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Galatians 1

World English Bible

WEB

1Paul, an apostle—not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: 3Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4who 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— 5to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 6I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”, 7but there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. 8But 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. 9As 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. 10For 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. 11But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. 12For I didn’t receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. 13For 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. 14I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace, 16to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus. 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19But of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother. 20Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I’m not lying. 21Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ, 23but they only heard, “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.” 24So they glorified God in me.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Galatians Chapter 1 begins with the Apostle Paul asserting his authority as an apostle, emphasizing that his calling did not come from human sources but directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father. Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly turning away from the gospel he preached to them, which is the true message of grace. He warns them against accepting a different gospel, which he declares is no gospel at all. This strong admonition highlights the importance of adhering to the true teachings of Christ and the danger of false teachings that can lead believers astray. Paul emphasizes that even if an angel from heaven were to preach a different gospel, they should be accursed, underscoring the seriousness of maintaining the integrity of the message of salvation through faith alone.

The chapter also provides insight into Paul's own transformation from a zealous persecutor of the church to a devoted apostle of Christ. He recounts his past life in Judaism, where he was advancing in the ranks and zealously persecuting the church. However, God revealed His Son to Paul, leading to his dramatic conversion. Paul stresses that he did not consult with anyone after his conversion but went away to Arabia and later returned to Damascus. This personal testimony serves to validate his authority and the divine origin of his message. The chapter concludes with Paul affirming that he is known by the churches of Judea, not for his past, but for his new identity in Christ, which brings glory to God. This transformation illustrates the power of the gospel to change lives and the importance of remaining steadfast in the faith.

#Galatians #ApostlePaul #Gospel #Grace #Conversion #Faith

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Referenced by

  1. 1 Kings 13:18v81 Kings 13:18 shows the old prophet deceiving the man of God, which parallels Galatians 1:8 where Paul warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what was originally preached, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's true word.
  2. Acts 9:15v15Acts 9:15 describes God's choice of Saul as a chosen instrument to carry His name. In Galatians 1:15-16, Paul reflects on his calling, emphasizing God's grace and purpose in his life.
  3. Acts 9:20v23Acts 9:20 shows Saul immediately preaching Jesus as the Son of God. In Galatians 1:23, Paul notes how people were amazed that he who once persecuted the church now preaches the faith.
  4. 1 Corinthians 16:22v81 Corinthians 16:22 pronounces a curse on anyone who does not love the Lord, similar to Galatians 1:8-9, where Paul declares a curse on anyone preaching a different gospel.
  5. 1 Thessalonians 2:4v10In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul emphasizes that he speaks to please God, not men, which aligns with Galatians 1:10 where Paul states that if he were trying to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ.
  6. 2 John 1:10v82 John 1:10 advises not to receive those who do not bring the doctrine of Christ, similar to Paul's warning in Galatians 1:8-9 against accepting any other gospel, stressing the importance of doctrinal purity.

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