Chapter 1
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8But 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.
9As 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.
10For 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.
11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13For 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:
14And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24And they glorified God in me.
“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.”
Overview
Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly turning to a different gospel, and pronounces a double anathema on anyone who preaches a gospel contrary to what they received. He defends his apostleship by declaring that he received his gospel not from man but by direct revelation of Jesus Christ, and recounts his conversion and early years of ministry.
Key Themes
One True Gospel
There is only one gospel, and any deviation from the message of grace through faith in Christ is accursed, no matter who preaches it.
Divine Revelation
Paul's gospel came not by human teaching but by the direct revelation of Jesus Christ, establishing its authority beyond human tradition.
Transformation by Grace
Paul's radical conversion from persecutor to preacher demonstrates the transforming power of God's grace and calling.
Study Questions
Why does Paul pronounce such a severe warning against those who preach a different gospel (vv. 8-9)?
What does Paul mean when he says his gospel came 'by the revelation of Jesus Christ' (v. 12)?
How does Paul's conversion story (vv. 13-16) demonstrate the power of God's grace?
How might Christians today be tempted to turn to 'another gospel' (v. 6)?
What does Paul's emphasis on pleasing God rather than men (v. 10) challenge you to consider?
Connection to Christ
Paul declares that God revealed His Son in him so that he might preach Christ among the Gentiles (v. 16). The gospel is inseparable from the person of Jesus Christ, and Paul's entire apostolic calling is centered on proclaiming Him.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Galatians 1. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?