Lesson 2 Galatians 1:6-24 Page 6 1

Gal 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 2

1. Paul “marveled” at their readiness to abandon 2. Marvel - Archaic astonishment 3. Their defection had come in three years 4. Change was substantive, not merely cosmetic 5. Differing messages cannot be true 6. Believers must choose 3

Gal 1:8-9 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. 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. 4

1. If the blind leads the blind, both shall fall 2. No one has the authority to alter the message 3. Those who change shall be accursed 4. They were rejecting Paul’s credentials and they were doubting their own judgment 5

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. 6

1. Paul was determined to seek God’s favor 2. Paul’s choice had been made previously 3. Paul had been active in pleasing men 4. Paul compromised in non essentials, but not essentials 7

Gal 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8

1. Paul was reaffirming the proclaimed message 2. Change was in the hearers 3. Paul had received his message from God 4. Revelation did not allow for human error 9

Gal 1:13-14 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: 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. 10

1. Paul’s Jewish background prior to becoming a christian was well known 2. Paul would not have been a likely candidate 3. He advanced beyond contemporaries 4. He had zeal for “traditions of his fathers” 5. Jewish leaders had been confident in him 6. His faithfulness to traditions was unquestioned 11

Gal 1:15-16a But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16a To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; 12

1. Paul was obedient immediately 2. God is pleased with things good for men 1. Creation was “very good” 2. Christ sacrifice on the cross pleased God 3. The establishment of the kingdom was pleasing to God 4. The “foolishness” of the gospel was pleasing to God 5. God was pleased to send Paul to the Gentiles 3. Paul was not the first to be selected prior to birth 4. Paul’s conversion made a powerful impression 13

Gal 16b-17 immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 14

1. He did not confer with flesh and blood 2. His confidence was in Jesus 3. He immediately confounded the Jews 4. He went to Arabia for a period 5. He became the object of a Jewish plot 6. Barnabas vouched for Paul 7. Paul proved that instructions were direct 15

Gal 1:18-22 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. 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: 16

1. Paul visited Peter for fifteen days 2. Paul also saw James, the Lord’s brother Apostle - a person sent out on a special mission 3. Paul then went to Syria and Cilicia 4. He was known to many by reputation only 17

Gal 1:23-24 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. 18

1. Paul’s proclamation made a deep impact 2. Believers did not question sincerity or authority 3. Those in Judea accepted claims by faith 4. Some in Galatia turned away 19