians and to us that the gospel is not a man-made philosophy but a divine revelation from God.
Paul then goes on to recount his own personal testimony of conversion. He mentions his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church, where he was known for his strict adherence to Judaism and his persecution of the early Christians. This personal testimony is significant because it serves as a powerful example of God’s transformative power. Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus led to a complete turnaround in his life. This story demonstrates God’s grace and ability to radically change a person, no matter how far they may have strayed from Him. It also underscores the idea that salvation is not based on works or human effort but on God’s grace alone.
Furthermore, in these verses, Paul recounts how after his conversion, he did not immediately consult with other apostles, but instead went away to Arabia before returning to Damascus. This period of seclusion and reflection was a crucial time for Paul in deepening his understanding of the gospel and receiving direct revelation from Christ. It shows that Paul’s authority as an apostle does not come from men but from God Himself. This reinforces the idea that Paul’s message is not a human invention but a divine revelation.
The story of Paul’s conversion and calling, as told in Galatians 1:11-17, is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the gospel and the grace of God. It serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and that He can use even the most unexpected individuals to accomplish His purposes. This passage also highlights the importance of staying true to the authentic message of the gospel, which is not a product of human wisdom but a divine revelation. Paul’s testimony challenges us to examine the source of our faith and to ensure that it is rooted in Christ alone, just as his was.
Galatians 1:18-24
The apostle Paul continues to recount his early encounters with the early Christian community after his conversion in Galatians 1:18-24. The verse speaks of Paul’s visit to Jerusalem, where he met with Peter and spent fifteen days with him. It’s important to note that during this time, Paul did not meet any other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. This emphasis on Paul’s limited interaction with the apostles is significant in the context of the letter to the Galatians as it points to the fact that his knowledge and understanding of the Gospel did not come from man but through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s mention of James, the Lord’s brother, is also noteworthy. James was a key figure in the early church, becoming the leader of the Jerusalem church, and his inclusion in this passage serves to verify Paul’s authority and message. It is believed that James had a pivotal role in the Jerusalem council mentioned in Acts 15, where the early church leaders debated the inclusion of Gentile believers into the church. This historical context adds depth to the passage, highlighting the unity in the early church despite diverse backgrounds and establishes a unified understanding of the Gospel message.
The brevity of Paul’s visit with Peter and James, coupled with his assertion that the churches in Judea did not know him personally, underscores the idea that his calling and mission were not man-made. This serves to reinforce Paul’s message of justification by faith alone and not by works of the law. Paul emphasizes that his authority and message did not come from human sources but directly from God by showing that he had little contact with the pillars of the early church.
Furthermore, the passage also touches upon Paul’s reputation among the churches in Judea. The audience in Galatia is made aware that the one who was once persecuting the church is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy. This transformation in Paul’s life serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and God’s grace. It also serves as a reminder to the Galatians that no one is beyond redemption and that God can work through anyone, regardless of their past. Galatians 1:18-24 reveals important insights into Paul’s relationship with the early church leaders, the authenticity of his message, and the transformative power of the Gospel. The passage underscores the source of Paul’s authority, his mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, and the remarkable work of God in his life. Through these verses, readers are reminded of the foundational teachings of justification by faith, the unity of believers in Christ, and the redemptive nature of God’s grace, all of which are timeless messages that continue to resonate with believers today.
After Galatians 1
The apostle Paul had been called by God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had not received this message from any human, but directly from the Lord. Paul was determined to defend the true gospel against those who sought to distort it. Paul made it clear that he would not compromise the message he had been entrusted with, no matter the cost as the chapter came to a close.
The next chapter would reveal how Paul continued to stand firm in the face of those who challenged the gospel he proclaimed. He would not back down, for he knew the eternal consequences were at stake. The true followers of Christ must remain vigilant and unwavering in their faith, lest they be led astray by false teachers. The battle for the gospel was far from over.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.