Galatians 1:1-24 is about Paul defending his authority as an apostle, emphasizing the divine origin of his message rather than human approval, and warning against turning away from the true gospel of Christ to a distorted version.
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.
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.
Setting the Scene for Galatians 1:1-24
The scene in Galatians chapter 1 opens with the apostle Paul writing a letter to the churches in Galatia. Paul, formerly known as Saul, had a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus where he encountered Jesus Christ. This encounter transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ and a prominent figure in the early Christian church.
As Paul writes this letter, he is addressing a pressing issue within the Galatian churches. False teachers had infiltrated the congregations, spreading a distorted version of the gospel that added requirements to salvation beyond faith in Christ. Paul is deeply concerned about the spiritual well-being of the Galatian believers and is determined to set the record straight.
The scene is set in a quiet room where Paul is fervently writing, his words carrying the weight of his love and concern for the Galatian believers. The surroundings are simple, with parchment spread out before him and a flickering oil lamp casting a warm glow in the dimly lit space. Paul’s words are filled with urgency and passion as he defends the true gospel of grace and warns against the dangers of straying from the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
What is Galatians 1:1-24 about?
Paul is asserting his authority as an apostle appointed by God in this verse, defending himself against those who doubted his credibility and attacked his teachings. He is emphasizing that his message of salvation through grace is the true gospel, contrasting it with the legalistic beliefs promoted by false teachers. Paul is urging the believers to stay grounded in the grace of God and not be swayed by false teachings that rely on adherence to rules and regulations for salvation by reaffirming his calling and the purity of his gospel. Reflect on this verse as we consider the importance of discerning true spiritual teachings from deceptive ones. How do we ensure that we are following the genuine gospel of grace rather than falling into the trap of legalism or false doctrines? Paul’s words serve as a reminder for us to anchor our faith in the truth of God’s grace and to be cautious of teachings that seek to distort or dilute the message of salvation through faith in Christ. We should hold fast to the foundational truths of the gospel and rely on the grace of God for our salvation, knowing that it is by faith alone that justifies us before Him.
Understanding what Galatians 1:1-24 really means
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, as seen in Galatians 1:1-24, serves as a foundational text addressing false teachings and reaffirming his apostolic authority. In these verses, Paul establishes his credibility by emphasizing that his apostleship is not from human appointment but from Jesus Christ and God the Father. This assertion not only validates his message but also underscores the divine origin of his calling, setting the stage for the themes of the true gospel and divine revelation that follow.
Paul’s astonishment at the Galatians’ swift departure from the true gospel in verses 6-10 highlights the importance of adhering to the original message of Christ. Just as Paul expresses concern over the Galatians’ deviation, we are reminded of the significance of staying true to the core teachings of Christianity amidst the myriad of ideologies present in today’s world. His eagerness to correct their misunderstanding mirrors how we would seek to address misconceptions with a trusted friend, emphasizing the urgency of holding fast to the truth.
The recounting of Paul’s past in verses 11-17, particularly his transformation from a zealous persecutor to a devoted preacher through divine revelation, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. This personal narrative not only inspires but also affirms the impact of divine intervention in our lives, showcasing the potential for profound change through encounters with God. Just as Paul’s story resonates with the theme of redemption, it reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, offering hope for all who seek transformation.
In verses 18-24, Paul reflects on his early ministry and the community’s initial astonishment at his radical transformation. His journey from persecutor to preacher underscores the authenticity of his message and the undeniable impact of God’s grace in his life. This narrative of acceptance and change within the Christian community echoes the theme of forgiveness and redemption, illustrating the power of embracing those who have undergone significant personal growth. It serves as a poignant reminder that God’s grace knows no bounds and can lead to profound shifts in individuals and communities alike.
Galatians 1:1-24 encapsulates the essence of divine calling, the significance of upholding the true gospel, and the transformative nature of God’s grace. Through Paul’s words, readers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, acknowledge the divine origins of their calling, and believe in the potential for radical personal transformation. This passage not only informs but also challenges us to reflect on our own journeys of faith, recognizing the power of God to bring about profound change in our lives and communities.
How can we discern authentic spiritual teachings?
Authentic spiritual teachings can be discerned by their source and the authority behind them. True spiritual teachings come from God and are in alignment with His word as revealed in the Bible. Any teaching that contradicts or goes against what is already established in Scripture should be seen as suspect. It is important to test the teachings against the truth and wisdom found in God’s word to ensure their authenticity.
Additionally, authentic spiritual teachings are characterized by their fruit. Genuine spiritual teachings will bear good fruit in the lives of those who adhere to them, just as Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” These teachings will lead to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If a teaching produces negative or harmful outcomes, it is likely not in line with true spiritual principles.
Finally, genuine spiritual teachings will point people towards God, leading them to a deeper relationship with Him and a greater understanding of His love, grace, and will for their lives. They will not seek to glorify themselves or lead people astray but will exalt God and draw individuals closer to Him in faith and obedience.
Application
Think of your life as a journey through a crowded city. Galatians 1:1-24 is your GPS, steering you toward the true path of the Gospel. Don’t let false teachings be the traffic jams that slow you down. Stay true to the direction God has set for you. Every step, every decision, let it reflect the purity of the Gospel. Are you ready to navigate your life with truth as your guide?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.