What is the meaning of Galatians 1:10? Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Paul opens with a pointed question that forces us to examine whose applause we value. • The word “now” reminds the Galatians of the drastic change in Paul’s life—he once pursued human approval as a zealous Pharisee (Acts 9:1–2), but no longer. • By contrasting “men” and “God,” he frames every motive in terms of two audiences. Jesus used the same stark contrast in Matthew 6:1 when warning against practicing righteousness “before men to be seen by them.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 mirrors Paul’s thinking: “We speak not to please men, but God, who tests our hearts.” God alone sees the inner motive, so His approval is all-important. • This question invites personal reflection: in my choices, conversations, and ministry, do I look first for God’s smile or people’s affirmation? Or am I striving to please men? Paul repeats the idea to expose how subtle people-pleasing can be. • The verb “striving” pictures sustained effort. Pleasing people can become a driving ambition, as seen in John 12:42-43 where many leaders “loved praise from men more than praise from God.” • People-pleasing often disguises itself as kindness or diplomacy, yet Scripture warns that it can dilute truth (Proverbs 29:25). • Colossians 3:23 redirects our striving: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” • By asking twice, Paul exposes the tug-of-war inside every believer and urges us to settle the matter decisively. If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Paul closes with an unyielding conclusion: the two pursuits are mutually exclusive. • “Still” points back to his pre-conversion life; that chapter closed on the Damascus Road (Acts 26:14-18). • A “servant” (literally bond-slave) has a single master. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). Divided loyalties cancel true discipleship. • Paul’s life illustrates the cost: beatings, imprisonments, and rejection proved he was not currying favor with people (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). • The gospel itself offends human pride by insisting on grace alone (Galatians 5:11). Remaining faithful to that message will inevitably invite human displeasure—and divine commendation (2 Timothy 4:7-8). summary Galatians 1:10 sets a clear line in the sand: we live either for the fleeting approval of people or for the eternal approval of God. Paul’s transformation shows that once Christ becomes Master, the applause of men loses its grip. Our calling is to serve Christ with undivided hearts, confident that His “Well done” outweighs every human opinion. |
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