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Galatians 1
Haystack bible commentary"Stacks and stacks of commentary...."
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==galatians 1:1:
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Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
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“A messenger,” literally “an apostle.” The Greek word is Apostolos and comes from apo meaning “from” and stello meaning “to send.” This refers to the act of sending someone as a delegate to represent the sender. It is translated in the King James Version as apostle, messenger or he that is sent
Paul was certain God had spoken to him. This gave him a confidence that to some may have seemed to verge on arrogance. When we are confident of Gods call for us, we often stand in kind of a carefree abandon that challenges the powers of the world.
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The verse, which serves as the introduction to his letter, reads: "Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), (NKJV).
Paul emphasizes that his status as an apostle was not granted by any human person or group, but directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father. This was a crucial point to establish his credibility and message in Galatia, where false teachers were questioning his legitimacy because he was not one of the original Twelve apostles. Paul's mention of God raising Jesus from the dead is not a passing detail. It links his apostolic commission to the most central event of the Christian faith. The resurrection affirmed Jesus's divine authority, and Paul's personal encounter with the resurrected Christ validated his mission. By immediately asserting his divine calling, Paul prepares his readers for the strong rebuke that follows. The Galatian churches were being swayed by "Judaizers," who insisted that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish law (like circumcision) to be saved. Paul's gospel of faith in Christ alone is true because it comes from God, not from human tradition.
To understand the full force of Galatians 1:1, it is important to remember the circumstances surrounding the letter:
Paul was deeply concerned and frustrated that the Galatians were so quickly turning away from the gospel of grace he had preached to them.
Unlike most of his other letters, Paul begins abruptly with no expression of thanks or praise. This highlights the severity of the situation and his anger towards the false teaching infiltrating the churches.
The early part of Galatians, starting with this verse, is a vigorous defense of Paul's personal conversion and the divine origin of his gospel. He proves that his message did not come from man and therefore cannot be corrupted by man.
Paul emphasizes that his status as an apostle was not granted by any human person or group, but directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father. This was a crucial point to establish his credibility and message in Galatia, where false teachers were questioning his legitimacy because he was not one of the original Twelve apostles. Paul's mention of God raising Jesus from the dead is not a passing detail. It links his apostolic commission to the most central event of the Christian faith. The resurrection affirmed Jesus's divine authority, and Paul's personal encounter with the resurrected Christ validated his mission. By immediately asserting his divine calling, Paul prepares his readers for the strong rebuke that follows. The Galatian churches were being swayed by "Judaizers," who insisted that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish law (like circumcision) to be saved. Paul's gospel of faith in Christ alone is true because it comes from God, not from human tradition.
To understand the full force of Galatians 1:1, it is important to remember the circumstances surrounding the letter:
Paul was deeply concerned and frustrated that the Galatians were so quickly turning away from the gospel of grace he had preached to them.
Unlike most of his other letters, Paul begins abruptly with no expression of thanks or praise. This highlights the severity of the situation and his anger towards the false teaching infiltrating the churches.
The early part of Galatians, starting with this verse, is a vigorous defense of Paul's personal conversion and the divine origin of his gospel. He proves that his message did not come from man and therefore cannot be corrupted by man.
==galatians 1:2:
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and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia: |
Galatians 1:2 is part of the opening greeting of Paul's letter to the churches in the region of Galatia. In it, Paul includes "all the brothers and sisters" who are with him, indicating that the letter is not just a personal message, but has the full support of his companions.
Key elements of Galatians 1:2 "And all the brothers with me": This phrase shows that the letter's message is not a personal or isolated viewpoint from Paul. By including his companions, Paul establishes a broader, united front against the false teachings that have infiltrated the Galatian churches. "To the churches of Galatia": This indicates the recipients of the letter. Galatia was a Roman province in what is now modern Turkey, and Paul is addressing a network of Christian communities, not just a single church. The fact that he addresses multiple churches suggests that the false teaching was widespread throughout the region. Unlike many of Paul's other epistles, the greeting in Galatians lacks the typical words of praise or commendation for the churches. This abruptness highlights the seriousness of the problem he is about to address: the Galatians were falling for a different gospel than the one Paul preached. The greeting sets the tone for the entire letter, which is an impassioned and urgent defense of the true gospel of grace. Paul's indignation is immediately apparent as he prepares to confront the false teachers who were corrupting the message of faith. This verse serves as a concise, but firm, opening statement to establish the legitimacy of Paul's authority and the gravity of the situation in the Galatian churches |
==galatians 1:3:
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Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
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The Greek word for grace, charis, refers to the unmerited favor and kindness of God. It is a gift that cannot be earned through human effort and is a central theme in Paul's theology. In the context of the letter to the Galatians, Paul emphasizes grace to correct those who were turning to a legalistic, works-based approach for salvation.
Peace is the spiritual wholeness and reconciliation with God that results from receiving his grace. The peace mentioned here is the inner tranquility and security that comes from knowing you are right with God through Christ, in contrast to the turmoil caused by the false teachers in Galatia. By linking both "grace" and "peace" to "God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," Paul establishes them as the single divine source of these blessings. This is an intentional theological statement, underscoring that both the Father and the Son are the originators of salvation and spiritual wellness. This greeting is especially significant given the circumstances in Galatia: A troubled church: Paul was concerned that the Galatian churches were being led astray by "Judaizers," who were teaching that Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish law to be fully saved. A contrast to false teaching: Paul uses this verse to remind the Galatians that grace and peace come solely from God through Christ—not through works of the law, as the false teachers were claiming. The rest of the letter serves to defend this core gospel message against such distortions |
==galatians 1:4:
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who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father
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This verse highlights Jesus's sacrificial act on the cross, God's divine plan for this act, and the resulting deliverance from a world characterized by sin and corruption, ultimately bringing glory to God.
Key aspects of Galatians 1:4: Jesus's Sacrifice: Jesus willingly offered his own life as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Deliverance from Evil: His sacrifice was intended to set believers free from the corrupting influence and power of the current evil world. God's Will: This act was part of God the Father's predetermined plan and purpose. Glory to God: The verse concludes with a declaration of eternal glory to God for this saving act. |
Martin Lloyd-Jones
“If we believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the only begotten Son of God and that He came into this world and went to the cross of Calvary and died for our sins and rose again in order to justify us and to give us life anew and prepare us for heaven-if you really believe that, there is only one inevitable deduction, namely that He is entitled to the whole of our lives, without any limit whatsoever.”
― David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
― David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
==galatians 1:5:
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to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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"To whom be glory" is a declaration of praise and recognition of God's supreme worth and significance.
"For ever and ever. Amen." emphasizes that this glory is eternal and complete, concluding with "Amen," which signifies affirmation and agreement. The verse connects to Christ's action in verse 4, where He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age". Therefore, the eternal glory belongs to God the Father for His will and Christ's redemptive work. |
==galatians 1:6:
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I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
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Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia to address those who were promoting legalism and trying to add human traditions and works to the simplicity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. They taught that faith in Christ was not enough for salvation; Gentiles also needed to adhere to the Jewish law, including circumcision. Paul begins his letter to the Galatians with this shocking and abrupt rebuke, foregoing his usual opening expressions of praise. He expresses his amazement at how quickly they have defected from the true gospel to follow a counterfeit. He expresses his amazement at how quickly they have defected from the true gospel to follow a counterfeit. He rebukes them for abandoning the grace of God and the true message of the cross for a counterfeit message that offers a way to salvation through their own efforts, rather than through faith in Jesus' finished work.
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A "different gospel" is no gospel at all: Paul makes it clear in the very next verse (Galatians 1:7) that this "different gospel" is not a valid alternative but a perversion of the truth. Any attempt to add to Christ's finished work on the cross, such as works of the law, distorts the true message of grace.
Deviation from grace is a desertion of God: Paul frames the Galatians' shift away from the gospel of grace as a desertion of God himself, "him who called you". This shows the seriousness of their error and that rejecting the authentic gospel is a rejection of the one who saved them.
Instability makes one vulnerable: Paul was surprised by how "quickly" the Galatians abandoned their convictions, which demonstrates their spiritual instability. This serves as a warning that a lack of firm grounding in the gospel makes one susceptible to false teaching.
Deviation from grace is a desertion of God: Paul frames the Galatians' shift away from the gospel of grace as a desertion of God himself, "him who called you". This shows the seriousness of their error and that rejecting the authentic gospel is a rejection of the one who saved them.
Instability makes one vulnerable: Paul was surprised by how "quickly" the Galatians abandoned their convictions, which demonstrates their spiritual instability. This serves as a warning that a lack of firm grounding in the gospel makes one susceptible to false teaching.
Some judgemental denominational members are quick to say that other denominations are preaching “another Gospel”. But Jesus Christ IS the Gospel!
If someone else professes Christ as Lord of their life you should lift them up in brotherly love REGARDLESS of their “denomination”.
As a Christian you should consider anyone who belongs to Jesus Christ your brothers and sisters. The Bible tells us to rebuke those who fall from the truth.
And yes, it even tells us not to fellowship with anyone who preaches another Gospel, but those who profess Christ are NOT preaching “another Gospel”!!!
Muslims are preaching “another Gospel”.
Krishnas are preaching “another Gospel”.
Buddhists are preaching “another Gospel”.
Astrologers, pagans, and wiccans, are preaching “another Gospel”.
The Jews who are still waiting for the Messiah are preaching “another Gospel”.
Those who say they can be Christians without repenting and turning from their sin are preaching “another Gospel”.
People who look to Mary rather than Jesus for salvation are preaching “another Gospel”.
But anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of their life IS NOT preaching “another Gospel”.
Others may not understand the Bible as well as you do, or they may have been taught false doctrines, but are our small differences that seem to divide us greater than our Almighty Lord Who calls us to be one in Him?
How long will we continue to allow Satan to divide the body of Christ with issues like denominations, Bible versions, and the pronounciation of divine names?
Are our small differences greater than our Great Uniter?
Don’t we all serve Jesus Christ?…….
If someone else professes Christ as Lord of their life you should lift them up in brotherly love REGARDLESS of their “denomination”.
As a Christian you should consider anyone who belongs to Jesus Christ your brothers and sisters. The Bible tells us to rebuke those who fall from the truth.
And yes, it even tells us not to fellowship with anyone who preaches another Gospel, but those who profess Christ are NOT preaching “another Gospel”!!!
Muslims are preaching “another Gospel”.
Krishnas are preaching “another Gospel”.
Buddhists are preaching “another Gospel”.
Astrologers, pagans, and wiccans, are preaching “another Gospel”.
The Jews who are still waiting for the Messiah are preaching “another Gospel”.
Those who say they can be Christians without repenting and turning from their sin are preaching “another Gospel”.
People who look to Mary rather than Jesus for salvation are preaching “another Gospel”.
But anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of their life IS NOT preaching “another Gospel”.
Others may not understand the Bible as well as you do, or they may have been taught false doctrines, but are our small differences that seem to divide us greater than our Almighty Lord Who calls us to be one in Him?
How long will we continue to allow Satan to divide the body of Christ with issues like denominations, Bible versions, and the pronounciation of divine names?
Are our small differences greater than our Great Uniter?
Don’t we all serve Jesus Christ?…….
==galatians 1:7:
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which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
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Paul is a lover of people. The Jews have a special place in his heart. The Gentiles have a special place on his calendar and travel itinerary. He spends himself seeking to improve all with whom he comes into contact. He shows respect to those in authority. He shows deference to cultures and traditions. Paul is not unnecessarily rude. He is a gentlemanly evangelist. But in this letter of love to his Galatian friends, Paul is forced to kick it up a notch. As an apostolic prophet, he is called by God to safeguard the Gospel, and sometimes this requires him to offend both friend and foe. So on this issue, Paul has debated orthodox Pharisees, ecumenical Judaizers, and dear friends such as Barnabas and Peter. And he is not through; for according to this text, he even stands ready to contradict a heavenly angel who comes preaching a different Gospel. And why does Paul stand so solidly? Why does Paul stand tall when even Peter and Barnabas compromise and sin?
Paul is not a people pleaser! Paul is not “seeking the approval of man.” To the contrary, Paul is “seeking the approval of God.” Paul is a “servant of Christ.” Are we “people pleasers” or “servants of Christ”? I suppose at times we can be both, but when push comes to shove, will we forgo pleasing people in order to best serve Christ? Are we committed to think rightly, talk rightly, and do that which is right, regardless of whether or not it pleases us or those around us? Peer pressure is not merely an adolescent temptation. Everyone struggles in this regard. So, how do we apply this thought? Perhaps our governmental representatives could take this to heart. We elect these individuals to think rightly, speak rightly, write rightly, and pursue righteousness. And we expect them to do so regardless of popular opinions. Please, please Christ! We beg you to be leaders and not double-minded poll-takers. As ministers, we should contemplate this truth. Those of us who occupy pulpits should forget the thought of pleasing people and focus only on serving Christ. Yes, this is incredibly difficult, for we are largely kind people. We don’t stay in our profession long when we are curt, harsh, and lacking grace. But we must think less about what our professors, peers, parishioners and guests think of us. We must have single-minded vision as did Stephen when he preached. May our eyes see Jesus only, and may we be very willing to forgo people pleasing in order to please our Master. The same could be said of elders and biblical counselors. May we have the backbone to look people in the eye and risk friendships by being true friends who charitably speak forth the truth. Parents, will we err by preferring what we want, or preferring what our children want, over pursuing that which God desires? Business person, who is the focus of your attention? Will you prefer employer, employee, customer, stock holder, or self over the Sovereign God? Teenager, will you say “yes” to your peer group, or “yes” to the boy telling you he loves you, all while saying “no” to Christ? This ought not to be so with those who call themselves followers of Christ. May we be willing to say “no” to self. May we be willing to forgo popularity. May we even be willing to leave father and mother while clinging to our Savior. Paul was one who made it his aim to be a workman, rightly approved of God. Let us follow his model and his teaching. Let us cease being individuals who focus on pleasing ourselves — whether the harsh or happy variety. Instead, let us be people who please the Christ who calls us his own. --Joseph A Franks IV |
Albert Mohler (President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) writes: “In our own context, one of the most seductive false gospels is moralism. This false gospel can take many forms and can emerge from any number of political and cultural impulses. Nevertheless, the basic structure of moralism comes down to this — the belief that the Gospel can be reduced to improvements in behavior. The seduction of moralism is the essence of its power. We are so easily seduced into believing that we actually can gain all the approval we need by our behavior. Of course, in order to participate in this seduction, we must negotiate a moral code that defines acceptable behavior with innumerable loopholes. Most moralists would not claim to be without sin, but merely beyond scandal. That is considered sufficient.”
==galatians 1:8:
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But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
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Galatians 1:8 is a key scripture where the Apostle Paul asserts that anyone—even himself or an angel from heaven—who preaches a "gospel contrary to the one you received" should be "accused" or "accursed" (anathema). This strong statement was directed at the Judaizers who taught that non-Jewish converts needed to follow the Law of Moses (including circumcision) in addition to faith in Christ for salvation. Paul emphasizes that the power and authority lie with the core message of God's grace through faith in Christ, not with any human messenger or altered message.
Paul reaffirms that the true gospel of salvation by God's grace through faith in Christ is the only message that saves. The verse serves as a powerful warning against any teaching that modifies or perverts the original gospel message received. The core message of the gospel holds ultimate authority, independent of the messenger's charisma or position. The phrase "let them be accursed" (or "anathema") signifies a severe spiritual judgment and condemnation of anyone teaching a different gospel. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul is specifically confronting a group known as the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile believers had to adhere to Jewish laws and traditions for salvation. |
The biblical book of Galatians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to churches in the region of Galatia, addressing a serious controversy over the nature of salvation. After Paul established these churches, a group of Jewish Christians known as "Judaizers" infiltrated the community, arguing that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe Jewish law to be fully accepted by God. In response, Paul writes a passionate defense of the gospel message of justification by faith alone.
The book's opening verse identifies the author as the Apostle Paul, an attribution that is widely accepted by biblical scholars. The letter is addressed to the churches of Galatia, a Roman province in what is now modern-day Turkey.
Paul's letter is a direct refutation of the Judaizers, who taught that salvation came through a combination of faith in Jesus and adherence to Mosaic Law. Paul sees this as a distortion of the true gospel and the root of his urgent concern. The book is structured to first assert Paul's apostolic authority, then to provide a theological argument for salvation by faith, and finally to give practical instructions for a life lived in Christian freedom. Paul argues that his gospel message came to him directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ, not from any human source. He highlights this independent call by recounting his conversion and early ministry. He uses the example of his public confrontation with the Apostle Peter in Antioch to demonstrate that even a pillar of the church can falter and that Paul’s gospel is the standard by which to measure truth.
Chapters 3–4: Justification by faith
Paul explains that Abraham was justified by faith long before the law was given, and therefore, all who have faith are the true children of Abraham. He clarifies that the Law was a temporary guardian intended to lead people to Christ. With the arrival of Christ, the Law's role as a guide to righteousness is complete. The contrast between law and promise leads to the declaration that through faith in Christ, believers are no longer slaves but adopted as children of God, receiving the Spirit.
Chapters 5–6: Christian freedom and living in the Spirit
Paul urges the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given them and not submit again to a "yoke of slavery" under the Law. The fruit of the Spirit: He explains that Christian freedom is not a license to sin but a new way of living empowered by the Holy Spirit. Instead of following the desires of the flesh, believers produce the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc.). A powerful summary of Paul's vision for the church's new identity is found in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus".
Galatians stands as a foundational text for Christian theology, especially on the doctrines of justification, grace, and Christian liberty. Its forceful proclamation that salvation is by grace through faith, and not by works, made it a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation and continues to challenge believers today to rely on God's grace alone
The book's opening verse identifies the author as the Apostle Paul, an attribution that is widely accepted by biblical scholars. The letter is addressed to the churches of Galatia, a Roman province in what is now modern-day Turkey.
Paul's letter is a direct refutation of the Judaizers, who taught that salvation came through a combination of faith in Jesus and adherence to Mosaic Law. Paul sees this as a distortion of the true gospel and the root of his urgent concern. The book is structured to first assert Paul's apostolic authority, then to provide a theological argument for salvation by faith, and finally to give practical instructions for a life lived in Christian freedom. Paul argues that his gospel message came to him directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ, not from any human source. He highlights this independent call by recounting his conversion and early ministry. He uses the example of his public confrontation with the Apostle Peter in Antioch to demonstrate that even a pillar of the church can falter and that Paul’s gospel is the standard by which to measure truth.
Chapters 3–4: Justification by faith
Paul explains that Abraham was justified by faith long before the law was given, and therefore, all who have faith are the true children of Abraham. He clarifies that the Law was a temporary guardian intended to lead people to Christ. With the arrival of Christ, the Law's role as a guide to righteousness is complete. The contrast between law and promise leads to the declaration that through faith in Christ, believers are no longer slaves but adopted as children of God, receiving the Spirit.
Chapters 5–6: Christian freedom and living in the Spirit
Paul urges the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given them and not submit again to a "yoke of slavery" under the Law. The fruit of the Spirit: He explains that Christian freedom is not a license to sin but a new way of living empowered by the Holy Spirit. Instead of following the desires of the flesh, believers produce the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc.). A powerful summary of Paul's vision for the church's new identity is found in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus".
Galatians stands as a foundational text for Christian theology, especially on the doctrines of justification, grace, and Christian liberty. Its forceful proclamation that salvation is by grace through faith, and not by works, made it a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation and continues to challenge believers today to rely on God's grace alone
==galatians 1:9:
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As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
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Galatians 1:9 is a Bible verse where the Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Galatia, declares that if anyone preaches a different gospel than the one they received, they should be "accursed" or "condemned". This strong statement emphasizes the importance of the true gospel of Christ and warns against any distortion or addition to it, such as requiring obedience to Old Testament laws for salvation.
Here's a breakdown of the verse from different translations: King James Version (KJV): "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". English Standard Version (ESV): "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". Paul is reacting to false teachers who are trying to add Old Testament laws, like circumcision, to the message of salvation. The curse is severe, implying eternal damnation and that these false teachers are themselves condemned. Paul, as an apostle, is speaking with full authority to make this proclamation, ensuring the Galatians understand the seriousness of the matter. The verse highlights that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works or adherence to laws. |
Characteristic of cults is so significant that Paul literally pronounces a curse as he shares his displeasure and outright anger at these false prophets who minimize, distort, or change the gospel: “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; ... But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). Please note that the word Paul used for “curse” is the strongest word for cursing in the Greek language. Technically, it dooms the one who is cursed to the darkest, deepest, most horrible fate imaginable. --Dr Roger Barrier (D. February 16th, 2024)
Galatians 1:6-9 is a severe condemnation by the apostle Paul against those who preach a gospel that differs from the one he taught. Paul expresses his astonishment and distress that the Galatian Christians, who were called by the grace of Christ, are so quickly turning to a distorted message. According to the New International Version (NIV), Galatians 1:6-7 expresses Paul's astonishment at the Galatians quickly deserting the one who called them in grace for a different, perverted gospel. Verses 8-9 pronounce a curse on anyone, including Paul or an angel, who preaches a gospel other than what they received. You can read the full text Bible Gateway.
Paul asserts there is only one true gospel, and any deviation is a distortion. The Galatians were influenced by false teachers, known as "Judaizers," who added requirements of Jewish law to salvation through faith in Christ. The core issue was how one is made right with God (justification). Paul taught it was solely through faith in Christ, while the false gospel added adherence to the law. Paul's strong language and repetition emphasize the grave nature of preaching a false gospel, stating they are "under God's curse" (anathema). Paul's message serves as a lasting warning against altering the true gospel, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone and the gospel is unchangeable.
Paul asserts there is only one true gospel, and any deviation is a distortion. The Galatians were influenced by false teachers, known as "Judaizers," who added requirements of Jewish law to salvation through faith in Christ. The core issue was how one is made right with God (justification). Paul taught it was solely through faith in Christ, while the false gospel added adherence to the law. Paul's strong language and repetition emphasize the grave nature of preaching a false gospel, stating they are "under God's curse" (anathema). Paul's message serves as a lasting warning against altering the true gospel, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone and the gospel is unchangeable.
==galatians 1:10:
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For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
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This kind of presumption is what the Book of Hebrews deals with repeatedly — to cure Christians of presumption and to cultivate earnest perseverance in faith and holiness.
In essence, this root of bitterness is a false teaching centered on self-righteousness. It is false thinking that our good works can bring us salvation — that God’s grace is not enough. This false belief is idolatry — because ultimately, the idols are good works (described as “made of wood, stone, silver, and gold”) — which is a spiritual adultery driven by stubbornness and pride. These present-day idols might not be made of wood, stone, silver, or gold, but they are manifested in our own selfish desires and efforts to accumulate wealth and treasures of this world, to achieve success according to the standard of this world, to seek the approval of men rather than of God (Galatians 1:10). -Philip Wijaya |
The verse, from the apostle Paul's letter, explains that if he were still seeking human approval, he would not be a true servant of Christ. It emphasizes that Paul's motivation was to please God by delivering the gospel, which he received directly from Jesus Christ, not from any human authority.
The central question is about Paul's motivation: seeking to please people or God.
Servanthood: Paul asserts that he is a servant of Christ and that trying to please people is incompatible with that role. Paul's message was from God, not man. Paul defends himself against accusations of having ulterior motives by explaining his message came through a direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
Some religious legalists questioned Paul's authority and message to the churches in Galatia. Paul was defending the validity of his apostleship and the gospel he preached. He contrasts his true, God-given authority with the human-centered efforts of others.
The central question is about Paul's motivation: seeking to please people or God.
Servanthood: Paul asserts that he is a servant of Christ and that trying to please people is incompatible with that role. Paul's message was from God, not man. Paul defends himself against accusations of having ulterior motives by explaining his message came through a direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
Some religious legalists questioned Paul's authority and message to the churches in Galatia. Paul was defending the validity of his apostleship and the gospel he preached. He contrasts his true, God-given authority with the human-centered efforts of others.
==galatians 1:11:
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But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
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In the context of his letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the truth of the gospel, emphasizing that he did not learn his message from other apostles or humans, but rather from God himself through an encounter with Jesus. This point is crucial because some false teachers were distorting the gospel message in Galatia, and Paul's assertion of a divine source for his message was a way to establish his credibility and the integrity of the gospel he proclaimed.
The gospel Paul preached was not human-made but was a divine revelation from God. He received this message directly from Jesus Christ, not through other people or human teachings. Paul uses this statement to assert his authority as an apostle, countering claims that he was less legitimate than other apostles. This declaration serves to highlight the truth of his gospel against the deceptive teachings of those who were troubling the churches in Galatia. |
==galatians 1:12:
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For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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To understand the significance of this verse, consider the circumstances of Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia:
--The Galatian churches were being influenced by "Judaizers," false teachers who insisted that Gentile Christians needed to follow Jewish laws, such as circumcision, to be truly saved. This contradicted the gospel of grace that Paul had originally taught them. --To undermine Paul's message, these opponents also attacked his authority, suggesting he was not a "true" apostle like the original twelve, and that his message was therefore less valid. By emphasizing that his message did not come from a human source or a course of instruction, Paul asserts that his gospel holds the highest possible authority: it came directly from God through Christ. Paul's experience, which began on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), was a personal, supernatural encounter with the resurrected Jesus. This direct divine disclosure (the Greek word is apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling") puts his authority on par with that of the other apostles who had known the earthly Jesus. Because Paul was taught directly by Jesus, his message was not an interpretation or variation of someone else's gospel. It was the pure, undiluted truth. This serves as his foundational argument against the false teachings that were confusing the Galatians. |
==galatians 1:13:
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For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
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Galatians 1:13, in the context of the New Testament book of Galatians, describes the apostle Paul's life before his conversion to Christianity. He states, "For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it". This verse highlights his past as a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church, illustrating a dramatic transformation in his life and an emphatic counterpoint to the false teachings he was addressing in the letter.
Paul was a zealous follower of Judaism, deeply committed to the traditions of his ancestors. In his zeal for Judaism, he violently persecuted the Christian church and actively worked to destroy it. This verse emphasizes the stark contrast between Paul's former life and his new life as an apostle of Christ. Paul uses his dramatic personal history to establish the authority of his apostolic mission and the authenticity of his gospel, which he received directly from Christ, not from human sources. |
==galatians 1:14:
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And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers
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This verse sets the stage for the subsequent verses in which Paul explains that his previous fervor and persecution of the church were not a result of his own effort, but were part of God's plan to set him apart for a higher purpose.
Paul was a leading figure in Judaism, surpassing many of his peers in his knowledge and practice of the Jewish faith. He was extremely enthusiastic and dedicated to the traditions of his ancestors, which were passed down through generations. This verse provides context for Paul's previous life, contrasting it with his new identity and mission as a follower of Jesus Christ. Paul uses this verse to highlight the depth of his past commitment to Judaism to emphasize the radical nature of God's intervention in his life and his subsequent transformation. |
==galatians 1:15:
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But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace,
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A modern English translation of Galatians 1:15–16 reads: "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being".
Paul declares that God "set me apart from my mother's womb". This is similar to the callings of prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah, suggesting that God's purpose for Paul's life was determined from the very beginning. The verse stresses that Paul's calling was "by his grace," or God's unmerited favor. This highlights that Paul's conversion was not based on any merit or work of his own, but entirely on God's initiative. God was "pleased to reveal his Son in me". Paul's experience on the road to Damascus was a direct, personal revelation from Jesus Christ, not something he learned from other people. The ultimate goal of this revelation was "that I might preach him among the Gentiles". Paul's calling was for a specific mission: to spread the gospel to the non-Jewish world. In the context of the larger letter, this verse is a powerful statement defending Paul's apostolic authority. By asserting that his message and mission came directly from God, he refutes the claims of those who were challenging his gospel. The message is a testament to God's transformative power, showing that God can use anyone—even a former persecutor of the church—for his divine purposes |
==galatians 1:16:
to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
==galatians 1:17:
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
==galatians 1:18:
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.
==galatians 1:19:
But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
==galatians 1:20:
Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
==galatians 1:21:
Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
==galatians 1:22:
And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ
==galatians 1:23:
But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.”
==galatians 1:24:
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And they glorified God in me.
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Before becoming a Christian, Paul (then known as Saul) "persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it". His conversion on the road to Damascus was a well-known event among the early Christian communities. After his conversion, Paul began preaching the very faith he once opposed. In his letter to the Galatians, he emphasizes that his message came directly from a revelation of Jesus Christ, not from any human source. Despite not knowing Paul personally, the churches in Judea heard the reports of his incredible conversion and ministry. Their response was to praise God for the miraculous change in his life. Paul's radical conversion from enemy to apostle was a powerful testament to the transformative power of God's grace. The verse shows that Paul's life and ministry were a living testimony that brought glory to God, not to himself. It was God's work in him that was being praised. The Judean churches' reaction served as an endorsement of Paul's ministry. It showed that his gospel was consistent with what the earliest Christians believed, and that they recognized God's hand at work in him.
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