Paul's Authority

The letter to the churches in Galatia describes a problem that still exists today, how they had fallen backwards from the grace of the Gospel into outward works of the law like circumcision. Thus, the theme of Galatians is justification by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection apart from the works of the Mosaic Law. Who ordained Paul? Would his credentials upset church leaders today?

This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. (Galatians 1:1 NLT)

Paul’s claims were thoroughly vetted by the other apostles and his writings were recognized by the church as inspired scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16)? Anyone making such a claim today, would similarly have to either be accepted or rejected by an orthodox (right teaching) church community. Were others with him as he wrote?

and from all the brothers and sisters with me. To the churches in Galatia. (Galatians 1:2 CEB)

Galatia was most of what we now call central Türkiye (Acts 14:20-22). This is a very abrupt greeting. They had fallen away from the truth. Nevertheless does Paul begin with a blessing?

I pray that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! (Galatians 1:3 CEV)

Paul’s prayer is for grace or kindness, and peace or wholeness. Why did Jesus give Himself?

who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:4-5 ESV)

Does Paul get right down to business? What was the issue?

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

How serious is Paul about this problem?

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! (Galatians 1:8-9 HCSB)

Should church leaders preach to please people or God? Does this mean that Godly preaching will sometimes anger people?

For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 NASB)

Paul’s Authority

How did Paul receive the Gospel?

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12 NIV)

How zealous was Paul once of the law and its associated traditions?

For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (Galatians 1:13 NKJV)

What changed in Paul?

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. (Galatians 1:15-17 NLT)

After his time of direct revelation from Jesus Christ in Arabia what did Paul do?

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. But of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother. (Galatians 1:18-19 WEB)

Would some people naturally disbelieve Paul?

Before God, I’m not lying about the things that I’m writing to you! (Galatians 1:20 CEB)

How was Paul received in Syria and Cilicia?

Later, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. But no one who belonged to Christ's churches in Judea had ever seen me in person. They had only heard that the one who had been cruel to them was now preaching the message that he had once tried to destroy. And because of me, they praised God. (Galatians 1:21-24 CEV)