Paul’s Opening Letter to the Galatians Divine Calling and True Gospel

By New Prophets Gods Chosen | Jul 29, 2024
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Paul's opening letter to the Galatians highlights his unique role as an apostle chosen not by human authority but directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father. He expresses deep concern over the Galatians’ swift turn from the authentic gospel to a distorted version. With an assertive tone, Paul emphasizes that there is absolutely no other gospel and warns that anyone who preaches a different message should face severe consequences. His defense of the true gospel is rooted in the revelation he received from Jesus, showcasing that his message is divinely inspired, not a human fabrication.


 

Reflecting on his past, Paul recalls his fervent zeal in Judaism and his initial persecution of Christians. However, God, who set him apart even before his birth, called him by grace to reveal His Son to him. After his conversion, Paul did not seek counsel from others but went to Arabia and Damascus instead. It wasn’t until three years later that he met Peter and James in Jerusalem. The transformation of Paul became a powerful testament, leading the churches in Judea to glorify God for the incredible change in his life.

Paul, illuminated by divine light, pens his letter to the Galatians, defending the true gospel amid a backdrop of his transformative encounter on the road to Damascus.

Detailed Description and Explanation of Galatians 1

Verses 1-2: Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia.

Explanation: Paul begins by asserting his apostleship, emphasizing that it is not a human appointment but a divine calling from Jesus Christ and God the Father. This distinction is crucial as Paul establishes his authority to address the Galatians. He also includes the support of fellow believers with him, signaling that his message is endorsed by the early Christian community.

Verses 3-5: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Explanation: Paul offers a greeting of grace and peace, typical in his letters, but with deep theological significance. He reminds the Galatians of Christ’s sacrifice for their sins, emphasizing that this act was in accordance with God's will to rescue them from the evil of the present age. This underscores the divine plan and highlights the centrality of Jesus' sacrifice in the gospel.

Verses 6-7: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Explanation: Paul expresses astonishment at how quickly the Galatians are turning away from the true gospel to follow a distorted version. He clarifies that there is no other gospel, only perversions of the original message. This shift troubles Paul deeply, as it undermines the foundational truths of the faith.

Verses 8-9: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 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.

Explanation: Paul issues a stern warning: anyone, including himself or even an angel, who preaches a different gospel should be accursed. This repetition underscores the severity of the issue and the absolute necessity of preserving the true gospel. Paul’s forceful language reflects the high stakes involved in maintaining doctrinal purity.

Verse 10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Explanation: Paul defends his motives, clarifying that he seeks to please God, not humans. If he were trying to please people, he wouldn’t be a true servant of Christ. This statement reinforces his commitment to divine approval over human acceptance, aligning his message with God’s will.

Verses 11-12: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Explanation: Paul insists that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin but received through a revelation from Jesus Christ. This divine source of his message sets it apart from any human teachings, bolstering its authenticity and authority.

Verses 13-14: For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Explanation: Paul recalls his past as a zealous persecutor of the church, highlighting his fervent commitment to Judaism. This background establishes the dramatic nature of his conversion, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s grace.

Verses 15-16: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Explanation: Paul attributes his conversion and calling to God’s pleasure and grace. God set him apart from birth and called him to reveal Jesus Christ through him. Following this divine revelation, Paul did not seek human counsel but acted in direct response to God’s calling, signifying the immediacy and authority of his mission.

Verses 17-19: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

Explanation: Paul details his actions post-conversion, noting that he did not initially consult with the other apostles in Jerusalem but went to Arabia and then returned to Damascus. Only after three years did he visit Jerusalem to meet Peter and James. This sequence highlights his independence and direct commissioning by Christ.

Verses 20-24: Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me.

Explanation: Paul asserts the truthfulness of his account, invoking God as his witness. He describes his movements to Syria and Cilicia and how he was initially unknown to the Judean churches. However, his reputation preceded him; they knew of his dramatic conversion from persecutor to preacher, leading them to glorify God for the transformation in his life.

Key Lessons

  1. Divine Authority: Paul’s apostleship and gospel message come directly from God, emphasizing the importance of divine authority in ministry.
  2. Adherence to the True Gospel: The urgency of remaining faithful to the true gospel and not being swayed by distorted teachings is crucial.
  3. Transformation by Grace: Paul’s conversion underscores the power of God’s grace to transform lives radically.
  4. Independent Revelation: Paul’s independent reception of the gospel highlights the value of divine revelation over human tradition.
  5. Praise for Transformation: The Judean churches’ praise for Paul’s transformation teaches us to glorify God for the profound changes He brings in individuals’ lives.
     

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