February 10, 2010 Lesson 1 of Galatians 1

February 10, 2010 Lesson 1 of Galatians 1


What does Paul say in verses 1-10 about a) God; b) Christ; c) himself; and d) the Gospel? Note these things carefully, for they lay the foundation on which the epistle rests. Answer: Of God he describes how god provided grace through Christ. Of Christ he talks of Him being the one true way, the grace that God gives us through salvation. Of himself, Paul, first states his apostleship through Christ and not through man. Of the Gospel he shows how he fears that others (false prophets) will come in and try to turn them (the Galatians) from the Word. He states these false teachers are anathema (condemned).

Verses 11-24. How does Paul show that the gospel is revelation of God? What does his personal testimony demonstrate? What significance has this for the Christian? Answer: First of all I think his personal testimony shows that God is a very loving, caring, gracious God who chooses whomever He sees fit to use, to do His will for His glory. He shows the Gospel is revelation of God by showing how His work is done through us for His glory. Paul does this by sharing his personal testimony.

Note
Verse 10 is parenthetical. Paul appears to have been changed by his opponents with being a man-pleaser. So, after writing verses 8-9, he interjects a pertinent question. What he means is: “Words such as I have just written do not look like man –pleasing, do they?”