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By: Rich Puckett

As with most of my studies, my comments are in red. The blue is from Matthew Henrys and Believers Study Bible commentary. As in every book of the bible there is much for us to learn. Paul was one of the great teachers he spends a lot of time trying to show us that Law had its place until Grace came into effect by Jesus. He also shows a lot about how we should live and what God expects from us. As you study this book try and relate it to you and our times.

Galatians: The churches in Galatia were formed partly of converted Jews, and partly of Gentile converts, as was generally the case. St. Paul asserts his apostolic character and the doctrines he taught, that he might confirm the Galatian churches in the faith of Christ, especially with respect to the important point of justification by faith alone. Thus the subject is mainly the same as that which is discussed in the epistle to the Romans, that is, justification by faith alone. In this epistle, however, attention is particularly directed to the point, that men are justified by faith without the works of the law of Moses. Of the importance of the doctrines prominently set forth in this epistle, Luther thus speaks: "We have to fear as the greatest and nearest danger, lest Satan take from us this doctrine of faith, and bring into the church again the doctrine of works and of men's traditions. Wherefore it is very necessary that this doctrine be kept in continual practice and public exercise, both of reading and hearing. If this doctrine be lost, then is also the doctrine of truth, life and salvation, lost and gone."

Galatians 1: (v. 1-5) The apostle Paul asserts his apostolic character against such as lessened it.

(v. 6-9) He reproves the Galatians for revolting from the gospel of Christ under the influence of evil teachers.

(v. 10-14) He proves the Divine authority of his doctrine and mission; and declares what he was before his conversion and calling.

(v. 15-24) And how he proceeded after it.

The apostle Paul asserts his apostolic character against such as lessened it

Paul often mentions his calling, I believe that all men who preach the gospel must be called of God and filled with his spirit or else they are just trained speakers. When God calls you know it, and when you answer he provides you with the tools you need to get the job done.

Gal 1:1: Verses 1-5. St. Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ; he was expressly appointed by him, consequently by God the Father, who is one with him in respect of his Divine nature, and who appointed Christ as Mediator. Grace, includes God's good-will towards us, and his good work upon us; and peace, all that inward comfort, or outward prosperity, which is really needful for us. They come from God the Father, as the Fountain, through Jesus Christ. But observe, first grace, and then peace; there can be no true peace without grace. Christ gave himself for our sins, to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to this he freely submitted. Here is to be observed the infinite greatness of the price bestowed, and then it will appear plainly, that the power of sin is so great, that it could by no means be put away except the Son of God be given for it. He that considers these things well, understands that sin is a thing the most horrible that can be expressed; which ought to move us, and make us afraid indeed. Especially mark well the words, "for our sins." For here our weak nature starts back, and would first be made worthy by her own works. It would bring him that is whole, and not him that has need of a physician. Not only to redeem us from the wrath of God, and the curse of the law; but also to recover us from wicked practices and customs, to which we are naturally enslaved. But it is in vain for those who are not delivered from this present evil world by the sanctification of the Spirit, to expect that they are freed from its condemnation by the blood of Jesus.

We need to remember always why we serve God. Because he gave his son to take our sing and deliver us for the present evil world. The world is full of hate and sin, but God called us unto a peace and love rooted in out hearts till he comes to take us home.

Deliverance from "this present evil age" is assured through the atonement of Christ. This is accomplished in the present in the sense that Christ gives victory over the powers of Satan now. Ultimate delivery awaits either death or the translation of the saints at the time of Christ's return.

He reproves the Galatians for revolting from the gospel of Christ under the influence of evil teachers

I often wonder how someone that shouts and talks in tongues and say they have felt his Spirit can turn away and deny him. I wonder why people can go to a church and say how they know the Pastor is called by God but first time he preaches something they didn't want to hear, they quit. A man of God must preach the word as he is led by the Spirit, it is what he is called to do. Yet he must preach the word and not some books ideals of what the word means.

(vv. 6-8) The significance of what Paul says here emerges from the contrast between the two words translated "different" and "another." Paul is amazed that the Galatians had embraced "a different" (heteros, Gk.) gospel (v. 6). In reality, what they have embraced is not "another" (allos, Gk.) gospel (v. 7). Heteros means "another of a different kind"; whereas allos indicates "another of the same variety." Paul says that the Galatian drift toward "a different gospel" is not a mere variation, but in reality the acceptance of a view that is a totally disparate teaching. Since salvation is by grace alone, the Galatian emphasis on the works of the Law was a distinct and erroneous doctrine. Verse 8 assesses the seriousness with which Paul views the Judaizing tendencies. Anyone, even an angel from heaven, who proclaimed any other form of gospel than that which Paul had preached, "let him be accursed." The word "accursed" (anathema, Gk.) means "set aside for destruction."

Gal 1:6: Verses 6-9. Those who would establish any other way to heaven than what the gospel of Christ reveals, will find themselves wretchedly mistaken. The apostle presses upon the Galatians a due sense of their guilt in forsaking the gospel way of justification; yet he reproves with tenderness, and represents them as drawn into it by the arts of some that troubled them. In reproving others, we should be faithful, and yet endeavour to restore them in the spirit of meekness. Some would set up the works of the law in the place of Christ's righteousness, and thus they corrupted Christianity. The apostle solemnly denounces, as accursed, every one who attempts to lay so false a foundation. All other gospels than that of the grace of Christ, whether more flattering to self-righteous pride, or more favourable to worldly lusts, are devices of Satan. And while we declare that to reject the moral law as a rule of life, tends to dishonour Christ, and destroy true religion, we must also declare, that all dependence for justification on good works, whether real or supposed, is as fatal to those who persist in it. While we are zealous for good works, let us be careful not to put them in the place of Christ's righteousness, and not to advance any thing which may betray others into so dreadful a delusion.

There was and will always be those that twist God's word to mean what they want to justify the things they want to do. This was and is wrong, if the word hits the preacher then he should repent, but to twist it to make sin ok is always wrong and he will answer for it before God.

You as a Christian do have to listen and pray and study, do not take anything anyone says with out study and prayer. If what is being taught is contrary to the word, then ask him why. Could be you don't understand the point he was making. If you still disagree don't start a church war over it let it go. Pray for him or her that God will teach them, if it is way off the mark and they are teaching sin, tell him so then go to a place where you will be fed.

He proves the Divine authority of his doctrine and mission; and declares what he was before his conversion and calling

Gal 1:10: Verses 10-14. In preaching the gospel, the apostle sought to bring persons to the obedience, not of men, but of God. But Paul would not attempt to alter the doctrine of Christ, either to gain their favour, or to avoid their fury. In so important a matter we must not fear the frowns of men, nor seek their favour, by using words of men's wisdom. Concerning the manner wherein he received the gospel, he had it by revelation from Heaven. He was not led to Christianity, as many are, merely by education.

Paul insists that his gospel was not taught to him by the apostles or any other human being. Prior to his conversion Paul had received the best theological education available in his day. However, the gospel came to him directly from God (Acts 9:1-22). Subsequent to his conversion and baptism, Paul departed to Arabia (v. 17). It was probably during this time that a Christological understanding of the O.T., as well as the meaning of what had happened to him when he was confronted by Jesus on the Damascus Road, was revealed to him. God removed the veil from his eyes and revealed certain truths to Paul directly. Since this revelation proceeded directly from God, it was completely trustworthy. At least a portion of these truths which God revealed to Paul has been preserved for the churches in his writings in the Bible. Although the personality of the apostle is certainly seen in his 13 epistles, the message is infallible and inerrant because it is God's Word.

And how he proceeded after it

Gal 1:15: Verses 15-24. St. Paul was wonderfully brought to the knowledge and faith of Christ. All who are savingly converted, are called by the grace of God; their conversion is wrought by his power and grace working in them. It will but little avail us to have Christ revealed to us, if he is not also revealed in us. He instantly prepared to obey, without hesitating as to his worldly interest, credit, ease, or life itself. And what matter of thanksgiving and joy is it to the churches of Christ, when they hear of such instances to the praise of the glory of his grace, whether they have ever seen them or not! They glorify God for his power and mercy in saving such persons, and for all the service to his people and cause that is done, and may be further expected from them.

Often we are all guilty of this same thing, God says do something we think we can't or shouldn't. If we listen to our flesh or our heads we would not often do the things God wants us to.