Summary of Galatians 1:1-5
Excerpt
The Judaizers who “bewitched” the Galatians (3:1) were telling them that Paul’s apostleship and message were not trustworthy because he lacked official endorsement from Jerusalem. “We have our credentials from Peter!” they would say, as though the approval of men is proof that a preacher is sent of God. Paul begins his letter by affirming that his message and ministry came directly from Jesus Christ. (Note Paul’s use of “not neither” in vv. 1, 12, and 17.) He immediately spells out the Gospel that he preached.
Paul’s Gospel was centered in Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—and not in Moses or the Law. It was a Gospel of grace that brought peace. It was a Gospel of liberty: “that He might deliver us” (v. 4). The Judaizers were bringing the churches into bondage through the Law (see 2:4; 3:13; 4:9). Christ’s death has delivered us from this present evil age and has given us a new standing in liberty (5:1ff). No wonder Paul adds, “To whom be glory for ever and ever!” (v. 5)
May we never be confused as to the content and intent of the Gospel. The Gospel is not “follow Christ and imitate His life” but “receive Christ by faith and allow Him to set you free.” There is no place in the Gospel for a salvation that is attained by keeping the Law. More
Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.
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