Galatians

Salvation by grace! Justification by faith! Sanctification by faith!

POINT: The gospel that Paul preached was complete, final, absolute, and

hence not to be tampered with!

Either justification is -

by grace alone

through faith alone

in Christ alone

- or it is by works, our efforts. There is no middle ground!

Once the smallest amount of work is introduced grace is no longer grace!

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is by works, then it is no longer on the basis of grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11:6

Galatians 1:11-24

The Vindication of Paul’s Gospel And Defense of His Unique Apostleship

-Reception of the gospel: 11-12

-Pre-conversion events: 13-14

-Conversion events: 15-16a

-Post-conversion events: 16b-24

Reception of the gospel: 11-12

1. Not according to man – The gospel did not originate with man

2. Not received from man – The gospel was not received from any human source

3. Nor was I taught it – The gospel was not learned by a course of human instruction

4. I received it through the revelation of Jesus Christ

Pre-conversion Events: 13-14

1. Persecutor of the church

“And I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons.” Acts 22:4 See also Acts 26:10-11

2. Zealous for the law

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, just as you all are today.” Acts 22:3 “If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eight day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.” Philippians 3:4-6

Conversion Events: 15-16a

Paul was specifically chosen by God to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

Source of the revelation – God

Purpose – To reveal His Son in me

Functional Purpose – To evangelize the Gentiles

Post-conversion Events: 16b-24

Verses 16b-17

1. Did not consult with men

2. Did not consult with the apostles

3. Went away to Arabia

4. Returned to Damascus.

The Point: Paul is asserting his total independence of the apostles and of any human agency as far as the gospel is concerned. He is affirming the

absolute authority of his message by relating it to its source; Jesus Christ!

Verses 18-19 – First visit to Jerusalem

- The time – 3 years after his conversion near Damascus

- The purpose – to become acquainted with Peter

- The duration – 15 days

- His contacts – of the apostles, only Peter and James

Verses 20-24 – Subsequent ministry

-Syria and Cilicia

-Unknown in Judea

-Reputation: persecutor turned propagator

-Response of the churches: glorifying God

Paul is emphasizing that both his conversion and his commission owed nothing to man but were of God. He formed his theology not

by consulting with others, but by revelation from Christ.

Paul’s calling – To preach Jesus Christ among the Gentiles.

Paul’s message – The gospel of grace.

Our calling: Ambassadors for Christ – to share Christ with the world.

“…and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were

entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” II Corinthians 5:19b-20

Our message: The gospel of grace.

“…God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask

for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified…”

I Corinthians 1:21b-23a

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16a