Galatians 1 | “Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through human agency, but through Jesus the Messiah and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead)”

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Galatians, Galatians 1, Jesus, Summary

Read Galatians 1 here: Galatians 1 NASB – Introduction – Paul, an apostle

Embracing Freedom: Lessons from Galatians 1

Why this is important: In the timeless words of the Apostle Paul, the book of Galatians stands as a beacon of spiritual wisdom and guidance. As we delve into the profound insights offered in Galatians 1, we embark on a journey of faith, understanding, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 1: The opening verse sets the stage, revealing the divine authority of Paul’s apostleship, not by the will of man but through Jesus Christ and God the Father. This crucial foundation invites us to reflect on the source of our own callings and the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit in shaping our destinies.

Verse 3: Grace and peace, gifts freely bestowed upon us by God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In this verse, we are reminded of the profound nature of these divine gifts. Grace, an unmerited favor, and peace, a serene harmony that transcends worldly understanding, are the cornerstones of our Christian journey. The Holy Spirit is the conduit through which these gifts flow abundantly into our lives.

Verses 6-7: Paul’s concern for the Galatian believers is palpable as he addresses the danger of straying from the true gospel. Here, we find a poignant reminder of the need to guard our faith against external influences that threaten to distort the purity of the message. The Holy Spirit, our ever-present guide, serves as the compass navigating us through the murky waters of false teachings.

Verse 10: A powerful declaration of allegiance to the divine audience – Paul seeks to please God, not men. This verse challenges us to reflect on our own motivations, urging us to prioritize the approval of our heavenly Father over the fleeting affirmations of the world. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk boldly in our convictions, even when faced with societal pressures.

Verse 11-12: Divine Revelation and Paul’s Calling In these verses, Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches is not a human invention but a divine revelation from Jesus Christ himself. His life was dramatically altered when the glorified Savior appeared to him, unveiling a purpose beyond anything he could have imagined. This encounter serves as a cornerstone, highlighting the importance of personal revelation in our spiritual journey.

Verse 13-14: From Persecutor to Proclaimer Paul vividly recalls his former life marked by zealous persecution of the early Christian church. His relentless pursuit of the followers of Jesus was fueled by misguided zeal until the grace of Christ intervened. This transformation underscores the limitless nature of God’s grace, reaching even the most hardened hearts and turning persecutors into passionate proclaimers of the gospel.

Verse 15-16: Set Apart for a Divine Purpose The divine calling is not only a redirection but a divine setting apart. Paul’s life was consecrated for a unique purpose, demonstrating the sovereignty of God in choosing vessels for His kingdom work. As disciples of Jesus, we are reminded that our lives have a purpose beyond the ordinary, and through the Holy Spirit, we are set apart to fulfill God’s grand design.

Verse 17-18: Commissioning and Learning in Solitude Following his conversion, Paul did not immediately engage with other apostles. Instead, he retreated into a period of solitude, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and commission him. This illustrates the significance of quiet seasons in our lives, where we can grow in intimacy with God, grasp the depths of His Word, and be empowered for our unique calling.

Verse 19-24: Affirmation and Harmony in the Body In this final segment, Paul recounts his limited interactions with the apostles, particularly James, the Lord’s brother. The unity and affirmation he received from these leaders demonstrate the importance of harmony within the body of believers. Paul’s story encourages us to seek affirmation and support from fellow believers, fostering a sense of unity and purpose in our collective journey of faith.

Here is some great insight from Jon Courson.

Paul always began his Epistles in one of two ways: To the Romans and the Philippians, to Titus and Philemon, he introduced himself as a servant, or prisoner of Christ. To the Corinthians and the Ephesians, to the Colossians and the Galatians, he presented himself as an apostle. Why? Because to those who embraced and welcomed his ministry, he was a servant; but to those who challenged his authority, he was an apostle, a “sent one” of Jesus Christ.

Thus, even the opening verse of this letter underscores the fact that Paul’s enemies—those who taught the “three R’s of religion”: rules, regulations, and rituals—sought to undermine the ministry of grace in the region of Galatia by questioning the authority of Paul. This still happens today. When someone wants to subvert a ministry, he invariably slanders the minister—especially if he can’t argue proficiently against the doctrine. Paul’s enemies were no exception. They continually challenged his authority, saying, “He doesn’t have the credentials to teach as he does.”

So, too, the religionist comes to us, saying, “You believe in Jesus? That’s great. So do I. But there’s a little more to it than that.”

“Really? Then how is man saved?” I ask.

“Well, believe in Jesus Christ and join our church,” or, “Believe in Jesus Christ and sell magazines,” or, “Believe in Jesus Christ and wear holy underwear.”

Whenever you hear the word and in conjunction with belief, you know you’re talking to a religionist. Jesus said it all boils down to only one thing: Believe on Him whom the Father hath sent (John 5:24). Put your trust in Him. Keep focused on Him. Open your heart to Him, for He alone is the basis of true faith.

Source: Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 1161–1162.

The bottom line: As we conclude our journey through Galatians 1, we stand on the firm foundation of God’s grace, guided by the Holy Spirit. The chapters to follow will unravel deeper truths, but the essence remains the same – a call to embrace the freedom found in Christ, anchored in the unyielding power of the Holy Spirit. May this exploration of Galatians 1 inspire and strengthen your faith, propelling you into a deeper relationship with the Triune God.