Galatians 1:1-10
Today's Passage: Galatians 1:1-10
Galatians is a stellar example of balance between theology and practicality as Paul writes to the churches in Galatia with some reminders of how to help them best live out their faith.
In the first 5 verses, Paul (as he does in other letters) reminds his audience as to his calling (v. 1), authority (v. 3), purpose (v. 4-5). It’s always import for us to understand why we should listen to and trust the words of Paul (an apostle from Jesus Christ). What comes out at verse 6 is directly tied to what Paul just stated in the first five verses.
Like today, so many people twist the gospel to make it something smooth and palpable, but at the same time unrecognizable to orthodox Christianity.
v. 6: Paul is shocked that these churches are walking away from the grace of Christ to another gospel.
v. 7: Paul reminds the readers of their folly in doing so because there is no such ‘other’ gospel, but only that of Jesus Christ.
v. 8-9: No matter who or what brings a message now, if it is contrary to the scriptures adopted and obeyed by the apostles, any other message is wrong. Funnily enough, many men and even records of “divine” visitations have led to other religions and other holy writings, none of which are true to the original gospel of Christ. Any deviation from scripture should require our deviation from it. Paul even says “accursed” are those who walk away, for there is no truer message than the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and the salvation that comes with it.
V. 10: Paul argues that if he wanted to please man, he might consider walking away too, but he knows that giving his life over to Christ in fulness at the risk of man’s disapproval is far worth it. Herein is the best exhortation/reminder of the first 10 verses:
You can’t follow man and please God. (or vice versa)
As you’ll see in the upcoming passage, being called by God is the reason for Paul’s obedience above all else. It makes me want to mimic Paul’s resolve and do my best to follow Jesus in a world of deviation and unpopularity, knowing that in the end, the gospel stands true and will be worth my devotion.
Written By: Drew Dukes
Galatians is a stellar example of balance between theology and practicality as Paul writes to the churches in Galatia with some reminders of how to help them best live out their faith.
In the first 5 verses, Paul (as he does in other letters) reminds his audience as to his calling (v. 1), authority (v. 3), purpose (v. 4-5). It’s always import for us to understand why we should listen to and trust the words of Paul (an apostle from Jesus Christ). What comes out at verse 6 is directly tied to what Paul just stated in the first five verses.
Like today, so many people twist the gospel to make it something smooth and palpable, but at the same time unrecognizable to orthodox Christianity.
v. 6: Paul is shocked that these churches are walking away from the grace of Christ to another gospel.
v. 7: Paul reminds the readers of their folly in doing so because there is no such ‘other’ gospel, but only that of Jesus Christ.
v. 8-9: No matter who or what brings a message now, if it is contrary to the scriptures adopted and obeyed by the apostles, any other message is wrong. Funnily enough, many men and even records of “divine” visitations have led to other religions and other holy writings, none of which are true to the original gospel of Christ. Any deviation from scripture should require our deviation from it. Paul even says “accursed” are those who walk away, for there is no truer message than the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and the salvation that comes with it.
V. 10: Paul argues that if he wanted to please man, he might consider walking away too, but he knows that giving his life over to Christ in fulness at the risk of man’s disapproval is far worth it. Herein is the best exhortation/reminder of the first 10 verses:
You can’t follow man and please God. (or vice versa)
As you’ll see in the upcoming passage, being called by God is the reason for Paul’s obedience above all else. It makes me want to mimic Paul’s resolve and do my best to follow Jesus in a world of deviation and unpopularity, knowing that in the end, the gospel stands true and will be worth my devotion.
Written By: Drew Dukes
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