Galatians 1, The True Gospel

Around 49-50 CE, Paul wrote a letter to the synagogue-churches planted in southern Turkey on his first missionary journey.  This is preserved as Paul's "epistle" (letter) to the "assemblies" (Greek ekklesia) in the province of Galatia.

Galatians 1:1-5, Introduction

Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-- and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In the ancient days of the Roman empire, personal letters tended to begin with the form, "X to Y, greetings.  About ..."  Paul begins by identifying himself as an apostle ("one who is sent out", a missionary) and then makes it clear that the letter is addressed to the "churches in Galatia", presumably a collection of churches in various towns in the region.  Paul emphasis, at the very top of the greeting, his authority as one personally sent by Jesus and God to the Galatians.  (Compare this introduction with a much shorter introduction to the letter to the Philippians.)

Most likely the letter was to be carried from church to church, to be read aloud to the members of the small local "synagogue" or "assembly" of believers.  It is possible Paul copied out several copies.

Paul's greeting emphasizes Jesus Christ, both as an explanation of Paul's role (and reason for writing) and also as the topic of his letter.  Here he gives a blessing, "Grace and peace to you..." as a result of Jesus Christ's gift.  Even in this very early letter, Jesus is referenced as having provided a sacrificial gift that rescues the believers from evil.  The blessing is an encouragement; it is serious but uplifting. 

"Amen" simply means, "So be it."  (In my college days, we might have said, "Right on!")

Galatians 1: 6-10, Scolding

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

After Paul's greeting at the beginning of his letter, the tone changes quickly.  Paul accuses his fellow-believers in Galatia from deserting the gospel for something else, something offered as a "gospel", but really false.  Imbedded in the accusation is a suggestion that the people of the Galatian churches have bought into something manmade and not divine.  It is easy for people to appear religious and encourage a certain asceticism.  Paul is having none of that.

Galatians 1: 11-17, Conversion

Paul transitions from a scolding in verses 6-10 to a more personal account and argument.  And so begins the longest personal account of Paul, detailing his experience with the Jewish Messiah and what happened afterwards.  This account is drawn out of Paul because of his concerns about the direction his new converts have taken, bowing to a more "religious" instruction than he had provided.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.  I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.  I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.  I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

This "Damascus Road" account is repeated in various forms in the New Testament.  Luke covers it in Acts 9 and then describes Paul repeating the story in Acts 22 before a Roman commander who had arrested him.  The concept is repeated throughout Paul's letters -- he had been the best Jew possible, zealous for the Jewish traditions, until the Jewish Messiah gave him a new direction. In this passage, Paul emphasizes that this message was delivered personally by the Christ and was not the result of Paul seeking to follow other religious leaders.

But, after some time in Arabia and Damascus, Paul does eventually go to Jerusalem to meet the leaders of the new church there.

Galatians 1:18-24, Meeting with Cephas

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.   Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.

From the very beginning of the new church, as described in Acts, that erratic fisherman, Peter, has been recognized as a leader of the new messianic movement.  In Jerusalem (a meeting probably described in Acts 9:26-30) Paul meets with both Peter (Cephas) and James.  The meeting seems to have been successful; the leaders apparently respond positively. After that, Paul goes north, first to Antioch in Syria, at the invitation of Barnabas, and then with Barnabas into Asia Minor on the first missionary journey (Acts 13.)

But there are still some issues in the background; new conflicts will arise.  Paul addresses them in the next chapter.   

Acts 15, Council at Jerusalem

There is a critical meeting in Jerusalem.  It is a turning point in the history of the new Jewish movement.

Acts 15:1-3

Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."

This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.

Paul and Barnabas are sent to Jerusalem to discuss the "circumcisers".  Along the way, they repeat previous visits, seeing further evidence that God is indeed working in the Gentiles.

It is very likely that during this trip to Jerusalem, Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians. The letter to the Galatians is a summary of the arguments he might expect to make in Jerusalem.

Acts 15:4-12

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported  everything God had done through them. Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the  Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them:  "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

"Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have  been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus  that we are saved, just as they are."

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Peter, once a conservative and legalistic Jew (see Galatians 2:11-13), speaks in support of the liberal welcoming of the Gentiles.  This is an important endorsement and it has a strong effect.

Acts 15:13-21

When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: `After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent.  Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the  Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' that have been known for ages.

"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it  difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest  times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."

After Peter weights in, James does.  James is another devout Jew, known for his adherence to the laws of Moses.  (Again, see Galatians 2:11-13, for an example.)

The Old Testament quotation in verse 17 is from Amos 9:11-12.

James ends with a comment about Moses being preached "every Sabbath".  The Gentiles need to be aware of the Jewish history and consistent teachings from the Torah and should be careful to not offend their new friends who (like James) are proud of their Jewish heritage.

Acts 15:22-29
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers. With them they sent the following letter: 

"The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you  with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul--men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord  Jesus Christ.

"Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.  Farewell."

Luke summarizes the message to the Gentiles, repeating the various proscriptions that conflict with the Jewish practices.  I find it interesting (and a little strange) that three of the four prohibitions are cultural (for the Jews) while the fourth, about sexual immorality, fits into both Old and New Testament teachings on building a good marriage.  Yet this distinction (an important one to me!) is ignored.

Acts 15:30-35
The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

After spending some time there, they were sent off by the  brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Luke has a lot to say about the "encouragement" and enthusiasm that accompanies the Messianic message.     

Some ancient manuscripts in Act add a phrase to verse 34, "but Silas decided to remain there."

Acts 15:36-41
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."

Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.  He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

The dispute between Paul and Barnabas is sharp.  Barnabas, ever "the Encourager", sees potential in John Mark, even though John has deserted them.  Paul, every bit the "type A" personality, is having none of it.

History suggests that John Mark will eventually author the Gospel of Mark.  So Barnabas knew what he was doing.

Acts 11, Even the Gentiles

Peter's conversation with Cornelius has consequences.  At this time, Peter has completely embraced telling the dirty Gentiles about the Jewish Messiah, Jesus.  This leads to some pushback from other followers of Jesus.

Acts 11:1-10

The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." 

Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.  I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.   Then I heard a voice telling me, `Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'

"I replied, `Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'

"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, `Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 

This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

Peter repeats his story, copied again by Luke, to stress that he, Peter, is responding to a divine command.  His story should resonate with his Jewish brothers, who can hear Peter's incredulity.

Acts 11:11-17

"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, `Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'

"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: `John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I  could oppose God?"

The visible evidence of the Holy Spirit's approval is a final confirmation to Peter (and the others) that he has done what he was supposed to do.

Acts 11:18-21
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." 

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus  and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Once Gentiles are allowed to be part of this new covenant, it is not surprising that some believers actively go to the Gentiles.

Acts 11:22-26
News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught  great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Barnabas, "Son of Encouragement", has continued to be a faithful and consistent disciple, strengthening the Church wherever he lands.  Barnabas even has the courage to hunt up that scary rascal, Saul, the one who first persecuted the church and then later was so aggressive in his preaching that he angered his Jewish brothers and some Jews tried to kill him.

Luke takes a moment to record this new term used for followers of the Christ: "Christian".

Acts 11:27-30
During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)  The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

The early church, spreading north and west of Jerusalem, still cares for the center of Jewish worship and sends gifts to help the young church back home.

Acts 10:34-48, Peter's proclamation to Cornelius

Peter has been invited to address the house guests of Cornelius.

Acts 10:34-38
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached-- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Peter summarizes what he is learning.  He has told the Gentiles about Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, and they have responded eagerly.

Acts 10:39-43
"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Peter repeats the witness that he and others have of this Messiah, and gives what is now a distilled "salvation message", that "everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins..."  There are no additional conditions here to this offer of salvation.

Acts 10:43-48

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising  God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

The Holy Spirit is "poured out" even on the [dirty, unsophisticated, pagan, unclean] Gentiles!  And I, a Gentile, am thankful!

The "Christ", Jesus, here is preached as an extension of Judaism, opening a door for the Gentiles.  It was not intended to be an alternative to Judaism or a competing religion, but a completion of the first century Jewish faith.

Over the next few chapters, this salvation message will move further and further into Gentile cultures.

Acts 10:1-33, A Gentile, Cornelius

It is now five years or more after Jesus's resurrection and ascension.  The church has spread throughout the regions around Jerusalem and is attracting Gentile followers.

Acts 10:1-8
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said,  "Cornelius!"

Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."  When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.  He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

We learn a lot of very positive things about Cornelius (even though he was a Roman soldier.) And God responds to the deeper wishes of this centurion and introduces him to Peter.

Acts 10:9-16
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.  He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.  It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air.

Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."

"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."

The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

The trip to see Peter takes several days.  During this time, Peter has a vision.  In his vision, he sees all the animals that he, as a good Jew, has been prohibited from eating.

Acts 10:17-23
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with  them, for I have sent them."

 Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"

The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion.  He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to  say."

Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.  The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.

Peter is still often called Simon at this time; the nickname Jesus gave him is only a partial identifier.

Peter has now committed to the lengthy journey to Caesarea.

From the NIV Footnotes: in verse 19, one early manuscript of Acts gives "two" men, not "three" as visiting Peter; other ancient manuscripts do not have a number.

Acts 10:24-33

The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"

Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, `Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.'

So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."

Note the details Cornelius received in his vision!

Peter, like all good Jews, does not want to be worshiped.  But he hears the invitation and is available for whatever plan God has set in motion.  The rest of chapter 10 will describe the world-changing result of this invitation.