FocusA serious warning
Connection to the wholePaul's opening moves quickly to the danger of another gospel, making fidelity to the received message more important than pleasing people.
interpretation Galatians 1:10
KJVFor do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Read it in context
Paul's Defense of His Gospel and Apostleship
Start reading at Galatians 1:1 (Galatians 1:1 to Galatians 1:24).
The passage introduces Paul's apostleship and the purpose of his letter, then immediately addresses the problem of false teaching and defends the divine origin of his gospel.
- 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;)
- 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
- 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
- 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
- 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
- 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
- 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
- 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
- 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
- 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
- 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
- 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
- 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
- 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
- 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
- 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
- 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
- 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
- 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
- 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
- 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
- 1:24 And they glorified God in me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 1:1–2:21): Paul addresses the Galatian churches concerning a different gospel and recounts his calling and dealings with the other apostles. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Paul asserts that his aim is to persuade God, not men, and to please God rather than men, which is foundational to his service as a servant of Christ and his preaching of the true gospel.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that true service to Christ requires prioritizing God's approval over human approval, especially when proclaiming the gospel.
- What is the literary style? The passage is an epistle, characterized by direct address, rhetorical questions, and a defense of the author's authority and message.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 49 to 55.
- When does the event take place? The events described in the letter, particularly Paul's ministry and the challenges to the gospel, occurred early in Paul's ministry.
Where
- Where did it happen? The letter is addressed to the churches in the region of Galatia. Paul's past ministry, mentioned in the surrounding text, included Jerusalem, Arabia, Damascus, Syria, and Cilicia.
- Where was the author located? Paul was located in Antioch or Ephesus when he wrote the letter.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Defense of His Gospel and Apostleship (Galatians 1:1 to Galatians 1:24). Start reading at Galatians 1:1. The passage introduces Paul's apostleship and the purpose of his letter, then immediately addresses the problem of false teaching and defends the divine origin of his gospel.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as Paul's declaration of his unwavering commitment to the gospel he received from Christ, directly following his strong condemnation of any 'other gospel.' It establishes his authority and sincerity before he details the divine origin of his message. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Paul identifies himself as 'the servant of Christ,' indicating that his ultimate allegiance and purpose are to serve Christ alone. This highlights Christ's supreme authority and the singular devotion required of His followers. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to prioritize pleasing God over seeking human approval, especially when upholding and proclaiming the truth of the gospel, remembering that true service is to Christ. interpretation
Cited: Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Galatians 1:6-9, Galatians 1:10, Galatians 1:13-24, Galatians 1:17, Galatians 1:18, Galatians 1:19, Galatians 1:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself, and notes writing in his own hand.
Galatians 1:1Galatians 6:11
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
What is debatedThe destination, north or south Galatia, is debated, which affects the date.
Related passages
- do I now Acts 4:19-20 Acts 5:29 2 Cor 5:9-11 1 Thess 2:4
- persuade 1 Sam 21:7 Matt 28:14 Acts 12:20 Rom 2:8 1 John 3:9
- do I seek 2 Cor 12:19 1 Thess 2:4
- for if Matt 22:16 Rom 15:1-2 1 Cor 10:33 Eph 6:6 Col 3:22 Jas 4:4
- the servant Rom 1:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 1
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
Paul's calling and early history
Galatians 1:11–24FocusThe source of his message
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his former life and calling to show that his gospel was not simply received from human teachers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
FocusAuthority, fellowship, and justification
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
interpretation Promise and the law
Galatians 3:1–4:31FocusAbraham, sonship, and freedom
Connection to the wholePaul reasons from Scripture and the readers' experience, explaining the relation of promise, law, and their identity in Christ.
interpretation Freedom lived through the Spirit
Galatians 5:1–6:18FocusLove, holiness, and mutual responsibility
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.