Repeated phrases:
(1) "Not from men, nor by human, but by... God" v.1. In v.10, Paul claimed that he was not "trying to gain the approval of people" or "trying to please people," but the approval of God.
Paul claimed the credibility of his writings. He was the apostle of God v.1 who was sent by God as a messenger. He was the servant of God v.10 who served God as his master.
(NET) Undoubtedly the background for the concept of being the Lord’s slave or servant is to be found in the Old Testament scriptures. For a Jew this concept did not connote drudgery, but honor and privilege. It was used of national Israel at times (Isa 43:10), but was especially associated with famous OT personalities, including such great men as Moses (Josh 14:7), David (Ps 89:3; cf. 2 Sam 7:5, 8) and Elijah (2 Kgs 10:10); all these men were “servants (or slaves) of the Lord.”
(2) The Gospel
1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are following a different gospel
When the Galatians followed a different gospel that means they deserted from God who called them by grace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a Gospel of grace v.6, 7.
Paul was strongly opposing the other gospel and the preacher. He explained the different gospel, "not that there really is another gospel" v.7a, "the gospel contrary to the one we preached to you" v.8, and the preacher of that are someone "who are disturbing you" v.7b, "wanting to distort the gospel of Christ" v.7b, and "let him be condemned to hell" v.8, 9.
(3) Jesus Christ
Christ was raised from the dead v.1, rescue us from this present evil age v.4, and give us grace v.6.
In other words, without Him and His Gospel, we are still in the evil age and will face the judgment of God. That's why Paul was so strong about the other gospel.
Summary: Paul was very clear of who he is. He preached from God's authority. He testified that the Good News was the salvation of Jesus Christ alone. If anyone adds any other requirement to the Gospel then that person should be condemned, because that preachers prevent people from saving from the evil age. People will still face the judgment of God.
Reflection:
a. Paul was the servant of God and therefore he knew that he was trying to please God. Whom do we try to please today? Who is our master?
b. Are we sharing the right Gospel? When we share the Gospel do we explain well about the grace of God? It is not a merit system. No one is saved by work. May we all be careful in our evangelism, even when we are serving the children. They are also saved by grace, not work.
Audrey
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