Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is making it clear that his mission is to serve God, not to gain the approval of people. He asks two rhetorical questions: Is he seeking the approval of men or of God? Is he trying to please people? The obvious answer is that he is serving God, no matter what people think.

Paul knows that following Christ often means facing opposition. The false teachers in Galatia were twisting the gospel to make it more appealing to their audience. They added Jewish laws and customs, possibly to avoid offending Jewish believers. But Paul refuses to do the same. He is committed to preaching the true gospel, even if it makes him unpopular.

He then makes a powerful statement: “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This tells us that being a faithful follower of Jesus requires loyalty to God above all else. If Paul had been concerned with popularity, he would have watered down the gospel to make it more acceptable. Instead, he boldly speaks the truth, knowing that his first duty is to God.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, many religious leaders sought the approval of others. The Pharisees, for example, were known for their outward displays of righteousness and their desire for public praise (Matthew 23:5-7). Even among early Christians, there were some who wanted to change the gospel slightly to make it more appealing or to avoid persecution.

Paul himself had once been a Pharisee. Before his conversion, he had been highly respected among Jewish leaders (Philippians 3:4-6). He knew what it meant to seek human approval. But after encountering Jesus, his life changed completely. Now, instead of seeking the praise of men, he was willing to suffer for the sake of Christ.

This was especially relevant in Galatia, where false teachers (Judaizers) were changing the gospel message to avoid conflict. They wanted to fit Christianity into Jewish traditions so they would not be rejected by Jewish communities. But Paul reminds the Galatians that faithfulness to Christ is more important than pleasing people.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths:

1. Christians serve God, not public opinion. The gospel is not meant to be adjusted to fit cultural trends or personal preferences. Our job is to remain faithful to God’s truth.
2. Pleasing people and serving Christ are often in conflict. Many times, standing for biblical truth will make us unpopular. Paul reminds us that we must choose whom we serve—God or human approval.
3. Faithfulness to God requires boldness. Paul was willing to face persecution and rejection because his commitment was to God, not to the opinions of others. True followers of Christ must be willing to do the same.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of rhetorical questions in this verse forces the reader to consider where their own loyalties lie. The structure of the verse builds in intensity—first, he asks whether he is seeking approval from men or God, then he clarifies that trying to please people is incompatible with being a true servant of Christ.

The word “servant” (Greek: doulos) means a bondservant or slave—someone fully devoted to their master. This word choice is significant because it shows Paul’s complete commitment to Jesus. A servant does not act based on personal preference but on obedience to their master.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (You cannot serve both God and human approval.)
• John 12:43 – “For they loved human praise more than praise from God.” (A warning against seeking human approval over God’s approval.)
• 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” (Paul’s consistent message—our focus should be on pleasing God.)
• Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Our work and service should be for God, not for the approval of people.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

In today’s world, there is constant pressure to compromise biblical truth to fit in. Many people adjust their beliefs to avoid criticism, whether it’s on moral issues, biblical authority, or the exclusivity of Christ. Paul’s words remind us that faithfulness to God is more important than popularity.

This is especially relevant in the age of social media, where people often seek validation from likes, shares, and public approval. But Christianity is not about winning popularity contests—it’s about standing firm in God’s truth.

This verse challenges every believer to ask: Am I living to please God, or am I living to please people? If we are faithful to Christ, we must be willing to stand firm, even if it means rejection, criticism, or loss of status.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first glance, this verse might not seem to focus on God’s love, but it actually reflects His deep care for His people. God’s love is not based on human opinions. Unlike the world, which constantly changes its standards, God’s love is steady and unchanging.

This verse also shows that true love involves truth. God does not change His message to make it more appealing—He gives people the truth they need, even when it is hard to accept. Paul’s commitment to preaching the true gospel, even when it was unpopular, was a reflection of God’s love for His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus Himself modeled what Paul is talking about in this verse. He never changed His message to gain favor with the crowds. Instead, He preached the truth, even when it led to rejection, persecution, and ultimately, the cross.

• John 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (Jesus warns that following Him will make us unpopular.)
• Luke 6:26 – “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” (Seeking human approval can be a dangerous path.)
• Mark 8:34-35 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Following Christ requires full devotion.)

Paul understood that to serve Jesus, he had to let go of his desire to please people. This is a challenge for every Christian—to live for Christ rather than for the world’s approval.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What are some ways people today try to change the gospel to make it more acceptable?
2. Why is it so tempting to seek human approval rather than God’s approval?
3. How can we develop the courage to stand for Christ even when it is unpopular?
4. Are there any areas in your life where you have been compromising to please people?
5. How does Jesus’ example encourage us to stay faithful to the truth?