Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Read it in contextPaul's calling and early history
Start reading at Galatians 1:11 (Galatians 1:11 to Galatians 1:24).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul recounts his former life and calling to show that his gospel was not simply received from human teachers.
1:11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
1:12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1:13For 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:
1:14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
1:17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
1:18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
1:20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
1:21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
1:22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
1:23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
1:24And they glorified God in me.
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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 topic of this reading unit? Paul's calling and early history. Read Galatians 1:11 through Galatians 1:24 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul recounts his former life and calling to show that his gospel was not simply received from human teachers. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Paul's calling and early history (Galatians 1:11 to Galatians 1:24).
Start reading at Galatians 1:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
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.
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
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
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.
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.