Last week, we saw that Paul was writing not to a distant and unfamiliar audience but to people he personally knew and had led to Christ. These believers had initially received the gospel of grace—the message that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus and by His grace alone. However, they were now being led astray by individuals, primarily from a Jewish background, who insisted on adding elements of the Mosaic Law as a requirement for salvation.

Paul was deeply frustrated, even angry. Throughout the letter, he uses strong language—calling them “foolish Galatians” (Galatians 3:1), expressing bewilderment at their actions, and even emphasizing his urgency with exclamations. He wasn’t merely being harsh; he was showing the urgency and severity of distorting the gospel. Sometimes, spiritual leaders must correct us in love, even sternly, to prevent us from drifting away from God’s truth.

Paul’s Motivation: Seeking God’s Approval

In Galatians 1:10, Paul makes a striking statement:

“Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Paul was not preaching to win human favor. If his goal had been to please people, he could have softened or altered his message. Instead, he remained unwavering in his commitment to proclaim the truth. His priority was obedience to Christ, not popularity among men.

This is an important lesson for us today. We live in a world where social validation often dictates our self-worth. The number of likes, shares, and followers on social media has become a measure of influence. Yet, Jesus operated on a different principle. He didn’t strive for mass appeal; in fact, His teachings often offended religious leaders and confused political rulers.

Jesus even made it difficult for people to follow Him:

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Unlike today’s influencers, Jesus didn’t seek discoverability or engagement; He sought true disciples. Similarly, Paul reminds us that our goal is not to be popular but to be faithful.

John Calvin once said:

“Those who resolve to serve Christ faithfully must have boldness to despise the favor of men.”

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

In verses 11-12, Paul declares that the gospel he preached was not of human origin:

“For I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”

The false teachers in Galatia were likely questioning Paul’s credibility, suggesting that his message was incomplete or secondary to the teachings of the original apostles. Paul refutes this by affirming that his gospel was not something he learned from others—it was given to him directly by Christ.

Adding to the gospel is like modifying a perfect recipe. Imagine someone saying, “This tea is good, but let’s add more sugar to make it better.” That’s what these false teachers were doing. They weren’t outright rejecting the gospel; they were claiming to enhance it. But Paul insists that the Galatians had already received the purest and best version—directly from Christ through him. Nothing needed to be added.

Paul’s Testimony: A Life Transformed

Paul further defends his authority by recounting his own radical transformation:

“You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it.” (Galatians 1:13)

Before his conversion, Paul was a devout Pharisee who zealously opposed Christianity. If anyone could argue for the law’s importance, it was him. Yet, after encountering Christ, he abandoned legalism and embraced grace. His life was living proof that salvation is not achieved by works but by God’s calling and grace.

Set Apart Before Birth

Paul’s testimony highlights a profound theological truth:

“But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me…” (Galatians 1:15-16)

This echoes other Scriptures:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

“All who dwell on the earth will worship [the beast], everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb.” (Revelation 13:8)

Paul was chosen by God before he was even born, just as we, as believers, were chosen before the foundation of the world. This truth shatters any notion of human effort in salvation. We didn’t find God—He found us. We weren’t saved by our works, intelligence, or righteousness, but solely by His grace.

Living for God’s Purpose

Paul continues in verse 16 by saying that he was chosen to preach to the Gentiles. Likewise, each of us is chosen for a divine purpose. We are not our own; we belong to Christ.

“For we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.” (Romans 14:7-8)

“And He died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for them.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

We often get caught up in our ambitions, but the real measure of success is fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Whether we are called to lead thousands to Christ, sacrifice like Stephen, or raise a godly family like Sarah, our lives must be dedicated to Him.

Conclusion: Paul’s Final Argument

Paul concludes by emphasizing that he did not receive his gospel from the apostles in Jerusalem (v. 18-20). He spent years preaching before even meeting Peter. He wasn’t a secondary apostle—his calling and message were just as authentic and authoritative.

Even the churches of Judea, who had never seen Paul in person, glorified God for his transformation (v. 22-24). If they could recognize the work of God in him, why were the Galatians struggling to trust him?

Final Thoughts

Paul’s message is clear:

• God’s approval is all that matters.
• Salvation is by grace alone.
• We were chosen before birth for His purpose.

Let us remain firm in this gospel, neither seeking human approval nor adding anything to the grace of Christ. Amen.