Introduction   Chapter 1 Part 1 (08-07-15)

1:1] Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

(Paul claimed apostleship in the first verse Romans, Corinthians 1&2, Ephesians, Colossians, and Timothy 1&2) Galatians explains why Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, felt it was necessary to proclaim this position over and over.  (Romans 11:13)

2Corinthians 12:11 ¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

(2Cointhians 5:12) 

1:2] To the churches in an area, not just one church or city. The Biblical area of the Galatians was in central Turkey, south of the Black Sea, centered around the capital city of Ankara.

1:3-5] Paul identifies these Galatians as being under the grace of God through the One raised from the dead: or Christians.  Paul also identifies his ultimate purpose: give glory to the one who is due eternal glory and honor. 

1Corinthians 15:1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1:6–7] Paul gets right to the point and identifies the error that had entered churches of Galatia because others came to theses churches and troubled them. [cause them to doubt]

·       Doubted Paul – they had become far removed from Paul, the one who brought the Gospel to Galatia and was instrumental in starting these churches

·       Doubted the gospel delivered by Paul and believed by them; and  cursed seemed to be allowing a perverted gospel to be taught in theses churches

1:8-9] The damnable heretic – one who purposely preaches a false gospel. These were men who cane to these churches for the purpose of getting them to leave Paul’s gospel for another gospel and deny Paul himself.  

Romans 16:17 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2John 1:10-11 ¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

****We are not to be hospitable to those who want to bring heresy into our homes or into our church!!!

**Why should churches be held to a higher standard when it comes to recognizing, avoiding and correcting error than the churches in Galatia

(2Peter 1:19)

Ephesians  4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 This is what had started in the churches in Galatia and through this epistle of Paul the Holy is expressing His anger for those who begin to add the need for works to faith to bring God’s grace.

 Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.