Galatians 1

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:1

1:1 "Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead—"

Factual Evidence

Acts 9
3 As Saul journeyed and approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.
4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
5 Saul asked, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 Now rise and go into the city, and it will be told to you what you are to do."
15 The Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name."
17 Ananias departed and entered the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18 Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized,
19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days, he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20 At once, he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Confession of Faith, Assured in Spirit and Truth

1 Corinthians 15
3 "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Philippians 3:7-8
7 "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him."

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:2

1:2 "and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia."

Commentary

The Historical Context of Acts
The Book of Acts is a record of the early church's history and is traditionally attributed to Luke, a companion of Paul. Luke traveled with Paul during his missionary journeys, as indicated by the use of the first-person plural (“we”) in certain passages, implying direct involvement in the events described.

The Author of Galatians
Galatians clearly identifies Paul as its author. He explicitly states in Galatians 6:11:
"See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand."
Here, Paul emphasizes that he personally wrote part of the letter, which was a common practice for authors to authenticate their writings.

The Role of an Amanuensis (Scribe)
Letters in antiquity were often dictated to a scribe, but key sections or final greetings were written by the author to confirm authenticity. While Paul explicitly mentions a scribe (such as Tertius in Romans 16:22) in other letters, no such individual is referenced in Galatians, suggesting Paul may have written the majority of this epistle himself.

The Mention of "All the Brothers"
The phrase, "all the brothers who are with me," indicates that Paul was accompanied by fellow workers who endorsed the letter’s message or supported Paul’s ministry. However, there is no direct indication that they contributed to the writing.

Possible Companions During the Writing of Galatians
Considering the timing and context of Galatians, possible companions include:

1. Barnabas – A key figure in Paul’s first missionary journey and mentioned in Galatians 2.

2. Titus – Highlighted in Galatians 2 for his role in the discussion about Gentile believers.

3. Other Early Co-Workers – Likely those actively engaged in missionary efforts with Paul during this period.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:3 ~ 5

1:3 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
1:4 who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
1:5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

Commentary

The Apostle of the Gospel of the Cross

At the heart of Paul's apostleship is his personal encounter with Jesus Christ, who came to him directly in a powerful vision of light and words. This divine encounter defines the foundation of Paul’s ministry. There is no record in the Bible that Paul learned the gospel from another person or that he received instruction to better understand the Scriptures from human teachings. Instead, Paul testifies that the "veil" covering the truth was removed when he turned to Christ.

2 Corinthians 3
14 "But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.
15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts.
16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed."

This passage emphasizes that the understanding of the gospel comes not from human effort or instruction but through a transformative relationship with Christ. Paul’s own journey reflects this truth: his heart and mind were once veiled, but turning to Jesus removed the barrier, allowing him to comprehend the fullness of the gospel.

Paul’s testimony is a model for believers, illustrating that true understanding of the Scriptures and the gospel begins with a direct and personal connection to Jesus Christ.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:6 ~ 9

1:6 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel—
1:7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."

Commentary

False Christs, Prophets, and Teachers

In the New Testament, terms like "false Christs" (ψευδόχριστος, pseudochristos), "false prophets" (ψευδοπροφῆται, pseudoprophētai), and "false teachers" (ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι, pseudodidaskaloi) are used to describe individuals who distort the truth. These figures do not outright reject the gospel but cleverly mix truth with falsehood, creating a deceptive imitation of the gospel. This subtle distortion makes their influence dangerous and warrants strong warnings in the Scriptures.

Modern Implications

Even today, similar distortions of the gospel are evident. For instance, in contemporary South Korea, certain far-right Christian groups blend political propaganda with faith, creating confusion and leading believers astray. Such groups often claim to represent the gospel but promote agendas that contradict its core teachings.

Biblical Warning: Misinterpreting Scripture

Peter provides a relevant warning about distorting Scripture:
2 Peter 3:16 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)
"Paul speaks of these things in all his letters, in which there are some things that are hard to understand. The ignorant and unstable twist these, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction."

This verse highlights how untrained and unstable individuals misuse Scripture to promote false teachings, ultimately leading to spiritual ruin. Paul's warning in Galatians reinforces this point, emphasizing that any deviation from the gospel, no matter how convincing, must be rejected.

Paul's message remains vital: the gospel of Christ is singular and unchanging. Any attempt to distort it, whether by blending truth with falsehood or by promoting personal agendas, must be resisted with steadfast faith.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:10 ~ 12

1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.
1:12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

Commentary

Paul’s Mastery of the Hebrew Scriptures

Paul, as a devout Pharisee before his conversion, was deeply knowledgeable of the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh). His epistles consistently reference and expound upon the Old Testament, demonstrating a profound understanding of its divine nature. Paul’s faith was rooted in the Hebrew concept of "aman" (אמון)—steadfast trust and faithfulness—and his gospel message reflects a commitment to the truth of the Scriptures as fulfilled in Yeshua (Jesus).

The Centrality of the Gospel in the Hebrew Scriptures

The gospel, centered on Yeshua, is the overarching theme of the Hebrew Scriptures. Through a careful study of key Hebrew words and passages, the perfect plan of redemption is revealed. Significant chapters such as Isaiah 12, Isaiah 53, and Habakkuk 3 illuminate the prophetic foreshadowing of Yeshua’s redemptive work.

Paul’s Adherence to Scriptural Authority

Paul's writings emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to the Word of God without alteration, reflecting the instruction in:

• Deuteronomy 4:2
  "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you."

• Proverbs 30:6
  "Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

Paul’s message aligns with the overarching biblical principle that God’s Word is perfect, holy, and unchangeable. His teachings serve as a warning against altering the gospel, a theme reinforced in:

• Revelation 22:18-19
  "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll."

Paul’s Related Epistles

Paul’s unwavering commitment to the gospel is further emphasized in the following passages:

• 1 Corinthians 4:6
  "Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, 'Do not go beyond what is written.' Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other."

• Romans 7:12 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)
  "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good."

• Ephesians 6:17 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)
  "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

Paul’s Unwavering Focus

Paul’s declaration in Acts 24:14 (Yeshuah Literal Translation) encapsulates his approach to faith and teaching:
"I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets."

Paul’s commitment to the unaltered truth of the gospel, as revealed through the Hebrew Scriptures and the revelation of Jesus Christ, remains a timeless model for believers to uphold and proclaim the purity of God’s Word.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:13 ~ 14

1:13 "For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
1:14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers."

Commentary

Judaism ("Ἰουδαϊσμός") in Paul’s Testimony

1. Usage of "Ἰουδαϊσμός" (Judaism)

The term "Ἰουδαϊσμός" (Judaism) appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Galatians (1:13, 1:14). Paul uses this word to describe his past life within a religious system that extended beyond a direct relationship with God, highlighting its man-made and legalistic aspects.
In Galatians 1:14, Paul acknowledges his fervor for the traditions of his ancestors, admitting that his zeal was rooted in religious acts disconnected from God’s righteousness.

2. Absence of the Term "Christianity" (Χριστιανισμός)

Interestingly, the New Testament does not use the term "Χριστιανισμός" (Christianity) to describe the faith. Instead, followers of Jesus are referred to as "Χριστιανός" (Christianos), meaning “Christ-followers.” This term appears in:

• Acts 11:26 – "The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

• Acts 26:28 – "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."

• 1 Peter 4:16 – "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed."

The absence of "Christianity" as a structured religious term emphasizes that true faith is not about belonging to a religious system but about a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. Paul’s Perspective on Religious Systems

Paul’s use of "Ἰουδαϊσμός" (Judaism) reflects his view of his past as a "religious person within a human system." His focus on zeal for the traditions of his fathers underscores his realization that such actions were far removed from God’s will. This distinction between faith and religion is key to understanding Paul’s message:

• Faith is rooted in a relationship with Jesus.

• Religion can be reduced to human efforts and traditions that often miss God’s intent.

Modern Application

Paul’s critique of his past life in Judaism serves as a timeless warning. Even today, distorted forms of Christianity echo the pitfalls of legalistic and traditional systems. Believers are called to restore the purity and holiness of their faith, aligning with the prophetic fulfillment of God’s Word.

Zephaniah 3:9 (Yeshua Literal Translation)

"Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder."

This prophecy emphasizes the need for a purified faith, free from human corruption, to unite believers in worship and service to God.

Paul’s testimony challenges believers to move beyond religious systems and embrace the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. It also serves as a call to avoid repeating the mistakes of past religious institutions and to actively participate in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:15 ~ 16

1:15 "But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace,
1:16 was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood."

Commentary

God’s Sovereign Calling and Revelation

Paul emphasizes that his apostleship and mission to the Gentiles were divinely appointed. From his mother’s womb, God had already chosen him, demonstrating the sovereignty of God’s plan. The moment God revealed His Son to Paul, it became clear that his life’s purpose was to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul’s decision not to consult with "flesh and blood" underscores the divine authority of his calling, independent of human input.

Historical and Contemporary Efforts in Gospel Transmission

The dedication to spreading the gospel is exemplified in the sacrifices of early Christians, including the Korean martyrs who brought the gospel through difficult-to-understand translations. Similarly, today, countless individuals dedicate their lives to translating the Bible into every language, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches all people.

For modern believers, accurate knowledge of the Scriptures is central to faith. Jesus Himself said:
John 17:3
"Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent."

Faith in Action: Crossing the Jordan River

Clinging to incomplete traditions or interpretations can hinder progress in faith, much like priests hesitating before stepping into the Jordan River. However, crossing the Jordan required obedience and faith, as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had to step into the overflowing waters before God performed the miracle.

Joshua 3:13–16 provides a vivid account of this act of faith:
13 "And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap."
14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them.
15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,
16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

Application for Modern Believers

Like the priests stepping into the Jordan, modern Christians are called to take steps of faith, trusting God’s promises and commands. Accurate understanding of the Bible enables believers to overcome hesitation and move forward with confidence. By faithfully following God’s Word, today’s believers can witness the fulfillment of His promises and actively participate in His redemptive plan.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:17 ~ 20

1:17 "Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.
1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
1:20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)"

Commentary

Paul’s Meetings with the Apostles

Galatians 1:18–19 records Paul’s first encounter with the apostles in Jerusalem:

• Paul visited Cephas (Peter) and stayed with him for fifteen days.

• During this time, he also met James, the Lord’s brother.

• Paul emphasizes the limited nature of this visit to underline that his gospel did not originate from these apostles.

Understanding the Differences Between Acts and Galatians

Acts 9:26–28 and Galatians 1:18–19 describe the same event from two perspectives.

1. Paul’s Initial Visit to Jerusalem

• Acts 9:26–28 focuses on the historical narrative:

  • Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is introduced to the apostles by Barnabas.

  • Barnabas acts as a mediator, enabling Paul to preach the gospel openly in Jerusalem.

• Galatians 1:18–19 highlights Paul’s independence:

  • Paul emphasizes the brevity of his stay (fifteen days) and the limited interaction with apostles.

  • This underscores that his gospel was not derived from their teaching but directly from Christ.

2. Focus on Historical vs. Theological Themes

• Acts provides a historical account of Paul’s early ministry and relationships.

• Galatians defends Paul’s apostleship by emphasizing his direct commission from Christ and his independence from the Jerusalem apostles.

3. Common Ground

Both accounts confirm:

• Paul’s interaction with the apostles, particularly Peter and James.

• His subsequent preaching and ministry after this meeting.

These accounts are complementary rather than contradictory, providing a fuller understanding of Paul’s early ministry.

Paul’s Emphasis on Independence

Paul’s insistence that he did not consult with other apostles or receive his gospel from them (Galatians 1:17, 1:20) serves to:

• Authenticate the divine origin of his message.

• Highlight that his calling and revelation were directly from God.

This is a recurring theme throughout Galatians, where Paul defends the legitimacy and authority of his apostleship.

Application for Modern Readers

The differing emphases in Acts and Galatians remind believers of the multifaceted nature of Scripture. Each book complements the other, providing historical and theological insights. Just as Paul’s ministry was rooted in divine revelation, modern Christians are encouraged to seek a deep, personal relationship with Christ while respecting the historical context and teachings of Scripture.

This balance between independence in faith and connection to the broader Christian tradition reflects the unity and diversity within the body of Christ.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:21

1:21 "Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia."

Commentary

1. Background: Paul’s Early Ministry after Conversion

After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul spent time in Arabia before returning to Damascus (Galatians 1:17). Following persecution by the Jews in Damascus, he fled to Jerusalem, where he had a brief meeting with the apostles before leaving for Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:18–21; Acts 9:26–30).

2. Ministry in Syria and Cilicia

• Syria and Cilicia include modern-day southern Turkey and northern Syria.

• Paul’s hometown, Tarsus, was the principal city of Cilicia.

• Paul likely spent about ten years in this region, a period often referred to as his "silent years."

Acts 9:30
"When the brothers learned of this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus."
During this time, Paul likely engaged in preaching the gospel and establishing churches, as implied in Acts 15:23 and Galatians 1:22.

3. Connection to Antioch

The church in Syrian Antioch became a significant hub for Paul’s ministry:

• Acts 11:25–26 describes Barnabas traveling to Tarsus to bring Paul to Antioch, where they ministered together.

• Antioch was the launching point for Paul’s first missionary journey and a key center for early Gentile mission work.

4. Theological Significance

Paul’s time in Syria and Cilicia laid the groundwork for his mission to the Gentiles. This period highlights:

• Preparation for Gentile Ministry: Paul’s work among non-Jewish populations in these regions likely shaped his approach to cross-cultural evangelism.

• Recognition by the Church: Paul’s efforts were later affirmed during the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where his mission to the Gentiles was validated.

Conclusion

Though briefly mentioned in Galatians 1:21, Paul’s journey to Syria and Cilicia represents a critical phase in his ministry. This time was instrumental in developing his mission to the Gentiles, establishing churches, and preparing for his later, more expansive missionary journeys. His work in these regions underscores his obedience to his divine calling and his role in the early church’s growth beyond Jewish boundaries.

Literal Translation and Commentary: Galatians 1:22 ~ 24

1:22 "And I was still unknown by face to the churches of Christ in Judea.
1:23 They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’
1:24 And they glorified God because of me."

Commentary

1. Transformation of Identity after Conversion

Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was notorious for his zealous persecution of Christians. As a Pharisee deeply rooted in Judaism, he actively sought to suppress the early Christian movement (Acts 8:3; 9:1–2).

However, after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, his identity underwent a radical transformation. Paul became a proclaimer of the very faith he once sought to destroy. While the Judean churches had heard of his conversion, they had not personally interacted with him, emphasizing the contrast between his past and present.

2. Physical Distance from the Judean Churches

Paul’s missionary path kept him geographically and relationally distant from the churches in Judea:

• After his conversion, he went to Arabia and then returned to Damascus (Galatians 1:17).

• His brief visit to Jerusalem involved limited interaction with the apostles (Galatians 1:18–19).

• Subsequently, he ministered in Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:21), focusing on Gentile missions.

This geographical separation explains why Paul remained unknown "by face" to the Judean churches, despite his growing reputation as a preacher of the gospel.

3. Paul’s Past as a Persecutor and Separation from Early Believers

Paul’s reputation as a former persecutor initially caused fear and suspicion among Christians:

• Acts 9:26–27 (Yeshuah Literal Translation):
  "When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, describing how Saul had seen the Lord and how he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus."

This separation from early Christian communities, both physical and relational, contributed to his anonymity among the Judean churches.

4. Paul's Background under Gamaliel

Paul was a disciple of Gamaliel, a respected Jewish teacher, and was well-known among Jewish religious leaders. However, his radical shift from Judaism to proclaiming the gospel distanced him from his former circles. His new identity as an apostle of Christ superseded his prior reputation as a Pharisee.

Theological Implications

Paul’s testimony underscores God’s transformative power:

• His past as a persecutor magnified the impact of his conversion, making his life a testament to God’s grace.

• The Judean churches glorified God upon hearing how Paul’s life had been changed and how he was now advancing the faith he once sought to destroy.

Conclusion

Paul’s statement that he was unknown "by face" to the Judean churches reflects his physical distance and focus on Gentile missions. Despite this, his transformation and ministry became widely known, leading others to glorify God. Paul’s story serves as a powerful example of redemption and the ability of God’s grace to completely reshape a person’s life and mission.