Greeting and Introduction (Galatians 1:1-5)

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

Paul opens his letter to the Galatians by asserting his authority as an apostle not from human commission or through human authority, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. This introduction underscores the divine backing of his message and mission, setting the stage for the correction he is about to deliver to the Galatian churches (Galatians 1:1).

Grace and Peace

Paul extends a greeting of grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice: to rescue us from the present evil age according to the will of our God and Father. This statement highlights the redemptive work of Christ and God’s overarching plan for humanity (Galatians 1:3-5).

Paul’s Astonishment at the Galatians’ Apostasy (Galatians 1:6-10)

Deserting the Gospel

Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly deserting the one who called them by the grace of Christ for a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. He is concerned that they are easily swayed by those who want to pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7).

Warning Against Distortion

Reiterating the seriousness of the matter, Paul states that even if an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one he preached to them, let them be under God’s curse. His repetition of this anathema underscores his commitment to the purity of the gospel message and the gravity of adhering to it without distortion (Galatians 1:8-9).

Seeking God’s Approval

In addressing accusations likely made against him, Paul clarifies that he is not trying to win the approval of human beings, but of God. He rhetorically asks if he is seeking human approval or trying to please people, concluding that if he were still trying to please people, he would not be a servant of Christ. This distinction emphasizes his allegiance to divine rather than human judgment (Galatians 1:10).

Paul’s Divine Revelation and Apostolic Mission (Galatians 1:11-24)

Source of the Gospel

Paul declares that the gospel he preached is not of human origin. He did not receive it from any man, nor was he taught it; rather, he received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. This direct revelation is crucial for establishing the supernatural and authoritative nature of his message (Galatians 1:11-12).

Paul’s Former Life and Conversion

Detailing his past, Paul recounts his former life in Judaism, how intensely he persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. He contrasts this with the dramatic transformation that occurred after God, who had set him apart from birth and called him by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in him so that he might preach among the Gentiles (Galatians 1:13-16).

Independent Apostolic Ministry

After his conversion, Paul did not consult any human being, nor did he go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before him. Instead, he went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. This independence from the Jerusalem apostles highlights that his apostolic commission and message were divinely granted, not humanly orchestrated (Galatians 1:17).

Later Interactions with Apostles

Paul’s later visit to Jerusalem, three years after his conversion, to get acquainted with Cephas (Peter), and his brief interaction with James, the Lord’s brother, show his eventual connection with other apostles, though he was not a direct disciple of any. His ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia, where he was personally unknown to many churches of Judea, underscores the independent yet harmonious nature of his work with that of the broader apostolic community. The Judean churches glorified God because of him, recognizing the grace at work in his life (Galatians 1:18-24).

Theological Significance

Connection to Jesus Christ

Galatians 1 strongly emphasizes Paul’s direct connection to Jesus Christ as the source of his gospel. His apostolic authority and the message of grace he preaches are rooted in Christ’s revelation and redemptive work, highlighting the supremacy of Christ in salvation and Christian identity.

God’s Love for the World

The chapter reveals God’s love through the transformation of Paul from a persecutor of the church to a prominent apostle to the Gentiles. This dramatic change illustrates God’s willingness to use unexpected people to carry out His purposes, demonstrating His powerful, redeeming love that reaches beyond cultural and religious boundaries.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, Galatians 1 remains critically important as it addresses the purity of the gospel against distortions and emphasizes the importance of divine revelation over human traditions. It calls believers to guard the truth of the gospel carefully and to rely on the transformative power of God’s grace rather than human approval. Paul’s life serves as a testament to the radical change that the true gospel can bring, encouraging fidelity to God’s call, regardless of past identity or societal pressures.

Conclusion

Galatians 1 not only serves as a robust defense of Paul’s apostolic authority and the divine origin of his gospel but also as a foundational reminder of the central tenets of Christian faith—grace, transformation, and the call to a life that glorifies God above all else.