Monday, June 9 – Galatians 1, 2

1. What astonished the Apostle Paul about the Galatians? (Galatians 1:6)

2. What were some trying to accomplish with the gospel of Christ? (Galatians 1:7)

3. From whom did Paul receive the gospel? (Galatians 1:12)

During one of his missionary journeys, the apostle Paul wrote this letter to a group of churches he established alongside Barnabas in the Roman province of Galatia. He writes with intensity: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel.” (Galatians 1:6, NKJV)

The first believers in the early church, founded in Jerusalem, were Jews. As persecution caused the church to expand, many Gentiles, according to God’s explicit plan, accepted the gospel. The transition from Judaism to Christianity brought tensions and challenges. Jewish believers expected and demanded that new Gentile converts not only accept the Christian faith but also adhere to the law of Moses. This was the reason and core issue behind the Jerusalem Council, recorded in Acts 15.

The push to preserve Jewish customs quickly spread to the newly formed churches, including those planted by Paul and Barnabas in Galatia. As expected, these proponents also discredited Paul’s ministry, claiming he was not one of the original apostles and had not walked with the Lord. This is why Paul shares his testimony with the Galatians, to establish his authority as a true apostle and preacher of Jesus Christ.

Paul also clarifies that both he and Barnabas received approval and support from the apostles and the church. The “different gospel” he refers to here is the one that teaches that the sinner cooperates or assists God in achieving salvation by keeping the law. Paul boldly declares the true gospel:

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” (Galatians 2:16, NKJV)

To demonstrate the seriousness of this issue, he recounts how he publicly rebuked Peter in Antioch. When visitors sent by James arrived from Jerusalem, Peter withdrew from eating and socializing with Gentiles, something he had been doing before their arrival. His actions even influenced Barnabas and others to follow suit.

Ellen G. White comments:

“This open manifestation of weakness on the part of those who had been respected and loved as leaders, was keenly felt by the believing Gentiles. The church was threatened with division. But Paul, who saw that the church was endangered by the hypocrisy of those who had yielded to the influence of the Judaizing party, was swift to act in the matter. He immediately rebuked the one who had been the chief actor, and whose course was largely responsible for the crisis. He saw that Peter’s course was not in harmony with the gospel. Paul had always advocated the strictest adherence to the ceremonial law among the Jews; but when the question was brought as to whether the Gentiles should submit to the whole Jewish code, he made no such requirement.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 198)

From this event, we learn that trying to please some, considered “more righteous,” must not endanger the salvation of others, considered “less righteous,” based solely on culture. We learn that error is subtle and that anyone can fall into it. The gospel’s clarity and purity must be preserved boldly in the face of compromise. We also learn from Peter’s humility.

Paul affirms that any gospel distortion turns us away from the One who called us. The gospel and salvation are not “Christ plus.” Whatever the topic of preference may be, the gospel is Christ alone. While many good things in the Christian life are blessings when practiced, the gospel and salvation are found in Christ alone. It is not Christ plus; beware of “Christ plus”! It is only Christ.

A “different gospel” adds obedience as a requirement for salvation. It mixes human behavior with the gospel. This issue is just as serious today as it was for the Galatians because it elevates man and diminishes Christ, and that is inherently false. For this reason, God preserved the epistle to the Galatians so that we might be corrected and challenged, just as Peter was.

In a beloved and poetic verse, Paul summarizes both his experience with Christ and the entire theme of the gospel:

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)

I pray that God grants us a clear understanding of the gospel. May Christ be for us the way, the truth, and the life, our everything. And may our obedience be the fruit of faith, offered only in gratitude and for His glory.

May God bless you with a wonderful day.