Read Galatians 1
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1&version=NIV
Paul identifies himself as an apostle sent by Jesus and God as he begins this critical letter (1:1–2). After wishing the churches grace and peace (vv. 3–5), Paul expresses amazement that they have turned so quickly to a “different gospel”—one which is a perversion of the truth Paul teaches (vv. 6–9).
Because the strategy of those carrying this “different gospel” features a personal attack on Paul, the great missionary feels compelled to defend his apostleship. This defense is begun here and carried on through chapter 2. Paul has been accused of making the Gospel “easy” to please men: Does his condemnation of those bringing the “other” gospel sound wishy–washy? (v. 10) Paul has been accused of distorting the true Gospel. But he received his Gospel directly from Jesus rather than from men! (v. 11) After Paul’s conversion he did not even consult with the other apostles, but went off on his own to study (vv. 12–17). It was years before he even saw Peter and James and then they praised God for Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles (vv. 18–24). The inescapable conclusion is that the innuendos and attacks on Paul’s credibility are simply not true!
Discussion questions
What do you think the key verse of this chapter is? Why?
Paul made a point to say in verse 12 that he received his revelation Jesus Christ not man. Why do you think he makes this point?
For personal reflection: What can you do this week to be more faithful to Christ and his Gospel?
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I think that there are two key verses, 11 & 12. In verse 11, he states that the gospel was not made up by man and in verse 12 Paul says he received the gospel through revelation from Jesus Christ. This is important to all believers because a gospel made up by man would not be inspired by God. Many of the false religions in the world have been generated through gospels and teachings made up by man. But the one, true gospel has come from God through Jesus Christ our Savior.
ReplyDeleteI think that verse 12 is the key verse in this chapter. This really validates Paul's Gospel and his authority. As someone who did not learn the Gospel from direct contact with Jesus while He was on earth, the fact that Jesus revealed it directly to him is very powerful.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments guys. What about anybody else? It is important that we have some dialog so we can learn from each other. What are on your minds today about this chapter?
ReplyDeleteI like verses 11 and 12, but i'm thinking maybe the key verse is 9--this point was so important to Paul that he hammers it home twice.
ReplyDeleteOn my mind today is a bit of what was in yesterday's reading and questions regarding the media. Combined with Chap 1 of Galations, I'm thinking about how the media presents a different Gospel (that of the world) to us and we buy into it. I'm making a conscious effort this week to be more discerning about what i listen to and read this week.
I think the key verses are 10, 11 & 12. I think 10 sets us up to please god & not man. To not let worldly or material items push us from our faith.
ReplyDelete11 & 12, to let us know he received the gospel from Jesus & not man. I think these verses have meaning today. To follow Christ's example, not to follow some of man's ways. To not follow & work toward man's acceptance. But follow Jesus's example & work to please god.
I think Verse 12 is the key, explaining that Paul's message comes from Jesus Christ, not from man.
ReplyDeleteI think he makes this point because he wants them to know he serves a supernatural being and is spreading good news that did not come from ordinary people.
This week I can volunteer to help others in need and be sure to be totally honest in all that I do. I have had the opportunity to do both already this week.
I thought there were two key verses. Verse 9 repeats verse 8, so to repeat it must mean that Paul really wants us to get the message of false teachings. Verse 11 is also important because it shows that Paul's message is not from man but from Jesus.
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