Galatians 1
Galatians 1 is the opening of Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, containing a strong emphasis on the legitimacy of his apostleship and the essence of the gospel. Paul makes clear that he was not appointed by people or human authority, but directly called by Jesus Christ and God the Father (verses 1–5). After firmly establishing the foundation of his apostleship, he then expresses deep concern and issues a warning that the believers in the Galatian churches have begun to follow another gospel (verses 6–10). He goes on to briefly explain the background of his conversion and ministry, emphasizing that his gospel did not come from humans, but was received by revelation (verses 11–24).
1versePaul, an apostle—not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
2verseand all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia:
3verseGrace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4versewho gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father—
5verseto whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
6verseI marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”,
7versebut there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
8verseBut even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
9verseAs we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.
10verseFor am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
11verseBut I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.
12verseFor I didn’t receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
13verseFor you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God and ravaged it.
14verseI advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15verseBut when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace,
16verseto reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17versenor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.
18verseThen after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
19verseBut of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother.
20verseNow about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying.
21verseThen I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22verseI was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,
23versebut they only heard, “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”
24verseSo they glorified God in me.
Structure of Galatians Chapter 1
- Verses 1–5: Greetings and benediction. Paul makes it clear that his apostleship comes from God, and he prays for the grace and peace of the gospel.
- Verses 6–10: Warning against another gospel. Paul expresses astonishment that the believers have turned away from the gospel and are following another gospel, and he declares that whoever—whether people or even an angel—preaches another gospel will be cursed.
- Verses 11–24: The origin of Paul’s apostleship and his ministry. Paul states that the gospel he preached did not come from humans, and he confirms this through his transformation and the journey of his ministry.
The Entire Message of Galatians Chapter 1
The core of this chapter is the emphasis on the purity of the gospel and Paul’s personal calling. Paul argues that the gospel must be received not by human standards or traditions, but as God’s revelation. He also leaves behind deep reflection on how believers should protect the steadfastness of their faith and remain in the pure gospel when false teachings or distorted messages enter the faith community. Through Paul’s process of conversion, we also see how God calls each person and the importance of living a life of obedience within that calling.
Meditation Points
- Let’s check whether the gospel I am hearing and following right now is a pure gospel that comes from Jesus Christ.
- When the essence of the gospel is shaken, let’s think about what attitude I should take.
- Let’s reflect on where and for what purpose God called me.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In everyday life, what small practice could I do to keep the purity of the gospel?
- I will be able to apply to my life the meaning of living truthfully before God rather than before people’s eyes.
