Today we begin the book of Galatians. A letter to the church in Gall or Galatia, written while Paul was in prison. Galatians 1 and verse 1 reads.
Gal.1:1] Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Sent by God and not by man.
Gal.1:2] And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
[3] Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
[4] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
[5] To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The whole God head mentioned here. But, let’s not overlook the reason Jesus came. To deliver us from this evil world, sent by God the Father. Let’s read Heb.2:14.
Heb.2:14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Two things here, first that Jesus knew they would kill him. The second, because of the first, that Satan could now die for his sins. All in God’s plan. Back to Galatians 1 and verse 6 reads.
Gal.1:6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Will you go back under law? Will you crucify our Lord again?
Gal.1:7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
[8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Watch out for false teachers, Satan loves the pulpits.
Gal.1:9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Twice for emphasis. We will know them by their fruits, do they teach from the word of God. Or do they read 1 verse out of the bible (taken out of context) and then talk for 40 minutes about something that makes you feel good.
Gal.1:10] For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
After studying 2Corinthians, we should know the answer to this question. Tough love is sometimes the best medicine. Serve Christ and not man.
Gal.1:11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Remember he was taken to the third heaven.
Gal.1:12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
This might surprise you, Revelations means “To make known”. If any man tells you, “You don’t need to understand revelations, we’re going to fly away”. Run from that false preacher. He certainly is not sent from God.
Gal.1:13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
As a pharisee, in religion. But as a Christian in Christ. Christianity is not a religion, but a fact, a reality. I give Paul credit, when he was a pharisee he was zealous for the religion. And as a Christian he was zealous for the LORD.
Gal.1:14] And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Paul studied at the feet of Gamaliel, historically the best teacher at that time. Though they both should have known Christ (Masiah) taught in the Old Testament.
Gal.1:15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
[16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
This is written in Acts chapter 9:15, and it reads.
Acts 9:15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
The Lord was speaking to Ananias. Telling him that Paul would receive a threefold Ministries. To the Gentiles and the kings and the House of Israel. That would be the ten tribes that make up the house of Israel. Back to Galatians and verse 17 reads.
Gal.1:17] Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
He first went to the gentiles.
Gal.1:18] Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
[19] But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
This James wrote the book James. Jesus’s half-brother.
Gal.1:20] Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
[21] Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
[22] And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
[23] But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
[24] And they glorified God in me.
All we do is for the Glory of God. What an awesome sight that must have been for them that knew he persecuted the church is now converted. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible