Galatians 1

This first chapter, Paul begins his letter by establishing his apostolic authority, clarifying that his calling came directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father. He confronts the Galatians for turning away from the true gospel and warns against false teachings. The chapter highlights Paul's defense of the divine origin of his message and recounts his conversion and early ministry.

Galatians 1:1-2 (NKJV)
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me,
To the churches of Galatia:

Paul emphasizes that his apostleship was not appointed by human authority, but directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father. He underscores his divine calling to remind the Galatians that his teachings are grounded in divine revelation, not human tradition. Paul includes greetings from other believers, indicating a shared concern for the Galatian churches.

Galatians 1:3 (NKJV)
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,

Paul greets the Galatians with a blessing of grace and peace, showing the foundation of their relationship with God. Grace is the unmerited favor from God, and peace is the resulting state of reconciliation through Jesus. These two elements are at the heart of the gospel Paul preaches.

Galatians 1:4-5 (NKJV)
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, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul affirms the central message of the gospel: Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins to rescue us from the corruption of the current age. This act was in accordance with God's will, showing His purpose and plan for salvation. Paul concludes with a doxology, giving glory to God.

Galatians 1:6-7 (NKJV)
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are quickly abandoning the true gospel for a distorted version. He emphasizes that there is no other gospel but Christ's, and any alteration of it leads to error. Those causing confusion among the Galatians are presenting a counterfeit message that undermines the grace of Christ.

Galatians 1:8-9 (NKJV)
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. 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.

Paul issues a stern warning: anyone, even himself or an angel, who preaches a gospel different from the one they received, should be considered accursed. This repetition shows the seriousness of the matter—deviating from the true gospel brings condemnation. Paul stresses the importance of maintaining the purity of the gospel.

Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)
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.

Paul contrasts his former life as a people-pleaser with his current role as a servant of Christ. His mission is to serve God, not to gain human approval. This reinforces that his message is divinely given, not influenced by human opinion. Paul’s loyalty to Christ shows the true source of his authority.

Galatians 1:11-12 (NKJV)
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches was not taught to him by any human but was revealed directly by Jesus Christ. This divine origin of his message distinguishes it from other teachings and highlights its authenticity. Paul defends the authority of his gospel by pointing to its supernatural source.

Galatians 1:13-14 (NKJV)
For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Paul recalls his past as a zealous persecutor of the church and a devout adherent to Jewish traditions. His transformation from a persecutor to an apostle of Christ showcases the power of God’s grace and the profound change that took place in his life. This testimony underscores that Paul's calling was not a human decision but a divine intervention.

Galatians 1:15-16 (NKJV)
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

Paul acknowledges that his conversion and calling were part of God’s predetermined plan, rooted in grace. God revealed His Son in Paul so that he could share the gospel with the Gentiles. Paul's response to this revelation was immediate, and he did not seek human validation for his mission.

Galatians 1:17 (NKJV)
nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

After his conversion, Paul did not consult the apostles in Jerusalem but withdrew to Arabia for a time, likely for reflection and spiritual preparation. He then returned to Damascus to continue his mission. This independence from the Jerusalem apostles highlights the divine origin of his message.

Galatians 1:18-19 (NKJV)
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

Paul recounts that it was only after three years of ministry that he visited Jerusalem and met with Peter and James. This brief visit shows that his gospel was not dependent on the apostles but was confirmed by them. His message remained consistent, further affirming its authenticity.

Galatians 1:20 (NKJV)
(Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

Paul asserts the truthfulness of his account, swearing before God that what he has written is accurate. This emphasizes his integrity and the divine origin of his testimony.

Galatians 1:21-22 (NKJV)
Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.

Paul continues by explaining that after his brief time in Jerusalem, he went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. The believers in Judea did not know him personally, reinforcing that his ministry was largely independent of the Jerusalem church.

Galatians 1:23-24 (NKJV)
But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me.

Though Paul was unknown by face, the churches had heard of his dramatic transformation from persecutor to preacher. His changed life became a testimony to the power of the gospel, causing the believers to glorify God for His work in Paul’s life.