Galatians - Week 2 (1:10-24)
Galatians 1:10-24
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Galatians 1:10-24 〰️
Some of the best advocates or debaters do so without you even realizing it. If you’ve ever had a conversation where you or someone else was presenting a case, you’ve probably heard someone share a relevant experience and/or make an argument without you noticing at first. These communicators are often the most compelling and persuasive, in the best way (when used for good).
Paul does the same here in this week’s passage, laying out a strong argument for Jesus’ gospel and reiterating that what he is teaching is not from himself, but from the Lord. As you’ll remember from two weeks ago, Paul is writing this letter to the Galatians as a reminder that there is only one Gospel of Jesus. Others will and have come to try to slide in additional laws or conditions to add to the good news of Jesus, but Paul (and our Lord) will have none of it. Before beginning to provide correction and theological teachings, Paul states his case for the “why.” Why should the readers and hearers of this letter listen to Paul? Why should they believe what he is teaching about Jesus and Christ’s saving works? Because Paul’s gospel— that is, the true gospel of Jesus— “is not of human origin.” (v11). Paul knows the gospel is offensive, and he preaches the truth even if it rubs people the wrong way. He is not trying to please people, but to speak the truth (v10).
letter is written in the context of the readers and hearers already believing Jesus, but lacking the firsthand experience or written teachings of Christ, as we have now. So Paul uses his own testimony here in v13-24 as the anchor for why his testimony and the gospel he is preaching are trustworthy as the truth of Jesus. Paul cleverly uses his own sin and broken testimony as a reason why the truth of the gospel could not have come from him. It has a supernatural origin (God, through Paul). A man as zealous and destructive as Paul (then Saul) would not have subscribed to such a world-tilting belief that Jesus was and is the Messiah, the Son of God. If you remember the Gospels, Jesus’ presence and teachings actively angered the religious leaders because they upended their world, way of life, and understanding of God. They knew and believed God’s teachings, but they were no longer the “experts” or top dogs in their earthly hierarchy. Now, someone as unclean as a woman caught in adultery could be forgiven by the Lord (John 8:1-11). She didn’t have to go to the temple and pay her respects to the religious leaders, or do anything to receive forgiveness—she needed only to repent and believe! All of that to say, Paul, being one of these religious experts, had the most earthly influence to lose from Jesus’ gospel. This is why he reiterates in v12 that the gospel he is preaching is not from a human source, but “a revelation [from] Jesus Christ.”
One subtlety we see here is the complete work of God. Paul points out that God called him from before he was born (v15) and revealed His Son to Paul (v16). It was not Paul’s dedication to God's teachings or his labor to keep the law that saved him and allowed him to understand the gospel. It was entirely God’s grace! Again, this is what Paul wishes to impart to the Galatians (and us as well!) through this letter: that “a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.” (2:16).
While the details of Paul’s testimony here in 1:11-24 are important, we need to be sure we don’t get lost in them. The message of Paul’s testimony is what is important, rather than the details of who he was. Paul's message here is that the gospel he preaches and teaches could not have come from him, because God has saved him completely by His work and hand, not by his own doing. 20th-century theologian and preacher William Temple is known for his quote on this biblical truth that you’ve likely heard before here at KTC. “The only thing of our very own which we contribute to our salvation is the sin which makes it necessary.”
Discussion Questions
Could someone read Galatians 1:10-24?
What is the difference between sinful people-pleasing and maintaining a Christ-honoring reputation with others?
Leader Notes: Paul is not teaching that Christians should disregard their reputation or become needlessly offensive. Scripture calls believers, especially church leaders, to live honorably so that their actions support the credibility of their witness. People-pleasing becomes sinful when the approval of others controls us or leads us to compromise truth and obedience. Our goal is not to make everyone approve of us, but to live faithfully enough that criticism cannot be attributed to hypocrisy or ungodliness.
Additional Scriptures: 1 Timothy 3:2, 7; Proverbs 22:1; Romans 12:17–18; 2 Corinthians 8:20–21; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:15–16
How does Paul use his testimony to support the truth of the gospel he preaches?
i. (Optional) Follow-up Question: What can we learn from Paul about sharing our testimonies in a way that points beyond ourselves to the grace of God?
Paul’s transformation from persecuting the church to proclaiming Christ demonstrates that his gospel came from God rather than human invention. His testimony emphasizes what God did: God called him by grace, revealed Christ to him, and sent him to preach. Our testimonies should similarly present God as the main character rather than making ourselves or our past the focus. The goal is to display the sufficiency and transforming power of God’s grace.
Additional Scriptures: Acts 22:1–16; Acts 26:9–23; 1 Corinthians 15:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:12–16; Psalm 66:16; 1 Peter 3:15–16
What does Paul’s former life teach us about the difference between religious zeal and genuine faith in Christ?
i. (Optional) Follow up Question: How can we grow in biblical knowledge without confusing what we know with spiritual maturity?
Before his conversion, Paul was deeply religious, highly disciplined, and unusually zealous, yet he was actively opposing Christ and persecuting His church. His story demonstrates that sincerity and religious activity cannot reconcile us to God. Help the group consider whether they are tempted to find confidence in church attendance, theological knowledge, ministry involvement, or moral behavior. These can be good gifts, but they cannot replace personal faith in Christ and dependence upon His grace.
Additional Verses to Consider: Romans 10:1–4; Philippians 3:4–9; Luke 18:9–14; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:3–7; 2 Timothy 3:5
How would you respond to someone who says, “It doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere and try to be a good person”? How does Paul’s testimony challenge that idea?
Paul was sincere, morally serious, and extraordinarily religious, yet his beliefs led him to oppose Christ and persecute the church. His testimony demonstrates that sincerity cannot make a false belief true and that good intentions cannot make us right with God. We need the truth of the gospel and the transforming grace of Christ.
Additional Verses to Consider: Proverbs 14:12; Romans 10:1–4; Philippians 3:4–9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8–9
What do Paul’s words—“God, who from my mother’s womb set me apart and called me by his grace”—teach us about God’s initiative in salvation?
i. (Optional) Follow up question: Why should this truth move us to thanksgiving and praise of God’s role in our own salvation?
Leader Note: Paul describes God as the primary actor in his salvation: God set him apart, called him, revealed Christ to him, and gave him a mission. Paul was not saved because he earned God’s favor or made himself worthy; he was saved according to God’s gracious purpose. This truth should produce humility because we cannot take credit for our salvation, and assurance because our salvation rests in God’s grace.
Additional Verses to Consider: Jeremiah 1:4–8; John 6:37–44; Romans 8:28–30; Ephesians 1:3–6; Ephesians 2:8–10; 2 Timothy 1:8–10
What hope does Paul’s testimony give you for people you know who are seemingly far from God?
i. (Optional) Follow up question: How often do you spend time praying for nonbelievers in your life to encounter God’s grace like Paul did?
Leader Note: Paul’s conversion reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The man who once persecuted the church was transformed into one of its greatest missionaries, not because Christians argued him into faith, but because God graciously intervened. Encourage the group to identify people they may have stopped believing or praying for and to renew their confidence in God’s power to save.
Additional Verses to Consider: Acts 9:1–19; Ezekiel 36:25–27; 1 Timothy 1:12–16; Ephesians 2:1–10; Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1–4