May 31 - Galatians 1-3
The book of Galatians presents a powerful defense of the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the doctrine of justification by faith. In these opening chapters, the Apostle Paul confronts false teachers who were leading believers away from the simplicity of salvation through Christ alone. Paul emphasizes that the gospel is not based on human works or religious law, but on God’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.
In Galatians chapter 1, Paul begins by defending his apostleship. He explains that he was “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father” (Galatians 1:1). Some in Galatia questioned Paul’s authority and were accepting a distorted gospel preached by Judaizers, who taught that Gentile Christians had to follow Jewish laws, especially circumcision, in order to be saved. Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians were “turning away so soon” to “a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6). He strongly warns that anyone preaching another gospel is accursed. Paul then shares his testimony, describing how God transformed him from a persecutor of Christians into a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His conversion demonstrated the power of God’s grace and confirmed that the gospel he preached came directly by revelation from Jesus Christ.
In chapter 2, Paul continues to defend the truth of the gospel. He recounts how the leaders in Jerusalem recognized the authenticity of his ministry to the Gentiles. Paul also describes a confrontation with the Apostle Peter in Antioch. Peter had withdrawn from eating with Gentile believers because of pressure from certain Jewish Christians. Paul rebuked Peter publicly because his actions contradicted the truth that salvation is by faith and not by works of the law. One of the key verses in Galatians is found here: “A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). Paul declares that righteousness cannot come through the law because if it could, “then Christ died in vain” (Galatians 2:21). Paul also shares his personal commitment to Christ, stating, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between faith and the law. Paul asks the Galatians why they began their Christian lives through the Spirit but were now trying to achieve perfection through human effort. He points to Abraham as the great example of faith. Abraham was counted righteous before the law was ever given because he believed God. Paul explains that the law served as a tutor to lead people to Christ, showing humanity its sinfulness and need for a Savior. Through faith in Christ, believers become children of God and heirs of the promises made to Abraham. Paul concludes with the unity believers have in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Galatians 1–3 teaches that salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Paul passionately defends the purity of the gospel and reminds believers that true righteousness comes only through Christ, not through human works or religious traditions.