Galatians 1:1-10
Q.1. Who called Paul to minister? What did he tell us about Jesus? To whom was the letter written? Why did God send His Son? – (Gal.1:1-5)
Paul was clear that he was – not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father (Gal.1:1). He commenced with the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father (Gal.1:4) and that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Gal.1:1). He wrote – to the churches of Galatia … in modern day Turkey (Gal.1:2). On the basis of the Gospel, God had extended His grace and peace (Gal.1:3). Therefore, all glory belongs to Him (Gal.1:5).
Q.2. What issue did Paul raise with the church? Why did he condemn those who distort the Gospel? How did Paul view himself? – (Gal.1:6-10)
Paul would go on to expose the Judaizers (i.e. Jewish legalists) who had infiltrated the churches in Galatia (Gal.1:6). He was – 6 … amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another … (Gal.1:6-7). This different Gospel was actually no Gospel at all. (Gal.1:7). He was so convinced about the Gospel that he brought to the churches, he declared in the strongest terms that – even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! (Gal.1:8 c.f. Gal.1:9). Not even Paul had the right to change the Gospel. Paul considered himself as a slave with no rights. He was not trying to gain the favour of either men or God (c.f. Gal.1:10). The reason for this strong assertion was simple. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ has power to save.