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Monday, April 07, 2025

The Galatian Intro

Paul's epistle to the churches of Galatia has an interesting beginning.
Paul, an apostle -- not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead ... (Gal 1:1)
Paul makes a big point with a simple statement. He's writing ... with authority. He's not some guy, some casual teacher, even some rabbi. He's an apostle -- a delegate, an official ambassador, if you will. Not only is he an apostle, but he's an apostle commissioned "through Jesus Christ and God the Father." He specifies "not from men nor through man." He doesn't carry with him the authority of his own or a church or a group or any human source. Paul's authority was God Himself1.

So what does a delegate sent by God have to say? Christ "gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Gal 1:4). First and foremost, Paul wants them to know ... the gospel. It's important. It's vital. It is, in fact, his mission. What gospel? Christ gave Himself for our sins to rescue us. He rescued us from "this present evil age." And He did it "according to the will of our God and Father." The gospel.

The gospel isn't very popular to a large group of people. The notion that we need rescue is an offense to some. The fact that Christ had to give Himself to do it is an offense to some. The simple fact that Paul speaks as a designated representative from God is really upsetting to many ... even though Paul claims that this gospel, this sacrifice, this rescue is to the glory of God forevermore (Gal 1:5). But don't kid yourselves. Paul is right. The gospel is amazing. We desperately need rescue, and Christ died to do it. Without that fact, we're lost.
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1 There are those who would challenge this claim. "Paul said it. Doesn't make it so." This, of course, would serve to nullify Paul's claim here in Galatians ... as well as 3/4 of the New Testament and, ultimately Scripture itself. (For instance, 2 Tim 3:16-17 is the primary claim that Scripture is God-breathed and Peter confirms that Paul was writing Scripture, so, if Paul lied, God Himself is at risk here because Scripture is not God-breathed and Peter was just plain wrong.) However, we do have Peter's word on that and Jesus's. Jesus told Ananias, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake" (Acts 9:15-16). If there is a quibble here, Scripture and Christianity itself are done.

6 comments:

Lorna said...

“I am a prophet of God, and I have an important message from him about salvation! Trust me and heed my word!” I am mindful that many an individual has made this claim over the centuries; it is indeed the foundation for numerous cults and religious/ideological movements. It is important, of course, to know Paul’s basis for claiming authority as a true apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Stan, would you be willing to offer a little postscript to your post, clarifying why Paul can indeed be trusted as a true “delegate sent by God” and not be deemed a false apostle presenting yet another gospel?

David said...

The difference between the words of Paul and say the words of some modern teacher, is that Paul's words were backed up by the power of signs. Otherwise, God has simply left us to our own devices to figure out who is truly speaking for Him.

David said...

His authority was also validated by the signs he performed through the power of God, and the truth of his words prove true even today.

Lorna said...

David, It appears that you and I had the same thoughts--i.e. how to know that we are not following false teachers. Personally, I would not be swayed by “the power of signs” alone, however, since “signs and wonders” can and will be used deceitfully (Matt. 24:24, etc.) (including by the beast of Rev. 13:11ff). Paul’s credibility goes beyond that one factor, in my mind. (I’m sure you meant that as well.)

Lorna said...

Stan, I appreciate the clarification in your postscript, since discerning false from true is so important and getting it wrong so detrimental. I always understood that Paul’s authority stemmed from his encounter (as Saul) with Jesus on the road to Damascus and the subsequent revelations he received during his time of seclusion (Gal. 1:17ff). In addition, the change in him from fierce opponent to fervent ambassador for Christ (Gal. 1:13, 23) speaks loudly, as does the alignment of his message with the entire Word of God, confirmed by the other apostles, as you say. Of course, many so-called “prophets” and modern-day “apostles” could claim one or more of these same circumstances--and thus we have many false religions and sects--but only true New Testament apostles will satisfy all these conditions.

Lorna said...

Yes, Paul’s miraculous works helped to authenticate his mission from God and display the power of the Holy Spirit working through him; that factor can be added to the ones I listed in my comment below. However, to my mind, it is not sufficient validation on its own, as I commented.