Galatians 1

Unity>Truth?

WEEK 18                                                 Galatians 1

THURSDAY  Reflections

 

Though there is some disagreement over when Paul’s books were written many scholars believe Paul wrote Galatians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians at Corinth. Therefore, we are going to pause our travel through the book of Acts and study these books. Could it have been that besides ministry at Corinth the time not moving from place to place gave Paul time to pen what would be recognized as God inspired?

Love and tolerance are important virtues in the Christian faith but so also is steadfastness in the Faith (the truths of Salvation). Paul makes it very clear in Galatians 1:8-9 he has no tolerance for those that pervert the gospel of salvation. He says not that he is cursing them but he will allow them to be cursed.

The words are strong because the end results are so catastrophic. Paul is saying if they refuse to teach the truth of the gospel (salvation through faith in Christ) then they are going to hell. The idea here is if someone refuses to change let them go but don't follow them.

These words aren't words filled with hate as some would read them but a warning. Like hollering at a child getting ready to fall into traffic. We yell because we are concerned and want the child to know the danger. If we didn't care we wouldn't say a word.

The abuse of this chapter is found in those who condemn everyone who doesn't agree perfectly with their interpretation of the Bible. It is those churches or people who say you don't agree with me then you’re going to hell. There are areas where we can disagree and be tolerant, but there are also groups which say they are Christian but they preach, as Paul would put it, "another gospel."

Gal 1:1  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 

Gal 1:2  And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 

Gal 1:3  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 

Gal 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 

Gal 1:5  To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

No Other Gospel

Gal 1:6  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 

Gal 1:7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 

Gal 1:8  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. 

Gal 1:9  As 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. 

Gal 1:10  For 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. 

Paul Called by God

Gal 1:11  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 

Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Gal 1:13  For 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: 

Gal 1:14  And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 

Gal 1:15  But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 

Gal 1:16  To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 

Gal 1:17  Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 

Gal 1:18  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 

Gal 1:19  But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 

Gal 1:20  Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 

Gal 1:21  Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 

Gal 1:22  And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 

Gal 1:23  But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 

Gal 1:24  And they glorified God in me. 

Photo by Robert Koorenny on Unsplash