Galatians 1:11-2:10
Watch this video from The Bible Project for an overview of the book of Galatians.
At the time of Paul’s writing, Galatian believers were turning their backs on a faith-based doctrine of salvation, instead leaning on the Talmudic law based on good works and sacrifice. Paul was well-versed in Mosaic Law and had trained as a Pharisee. Prior to his salvation, he vehemently pursued and persecuted Christians. As a Christ-follower, he is equally passionate about learning all he can about Jesus and speaking boldly about Jesus as the promised Messiah.
In Galatians 1:11-2:10, Paul has several things he wants the churches in Galatia to know about the Gospel:
The Gospel can change anyone: Paul knew firsthand the supernatural transformation possible through salvation in Christ, having gone from persecutor to preacher. 1 Timothy:15-16 reminds us that we are never too far gone for the Gospel.
Content obscurity: As a Pharisee, Paul was afforded a high level of respect and authority, yet after his conversion, he spent 14 years ministering in obscurity. There was no social media or 24-hour news cycle that would have led him to go “viral,” yet he worked tirelessly, unconcerned about what people thought, focused instead on pleasing God.
Never Compromise: Paul emphasizes that there is no salvation outside faith in Jesus. We are saved by faith alone, and we must never compromise the truth of the Gospel (Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:28). Paul notes that his motivation for what he does is to please God, which is why he defends his credentials. It is also the reason he is angry about false teaching.
Equally saved: None one is given a greater measure of Jesus or is “more saved” than anyone else. Each of us is gifted the full measure of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Each of us moves from God’s creation to God’s child, adopted as sons and daughters into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1, John 1:12).
Diverse Unity: Before their conversion, at least four of the disciples made their living as fishermen, Luke was a doctor, and Matthew was a tax collector. Paul was a Pharisee before his encounter with Jesus, but despite the disparity in their income, education, and life experience, all found unity in the Gospel. Whatever would have divided them in their previous lives was irrelevant in Christ (Galatians 3:26-28, Philippians 2:2, Acts 4:32).
What does Paul’s testimony (persecuting Christ, then preaching Christ) teach us about God? About people?
What was Paul’s calling? What is your calling? Can you identify it as clearly as Paul identified his? Are you currently working toward fulfilling God’s calling for your life?
Can you say that you are living to please God or please people? Think about something you have done before out of a motive to please others instead of God. If you’re comfortable, share it with the group.
What does God’s lack of showing favoritism reveal about His character? What does it teach us about how we interact with others?
Paul's life reflected the grace of God (Galatians 2:9); how does your life in Christ testify to God's grace? Can others perceive God's grace in your witness?
Paul chose to meet face to face with those who represented conflict, instead of creating deeper problems through gossip or "preaching" against them (v.2). Why was this so important, and how can Paul's actions inform our interactions with others?
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