Galatians 1: A Defense of the True Gospel
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
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.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure 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.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ:
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
And they glorified God in me.
Galatians 1 marks the explosive beginning of one of the most vital books in the New Testament, a passionate defense of God's grace. Paul, the apostle, wastes no time in addressing a critical situation threatening the very heart of the gospel. He is writing to the churches in the region of Galatia, also known as Asia Minor, to confront a false teaching that had taken root among them.
Paul's Apostolic Authority (Galatians 1:1-5)
Paul immediately identifies himself, not as a self-proclaimed or man-appointed apostle, but as one chosen and sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father. Galatians 1:1-2. This forceful opening underscores the gravity of the situation. His authority is not derived from human sources but from divine appointment. He is God’s messenger carrying God’s message, and to reject his message is to reject God Himself.
The reason for this assertive introduction quickly becomes clear. Paul's apostolic credentials were under attack. A group known as the Judaizers had infiltrated the Galatian churches, attempting to convince the Gentile believers that faith in Christ alone was insufficient for salvation. They insisted that adherence to the Law of Moses, including circumcision, was also necessary. In essence, they were adding "works" to the equation of salvation, undermining the very foundation of grace.
Paul then declares the gospel's core message: grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:3. He emphasizes that Jesus gave Himself as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, all for the glory of God. Galatians 1:4-5. This highlights the completeness of Christ’s work on the cross. A holy God cannot overlook sin, but through Jesus, He provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. This rescue not only justifies sinners for heaven but also empowers believers to overcome the power of sin in this life.
A Gospel Betrayed (Galatians 1:6-9)
What follows is a stark departure from Paul's usual greetings in his letters. Instead of offering blessings or thanksgiving, he expresses astonishment at how quickly the Galatians were deserting the gospel of grace to embrace a "different gospel." Galatians 1:6. This abruptness reveals the depth of Paul's concern. The Galatians had initially received the good news of Jesus' complete payment for their sins with joy, and Paul is astounded that they are so easily swayed.
The "different gospel" was the teaching of the Judaizers, who insisted on the necessity of following Jewish customs and laws in addition to faith in Christ. Paul vehemently clarifies that there is no "different gospel," only a distortion of the true gospel. Galatians 1:7. The true gospel is the good news that sinners can be justified and forgiven through Christ alone. He is not merely a way to be saved; Jesus is the only way to be saved. Therefore, any other message of salvation cannot be considered a gospel—good news.
With apostolic authority, Paul pronounces a severe warning: anyone, even himself or an angel from heaven, who preaches a gospel contrary to the one he preached is "accursed" or eternally condemned. Galatians 1:8-9. He repeats this for emphasis, demonstrating the seriousness of the matter. This is not a trivial disagreement but a matter of eternal consequence. Paul’s strong language underscores the critical importance of adhering to the pure, unadulterated gospel of grace. The Galatians needed to stop listening to the false teachers and refuse to welcome them into their churches.
Defending His Apostleship (Galatians 1:10-24)
To defend the true gospel, Paul must also defend the legitimacy of his apostleship. His opponents, the Judaizers, likely questioned his authority, claiming he was not one of the original twelve disciples and therefore lacked the same level of authority.
Paul asserts that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin. Galatians 1:11. He did not receive it from other men or learn it from the other apostles. Instead, Jesus Christ Himself revealed the gospel message directly to Paul and called him to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Galatians 1:12.
He then recounts his dramatic transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher of the faith. Galatians 1:13-14. He persecuted and tried to destroy Christianity as a zealous young Pharisee. He was surpassing his peers in his zeal for the traditions of his Jewish ancestors. This personal testimony underscores the radical nature of his conversion and the divine intervention that brought it about.
God graciously and miraculously revealed His Son to Paul on the road to Damascus. Galatians 1:15-16. Paul even talks of God planning this long ago when he was in his mother’s womb, using the same kind of language used to describe Jeremiah’s ministry calling from God. When God revealed Jesus to Paul and commissioned him to preach Him among the Gentiles, Paul didn’t immediately consult with anyone—not even with the other apostles. Galatians 1:16-17. He went to Arabia for further instructions directly from the Lord Jesus.
Three years later, he went to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas—that is, Peter—and stayed with him for two weeks. Galatians 1:18. The only other apostle he saw at that time was James, the Lord Jesus’s brother. Galatians 1:19. Paul insists that he is not lying. Galatians 1:20. He emphasizes that his apostleship was not derivative from the other apostles.
After this, Paul preached the gospel in Syria (north of Judea) and Cilicia (southern Asia Minor). Galatians 1:21. The Judean churches didn’t even know Paul as an apostle because his God-ordained ministry was elsewhere. Galatians 1:22. They simply kept hearing that this famous persecutor of the church was now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. Galatians 1:23. What a glorious testimony! It’s a reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. The vilest sinner can repent and believe. The heart that hates Christ can be softened and filled with love. When the churches in and around Jerusalem heard that Saul the persecutor had become Paul the evangelist, they gave glory to God. Galatians 1:24.
Paul's defense is clear: his authority comes directly from God, not from human appointment or training. He received a direct revelation of Jesus Christ and was commissioned to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The churches in Galatia could trust the message he delivered.
Paul's unwavering commitment to the gospel of grace serves as a powerful reminder for us today. In a world filled with competing ideologies and false teachings, we must stand firm on the truth of Scripture, proclaiming the good news of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We must, like Paul, desire the approval of God more than the approval of others, speaking the truth in love, and trusting that the gospel is powerful enough to save us for eternity and transform our lives in history.
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
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.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure 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.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ:
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
And they glorified God in me.
Galatians 1 marks the explosive beginning of one of the most vital books in the New Testament, a passionate defense of God's grace. Paul, the apostle, wastes no time in addressing a critical situation threatening the very heart of the gospel. He is writing to the churches in the region of Galatia, also known as Asia Minor, to confront a false teaching that had taken root among them.
Paul's Apostolic Authority (Galatians 1:1-5)
Paul immediately identifies himself, not as a self-proclaimed or man-appointed apostle, but as one chosen and sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father. Galatians 1:1-2. This forceful opening underscores the gravity of the situation. His authority is not derived from human sources but from divine appointment. He is God’s messenger carrying God’s message, and to reject his message is to reject God Himself.
The reason for this assertive introduction quickly becomes clear. Paul's apostolic credentials were under attack. A group known as the Judaizers had infiltrated the Galatian churches, attempting to convince the Gentile believers that faith in Christ alone was insufficient for salvation. They insisted that adherence to the Law of Moses, including circumcision, was also necessary. In essence, they were adding "works" to the equation of salvation, undermining the very foundation of grace.
Paul then declares the gospel's core message: grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:3. He emphasizes that Jesus gave Himself as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, all for the glory of God. Galatians 1:4-5. This highlights the completeness of Christ’s work on the cross. A holy God cannot overlook sin, but through Jesus, He provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. This rescue not only justifies sinners for heaven but also empowers believers to overcome the power of sin in this life.
A Gospel Betrayed (Galatians 1:6-9)
What follows is a stark departure from Paul's usual greetings in his letters. Instead of offering blessings or thanksgiving, he expresses astonishment at how quickly the Galatians were deserting the gospel of grace to embrace a "different gospel." Galatians 1:6. This abruptness reveals the depth of Paul's concern. The Galatians had initially received the good news of Jesus' complete payment for their sins with joy, and Paul is astounded that they are so easily swayed.
The "different gospel" was the teaching of the Judaizers, who insisted on the necessity of following Jewish customs and laws in addition to faith in Christ. Paul vehemently clarifies that there is no "different gospel," only a distortion of the true gospel. Galatians 1:7. The true gospel is the good news that sinners can be justified and forgiven through Christ alone. He is not merely a way to be saved; Jesus is the only way to be saved. Therefore, any other message of salvation cannot be considered a gospel—good news.
With apostolic authority, Paul pronounces a severe warning: anyone, even himself or an angel from heaven, who preaches a gospel contrary to the one he preached is "accursed" or eternally condemned. Galatians 1:8-9. He repeats this for emphasis, demonstrating the seriousness of the matter. This is not a trivial disagreement but a matter of eternal consequence. Paul’s strong language underscores the critical importance of adhering to the pure, unadulterated gospel of grace. The Galatians needed to stop listening to the false teachers and refuse to welcome them into their churches.
Defending His Apostleship (Galatians 1:10-24)
To defend the true gospel, Paul must also defend the legitimacy of his apostleship. His opponents, the Judaizers, likely questioned his authority, claiming he was not one of the original twelve disciples and therefore lacked the same level of authority.
Paul asserts that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin. Galatians 1:11. He did not receive it from other men or learn it from the other apostles. Instead, Jesus Christ Himself revealed the gospel message directly to Paul and called him to be His apostle to the Gentiles. Galatians 1:12.
He then recounts his dramatic transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a fervent preacher of the faith. Galatians 1:13-14. He persecuted and tried to destroy Christianity as a zealous young Pharisee. He was surpassing his peers in his zeal for the traditions of his Jewish ancestors. This personal testimony underscores the radical nature of his conversion and the divine intervention that brought it about.
God graciously and miraculously revealed His Son to Paul on the road to Damascus. Galatians 1:15-16. Paul even talks of God planning this long ago when he was in his mother’s womb, using the same kind of language used to describe Jeremiah’s ministry calling from God. When God revealed Jesus to Paul and commissioned him to preach Him among the Gentiles, Paul didn’t immediately consult with anyone—not even with the other apostles. Galatians 1:16-17. He went to Arabia for further instructions directly from the Lord Jesus.
Three years later, he went to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas—that is, Peter—and stayed with him for two weeks. Galatians 1:18. The only other apostle he saw at that time was James, the Lord Jesus’s brother. Galatians 1:19. Paul insists that he is not lying. Galatians 1:20. He emphasizes that his apostleship was not derivative from the other apostles.
After this, Paul preached the gospel in Syria (north of Judea) and Cilicia (southern Asia Minor). Galatians 1:21. The Judean churches didn’t even know Paul as an apostle because his God-ordained ministry was elsewhere. Galatians 1:22. They simply kept hearing that this famous persecutor of the church was now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. Galatians 1:23. What a glorious testimony! It’s a reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. The vilest sinner can repent and believe. The heart that hates Christ can be softened and filled with love. When the churches in and around Jerusalem heard that Saul the persecutor had become Paul the evangelist, they gave glory to God. Galatians 1:24.
Paul's defense is clear: his authority comes directly from God, not from human appointment or training. He received a direct revelation of Jesus Christ and was commissioned to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The churches in Galatia could trust the message he delivered.
Paul's unwavering commitment to the gospel of grace serves as a powerful reminder for us today. In a world filled with competing ideologies and false teachings, we must stand firm on the truth of Scripture, proclaiming the good news of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We must, like Paul, desire the approval of God more than the approval of others, speaking the truth in love, and trusting that the gospel is powerful enough to save us for eternity and transform our lives in history.