Explanation of Galatians 1
Galatians 1 serves as the opening chapter of Paul’s passionate letter to the churches in Galatia. Right from the start, Paul asserts his authority as an apostle and expresses deep concern over how quickly the Galatians are turning to a distorted version of the Gospel. This chapter lays the foundation for the entire epistle, focusing on Paul’s divine calling, the singularity of the Gospel, and his personal testimony of God’s grace.
Greeting and Paul’s Apostolic Authority (Galatians 1:1-5)
Paul begins the letter by emphasizing that his apostleship is not from men but directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father:
Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
(Galatians 1:1)
This statement is significant because false teachers, often referred to as Judaizers, were questioning Paul’s authority, implying that his message lacked the backing of the original apostles in Jerusalem. Paul counters this by pointing to his divine commissioning from Christ Himself.
In Galatians 1:3-5, Paul presents the Gospel concisely, reminding the Galatians that Jesus gave Himself for their sins to deliver them from this present evil age. This brief statement of the Gospel highlights key truths:
- Grace and peace come from God (Galatians 1:3), not human effort.
- Christ’s atoning work is central (Galatians 1:4).
- God’s will is sovereign in salvation (Galatians 1:4).
- God alone deserves all glory (Galatians 1:5).
Even in his greeting, Paul sets the stage for what follows—salvation is by grace, not by works of the Law.
The Danger of a False Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)
Paul wastes no time expressing his astonishment that the Galatians are turning to a “different gospel,” which is really no gospel at all:
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.
(Galatians 1:6)
This section reveals Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Galatians. The false teachers were adding works of the Law—especially circumcision—as a requirement for salvation, undermining the sufficiency of Christ. Paul makes it clear that any message that adds to or distorts the Gospel of grace is a false gospel, and he pronounces a severe warning:
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.
(Galatians 1:8)
Paul’s strong language shows that the purity of the Gospel is non-negotiable. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, and any deviation leads people away from the true hope of eternal life.
In Galatians 1:10, Paul clarifies his motivation: he is not seeking to please men, but God. The Gospel he preaches is not shaped to win approval but to remain faithful to Christ.
Paul’s Divine Calling and Conversion (Galatians 1:11-24)
Paul transitions to a defense of his apostleship by recounting his personal testimony. He emphasizes that the Gospel he preaches was received through revelation from Jesus Christ, not human teaching:
For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
(Galatians 1:12)
Paul then reminds the Galatians of his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church, advancing in Judaism beyond many of his peers (Galatians 1:13-14). This demonstrates that his conversion was not a natural progression or human influence, but the sovereign work of God:
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me…
(Galatians 1:15-16).
Paul’s testimony emphasizes:
- God’s sovereign election – Paul was set apart before birth.
- Salvation by grace – Paul did not contribute to his calling.
- A Christ-centered mission – Paul was called to preach Christ to the Gentiles.
Paul further defends his independence from human authority by stating that he did not immediately consult with the other apostles but instead spent time in Arabia before later meeting Peter (Cephas) and James (Galatians 1:17-19).
This section underscores that Paul’s message is not a secondhand version of the Gospel but a direct revelation from Christ Himself.
The Response to Paul’s Ministry (Galatians 1:22-24)
Paul concludes the chapter by explaining how the churches in Judea did not know him personally but heard of his dramatic transformation—from persecutor to preacher of the faith he once tried to destroy. This resulted in them glorifying God because of him.
This reinforces the power of the true Gospel to transform lives and the importance of God’s glory being the ultimate aim of ministry.
Key Themes in Galatians 1
The Divine Origin of the Gospel – The true Gospel is from God, not man. Any distortion is to be rejected.
The Sufficiency of Grace – Adding works to the Gospel undermines God’s grace and Christ’s work.
God’s Sovereign Calling – Paul’s own conversion highlights the grace of God in calling sinners.
Boldness for the True Gospel – Paul’s unwavering commitment to the Gospel serves as a model for all believers.
Application for Today
Galatians 1 reminds us that the Gospel is not something we can adjust to fit human preferences or cultural trends. It is the power of God for salvation, and any attempt to add to it—whether legalism or moralism—undermines its truth. We must stand firm in the grace of Christ, resisting false teachings that promote works-based righteousness.
This chapter also encourages us to reflect on God’s sovereign grace in our own lives. Just as He called Paul, He calls each believer according to His purpose, not because of our worthiness but because of His mercy.
Conclusion
Galatians 1 sets the stage for Paul’s passionate defense of the Gospel of grace. He establishes his authority, confronts the Galatians’ drift toward legalism, and presents his testimony as evidence of God’s transforming power. As believers, we are called to cling to the true Gospel and reject anything that seeks to distort its message of salvation through Christ alone.
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