Acts 9:1-19
The account of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, which provides context for his testimony in Galatians 1.

2 Corinthians 11:4
A warning against accepting a different gospel or spirit, similar to Paul's warning in Galatians.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
A concise summary of the Gospel message that Paul preached.Paul's Apostolic Authority
Paul begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1). This establishes the divine origin of his message.

The One True Gospel
Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel (Galatians 1:6). He emphasizes that there is no other gospel.

Condemnation of False Gospels
Paul strongly condemns any distortion of the Gospel, stating, If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! (Galatians 1:9).

Paul's Transformation
Paul shares his personal testimony, highlighting his former life in Judaism and his dramatic conversion, which underscores the transformative power of the Gospel (Galatians 1:13-16).

Divine Revelation
Paul emphasizes that his understanding of the Gospel came through a revelation of Jesus Christ, not from human teaching (Galatians 1:11-12).Guard the Gospel
Be vigilant in preserving the purity of the Gospel message in your own life and in your community.

Discernment
Develop discernment to recognize and reject false teachings that may distort the Gospel.

Personal Testimony
Reflect on your own journey of faith and how the Gospel has transformed your life. Share your testimony with others.

Authority of Scripture
Trust in the authority of Scripture as the ultimate guide for understanding the Gospel and living out your faith.1. Paul
Description: The author of the letter, Paul identifies himself as "an apostle—not sent from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1). The Greek term for apostle, "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos), signifies one who is sent with a commission.

2. Jesus Christ
Description: Referred to as the one who, along with God the Father, appointed Paul as an apostle. Paul emphasizes the divine origin of his apostleship through Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1).

3. God the Father
Description: Mentioned as the one who raised Jesus from the dead and who, along with Jesus Christ, appointed Paul as an apostle (Galatians 1:1).

4. The brothers with Paul
Description: Paul mentions "all the brothers with me" (Galatians 1:2), indicating fellow believers who are with him as he writes the letter. The Greek term "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi) can mean brothers or fellow believers.

5. The churches of Galatia
Description: While not a person, the churches are the recipients of the letter. Paul addresses his letter to "the churches of Galatia" (Galatians 1:2), indicating the collective body of believers in that region.

6. James
Description: Referred to as "the Lord’s brother" (Galatians 1:19). James is a significant figure in the early church, often identified as James the Just, a leader in the Jerusalem church. The Greek term "ἀδελφός" (adelphos) is used here, which can mean brother in a familial sense.

7. Cephas (Peter)
Description: Mentioned as one of the apostles Paul visited in Jerusalem. Paul states, "I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother" (Galatians 1:18-19). Cephas is the Aramaic name for Peter, an apostle and prominent leader in the early church.1. Galatia
Paul addresses the "churches of Galatia" (Galatians 1:2). Galatia was a region in central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The term "Galatia" can refer to either the geographical area or the Roman province, which included parts of Phrygia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia. The churches in this region were among the early recipients of Paul's missionary work.

2. Jerusalem
Paul mentions going to Jerusalem in the context of his conversion and early ministry. He states, "I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me" (Galatians 1:17). Later, he notes, "Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas" (Galatians 1:18). Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life and the location of the early Christian church's leadership.

3. Damascus
Paul refers to his journey to Damascus, saying, "I went into Arabia, and later returned to Damascus" (Galatians 1:17). Damascus is an ancient city in Syria, significant in early Christian history as the place where Paul experienced his dramatic conversion on the road.

4. Arabia
Paul mentions going to Arabia after his conversion: "I went into Arabia" (Galatians 1:17). The exact location and duration of Paul's time in Arabia are not specified, but it is generally understood to be the region east of the Jordan River, possibly including parts of the Nabataean kingdom.

5. Syria and Cilicia
Paul writes, "I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia" (Galatians 1:21). Cilicia was a Roman province in southeastern Asia Minor, where Paul's hometown of Tarsus was located. Syria was a neighboring region to the north of Israel, encompassing cities like Antioch, which became a significant center for early Christianity.1. Paul's Apostolic Authority
Paul begins by asserting his apostolic authority, stating that he is "an apostle—not sent from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1). The Greek term "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos) emphasizes his role as a messenger or one who is sent with authority.

2. Greeting to the Churches of Galatia
Paul extends grace and peace to the churches in Galatia, emphasizing the divine source of these blessings: "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:3). The Greek words "χάρις" (charis) for grace and "εἰρήνη" (eirēnē) for peace highlight the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers.

3. Christ's Sacrificial Act
Paul reminds the Galatians of Christ's sacrifice: "who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4). The Greek verb "ἔδωκεν" (edōken) underscores the voluntary nature of Christ's giving.

4. Astonishment at Turning to a Different Gospel
Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel: "I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6). The Greek word "μετατίθεσθε" (metatithesthe) indicates a change or transfer of allegiance.

5. Condemnation of False Gospels
Paul condemns any gospel contrary to what he preached: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!" (Galatians 1:8). The Greek term "ἀνάθεμα" (anathema) signifies being accursed or devoted to destruction.

6. Paul's Motivation to Please God, Not Men
Paul clarifies his motivation: "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). The Greek word "δοῦλος" (doulos) for servant implies a bondservant or one who is wholly devoted to another's will.

7. The Divine Origin of Paul's Gospel
Paul asserts that his gospel is not of human origin: "I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:12). The Greek "ἀποκάλυψις" (apokalypsis) refers to a revelation or unveiling.

8. Paul's Former Life in Judaism
Paul recounts his past in Judaism: "For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it" (Galatians 1:13). The Greek "διώκω" (diōkō) means to persecute or pursue with intent to harm.

9. God's Call and Revelation to Paul
Paul describes God's call: "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me" (Galatians 1:15-16). The Greek "ἀφορίζω" (aphorizō) means to set apart or appoint.

10. Paul's Journey to Arabia and Return to Damascus
Paul recounts his journey: "I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus" (Galatians 1:16-17).

11. Visit to Jerusalem and Meeting with Cephas
After three years, Paul visits Jerusalem: "Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days" (Galatians 1:18). "Κηφᾶς" (Kēphas) is the Aramaic name for Peter.

12. Limited Interaction with Other Apostles
Paul notes limited interaction with other apostles: "But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother" (Galatians 1:19).

13. Paul's Ministry in Syria and Cilicia
Paul describes his ministry: "I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia" (Galatians 1:21).

14. Unknown by Face to Judean Churches
Paul was unknown by face to the Judean churches: "I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ" (Galatians 1:22).

15. Praise to God for Paul's Transformation
The churches glorified God because of Paul's transformation: "They only heard the account: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.' And they glorified God because of me" (Galatians 1:23-24). The Greek "δοξάζω" (doxazō) means to glorify or honor.1. Paul's Apostolic Authority (Galatians 1:1-2)
Paul begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, emphasizing that his calling is "not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1). The Greek term "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos) signifies one who is sent with a commission, underscoring Paul's divine appointment.

2. Greeting and Blessing (Galatians 1:3-5)
Paul extends grace and peace to the Galatians, highlighting the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ "who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age" (Galatians 1:4). The Greek word "χάρις" (charis) for grace and "εἰρήνη" (eirēnē) for peace reflect the unmerited favor and tranquility bestowed by God.

3. Astonishment at Desertion (Galatians 1:6-7)
Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are "so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6). The Greek "μετατίθεσθε" (metatithesthe) implies a transfer or change of allegiance, indicating a serious deviation from the true gospel.

4. Condemnation of False Gospels (Galatians 1:8-9)
Paul strongly condemns any gospel contrary to what he preached, stating, "let him be under a curse!" (Galatians 1:8). The Greek term "ἀνάθεμα" (anathema) signifies being accursed or devoted to destruction, underscoring the severity of distorting the gospel.

5. Pleasing God, Not Man (Galatians 1:10)
Paul clarifies his motivation, asserting, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). The Greek "δοῦλος" (doulos) for servant indicates a bondservant or slave, emphasizing total devotion to Christ over human approval.

6. Divine Revelation of the Gospel (Galatians 1:11-12)
Paul insists that the gospel he preached is "not devised by man" but received "by a revelation from Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:12). The Greek "ἀποκάλυψις" (apokalypsis) for revelation denotes an unveiling or disclosure directly from God.

7. Paul's Former Life in Judaism (Galatians 1:13-14)
Paul recounts his past zeal for Judaism, stating, "I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries" (Galatians 1:14). The Greek "Ἰουδαϊσμός" (Ioudaismos) refers to the Jewish religion, highlighting Paul's deep roots and transformation.

8. God's Call and Purpose (Galatians 1:15-16)
Paul describes his divine calling, "God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace" (Galatians 1:15). The Greek "ἀφορίζω" (aphorizō) for set apart indicates a divine selection for a specific purpose.

9. Paul's Early Ministry (Galatians 1:17-24)
Paul outlines his early ministry journey, emphasizing his independence from the Jerusalem apostles, "I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was" (Galatians 1:17). This section underscores the divine origin and authority of Paul's mission, independent of human endorsement.1. Apostolic Authority
Paul begins by asserting his authority as an apostle, "not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father" (Galatians 1:1). This emphasizes the divine origin of his apostleship, distinguishing it from human appointment. The Greek word "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos) underscores his role as a messenger sent directly by Christ.

2. The Gospel of Grace
Paul emphasizes the true gospel, which is centered on grace and peace from God (Galatians 1:3-4). He warns against turning to a different gospel, highlighting the unmerited favor ("χάρις" - charis) that is foundational to Christian faith.

3. Condemnation of False Gospels
Paul strongly condemns any distortion of the gospel, stating, "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!" (Galatians 1:9). The Greek term "ἀνάθεμα" (anathema) indicates a severe divine judgment on those who pervert the gospel.

4. Pleasing God, Not Man
Paul declares his commitment to serving Christ rather than seeking human approval: "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). This theme highlights the Greek concept of "δοῦλος" (doulos), meaning a bondservant or slave, emphasizing total devotion to Christ.

5. Divine Revelation
Paul recounts how he received the gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ, not from human sources (Galatians 1:11-12). The Greek word "ἀποκάλυψις" (apokalypsis) refers to an unveiling or disclosure directly from God, underscoring the divine origin of his message.

6. Transformation and Calling
Paul shares his personal transformation from a persecutor of the church to an apostle, highlighting God's grace and calling: "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me" (Galatians 1:15-16). This reflects the Hebrew concept of being set apart ("קָדַשׁ" - qadash) for a divine purpose.

7. Independence from Human Authority
Paul emphasizes his independence from the original apostles, stating that he did not consult them immediately after his conversion (Galatians 1:16-17). This underscores his direct commission from Christ and the authenticity of his message.

8. Validation of Apostolic Ministry
Paul describes his eventual meeting with Peter and James, affirming his ministry's legitimacy and alignment with the Jerusalem apostles (Galatians 1:18-19). This theme highlights the unity and continuity of the apostolic witness.1. In Galatians 1:1, how does Paul’s claim of direct apostleship from Jesus align with historical evidence that Jesus was no longer physically present on Earth?

2. In Galatians 1:11–12, Paul insists he received his gospel through a revelation from Christ; how can such a private claim be validated historically or scientifically?

3. In Galatians 1:13–14, Paul describes his extreme zeal in Judaism; is there any archaeological or historical data confirming his reputed prominence?

4. In Galatians 1:17–18, Paul says he did not go to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion, yet Acts 9 suggests otherwise; how do we reconcile this conflict?

5. In Galatians 1:19, Paul mentions meeting only James, yet Acts 9 suggests he encountered other apostles; which account is correct?

1. How does Paul's greeting to the Galatians establish his apostolic authority and the central message of the Gospel?

2. How does Paul's astonishment at the Galatians' desertion challenge our commitment to the true Gospel?

3. What does Paul's firm stand against any distortion of the Gospel teach us about preserving the purity of the Gospel message?

4. How can we apply Paul's strong words against false gospels to discern truth in our spiritual lives today?

5. How does Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle demonstrate God's grace and power?

6. How does the recounting of Paul's past life influence your understanding of personal transformation in Christ?

7. In what ways does Paul's divine commission inspire you in your Christian walk?

8. How can you, like Paul, defend the truth of the Gospel in your personal, professional, and spiritual life?

9. How does Paul's focus on divine approval over human approval apply to present day living?

10. How can we discern the purity of the Gospel in a world filled with varying interpretations and doctrines?

11. How does the concept of grace appear in Paul's conversion and his subsequent work?

12. Reflect on a time when you had to defend your faith. How did you draw strength from God during this time?

13. How does Paul's early life contrast with his life after his encounter with Christ, and what does it tell us about God's transformative power?

14. How can we maintain fidelity to the true Gospel in the face of pressures to conform to societal standards or alternate religious interpretations?

15. How do the churches' reactions to Paul's conversion inspire you in your own faith community?

16. How does Paul's life inspire us to serve God, irrespective of our past?

17. What does this chapter teach us about the seriousness of deviating from the true Gospel message?

18. How does Paul's transition from Judaism to Christianity inform our understanding of his mission and dedication to Christ?

19. How can Paul's affirmation of the Gospel's divine origin strengthen our confidence in its truth and reliability?

20. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not swayed from the true Gospel, as some in the Galatian church were?