Galatians 1:20 – “I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul strongly emphasizes that everything he has said so far is the absolute truth. He even calls on God as his witness, declaring that he is not lying. This shows how serious he is about proving his message is authentic and trustworthy.
Paul has been explaining that he did not receive the gospel from human teachers, but directly from Jesus Christ. He is defending his authority as an apostle because some false teachers in Galatia were questioning his credibility. By swearing before God, Paul is making it clear that his testimony is not just his personal opinion—it is the undeniable truth.
This is one of the few times in Paul’s letters where he uses such strong language to confirm that what he is saying is absolutely reliable. He wants the Galatians to know that his gospel message is not a human invention, but God’s truth.
Historical Context
Paul had faced opposition and skepticism ever since his conversion. Many Christians were initially suspicious of him because he had once persecuted the church (Acts 9:26). Some Jewish Christians also doubted his teaching because he preached that Gentiles could be saved without following Jewish laws.
At the time Paul wrote Galatians, false teachers (often called Judaizers) were trying to undermine Paul’s authority by suggesting that his gospel was incomplete or incorrect. These false teachers wanted Gentile Christians to follow Jewish customs, like circumcision, to be fully accepted by God.
Paul knew that if the Galatians doubted him, they might turn away from the true gospel and believe a false message. That’s why he takes such a firm and serious tone in this verse—he is fighting for the truth of the gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Galatians.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important truths:
- Truth matters in the Christian faith. Paul does not just casually say he is telling the truth—he swears before God to emphasize the absolute reliability of his message.
- God is the ultimate witness. By calling on God, Paul is showing that truth is not based on human opinion, but on God’s perfect knowledge.
- Faith is based on revelation, not human authority. Paul wants the Galatians to trust God’s revelation through him, not the opinions of other teachers who contradict the gospel.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s use of “I assure you before God” is a form of an oath, a serious declaration that he is telling the absolute truth. This was a common way in the ancient world to confirm reliability when something was being questioned.
The phrase “what I am writing you is no lie” is direct and forceful. Paul is speaking with urgency, making sure the Galatians understand that his words carry divine authority.
This verse also marks a transition in Paul’s argument. Up to this point, he has been defending his gospel’s origin. Now, he is about to describe his travels and ministry after his conversion, reinforcing how his mission was shaped by God, not by human leaders.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 9:1 – “I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit.” (Paul sometimes used strong statements to affirm truth.)
- 2 Corinthians 11:31 – “The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.” (Paul again calls on God as a witness.)
- Acts 9:26-27 – Paul’s early ministry was met with suspicion, but Barnabas vouched for him before the apostles.
- John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jesus emphasizes the power of truth.)
- 1 Timothy 2:7 – “And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” (Paul again defends his calling.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that truth is central to the Christian faith. In a world where people often twist the gospel or challenge the Bible’s authority, Paul’s words remind us that we must stand firm in God’s truth.
It also teaches us that we should live with integrity. Paul was so confident in the truth of his message that he was willing to call on God as his witness. As Christians, we should also be people whose words and actions reflect the truth, knowing that God sees everything we say and do.
Finally, this verse challenges us to ask: Who are we listening to? The Galatians were being misled by false teachers, and Paul had to remind them to trust God’s revelation, not human opinions. Today, we must be careful to follow the true gospel of Christ and not be deceived by distorted messages.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He does not deceive His people. He gives us clear, reliable truth through His Word. Unlike false teachers who twist the gospel for their own gain, God provides a firm foundation that we can trust completely.
This also shows that God is a God of justice. When Paul calls on God as his witness, he is showing that God holds people accountable for truth and falsehood. God does not tolerate lies, especially when they distort the message of salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus declared Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Paul’s strong commitment to truth reflects the very nature of Christ, who never compromised or changed His message to fit people’s preferences.
Paul’s gospel was centered on Jesus’ death and resurrection, and that message did not need human approval. In the same way, Jesus did not seek approval from religious leaders—He boldly proclaimed the truth of God’s kingdom.
Paul’s defense of his apostleship also mirrors Jesus’ own ministry. Just as Paul’s authority was questioned, Jesus was constantly challenged by religious leaders. Yet both Paul and Jesus stood firm in their divine calling, refusing to change their message for human approval.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul felt the need to swear before God about his truthfulness?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of truth in the Christian faith?
- How can we be sure that we are following the true gospel and not a distorted version?
- What are some modern-day examples of people trying to undermine biblical truth?
- How can we live in a way that reflects the integrity and truthfulness that Paul demonstrated?