Introduction

Galatians opens with Paul's most urgent defense of the gospel. Unlike his other letters, there is no thanksgiving—he moves directly to the crisis. False teachers have introduced a "different gospel," and Paul fights for the truth with fierce determination.

Greeting (verses 1-5)

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead—and all the brothers and sisters with him, to the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

• Divine Commission: Not from humans but from Christ
• Rescue Accomplished: Christ gave Himself for our sins
• Father's Will: Our rescue was God's plan

No Other Gospel (verses 6-10)

Paul is astonished that they are so quickly deserting the One who called them to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing them into confusion and trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if Paul or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one he preached to them, let them be under God's curse! As they have already said, so now he says again: if anybody is preaching a gospel other than what they accepted, let them be under God's curse! Is Paul now trying to win human approval or God's approval? Is he trying to please people? If he were still trying to please people, he would not be a servant of Christ.

• Astonished: Their rapid desertion shocked Paul
• No Other Gospel: There is only one true gospel
• Cursed Perversion: Those who preach another gospel are accursed
• God's Approval: Paul seeks to please God, not people

Paul's Gospel by Revelation (verses 11-24)

Paul wants them to know 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. They have heard of his former life in Judaism—how intensely he persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. He was advancing in Judaism beyond many of his own age among his people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers. But when God, who set him apart from his mother's womb and called him by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in him so that he might preach Him among the Gentiles, Paul did not immediately consult any human being. He did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before him, but went into Arabia. Later he returned to Damascus. Then after three years he went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. He saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. What he writes is true—God is his witness. Then he went to Syria and Cilicia. He was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of him.

Key Takeaways

• One Gospel: Any alteration is perversion
• Divine Revelation: Paul received his gospel directly from Christ
• Transformation Proof: From persecutor to preacher
• God's Approval: Pleasing God, not people, is the goal

Reflection Questions

• Are you holding to the true gospel, or have "other gospels" confused you?
• Do you seek God's approval or human approval?
• How has God transformed you from your "former life"?