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| 1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) |
An apostle – Am an apostle. R551:1
Paul was as much an apostle chosen of the Lord as were the other eleven. R551:1
A special office or function which is of divine appointment solely. Q521:2; R5940:4
To re-establish confidence in the Gospel message Paul had delivered, it was needful that he should rehearse to the Galatians something of his history. R3820:6
Neither by man – Neither by man's appointment. R551:1
No man or congregation is competent to appoint or elect an Apostle. Q521:2; R5940:4
The Church or Rome, the Church of England, and the Greek Church do violence to the principles of God's Word in that they claim to make apostolic bishops. Q521:2; R5940:4
By Jesus Christ, and God – "I am ordained a preacher and an apostle." (1 Tim. 2:7) F276
While assuring us that his authorization or ordination was from God only, he nevertheless went forth to his ministry with Barnabas under the auspices of the Church at Antioch. R1720:2
The Antioch Church did not ordain the Apostle Paul to be an Apostle, but ordained him to be their missionary. Q521:3; R5940:4
Respecting his call, Paul ignores any "third person." E275; R372:6
The Father – There is but one Eternal God and Father--who is "from everlasting to everlasting." (Psa. 90:2) R369:6
Who raised him – The Scriptures nowhere intimate that our Lord Jesus did or could raise himself from the dead. R2795:2
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| 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: |
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| 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, |
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| 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God and our Father: |
For our sins – The forgiveness of sins. R687:4
Deliver us – Redemption from the curse of sin. R687:4
The mystery of God's will was to be fully appreciated by his saints during this evil day. They were to expect deliverance from evil both for themselves and the world. R1273:2
Present evil world – Epoch. R5161:2, 3209:1
Dispensation. R2724:4
So called, not because there has been nothing meritorious during its forty-four hundred years, but because God has permitted evil to dominate the earth during the period. OV26:3; HG538:1
The second great epoch, from the flood to the establishment of the Kingdom of God is under the limited control of Satan. A67; R1615:4; HG537:6
The present epoch of disaster and trouble, since the Deluge; Satan being the prince of this world. (John 12:31; 14:30) R1684:1, 2724:4; HG538:1
From the flood; to the second coming of Christ and the full company of the Church of the first-born is complete. OV26:4; R256:5
Comprising the Patriarchal age, the Jewish age, and the Gospel age. OV27:4; A71; R256:5; HG539:4
Each of the three steps is higher than that preceding it, and carries the Plan forward and nearer to completion. A71; HG539:4
The present Gospel age, which is to end with the establishment of the kingdom, is the particular and all-important age. Neither the Patriarchal or Jewish ages brought any fruitage to full perfection. OV28:1; A72
The way of righteousness is narrow at the present time because this Gospel age is part of "this present evil world," or dispensation, during which Satan is the prince or ruler. NS17:6
The second "world", under the rule of Satan, has been indeed an evil world. A67; HG538:1
We are still living in this epoch because Satan is the god of this world. R3209:1
The power of Satan and the corrupting spiritual influences which he has been able to manipulate have hindered the blessing of mankind, notwithstanding God's favor given to natural and spiritual Israel. OV27:3
The epoch during which sin and ignorance and superstition prevail as darkness over the earth and as gross darkness covering the people. (Isa. 60:2) SM769:2
"The heavens and earth which are now." (2 Pet. 3:7) A67; R256:5; HG538:1
The period in which evil prevails and righteousness is at a discount, in which "the prince of this world" works and rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. NS70:6; R3209:1
God has permitted evil to dominate the earth. OV26:4; A67
To be overwhelmed by the coming social, financial and religious trouble. R3074:6
Those in power, the wealthy and politicians, the financiers, princes of industry, and the kings upon the thrones will do their best to maintain this present evil world because it is to their advantage. R5567:4
The "Day of his preparation" (Nahum 2:3) and "the Time of the End" which dwelleth righteousness." (2 Pet. 3:13) HG416:3
The present order must give place to the "world to come." R1814:1
God and our Father – God required and accepted the death of Christ as man's ransom sacrifice. E450
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| 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. |
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| 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: |
So soon – When the gospel of the Kingdom had been so clearly set before them. R1657:3
Removed – That they should turn from justification through the sacrifice of Jesus, and attempt to justify themselves by following his example and keeping the Law. R687:6
Become entangled in the error of the Judaizing teachers that faith in Christ was only efficacious for salvation when supplemented by keeping the Law. R1657:3
From him – From Paul. R551:1
Grace of Christ – The true gospel was that of grace or favor through Christ, not works. R687:5
Salvation as a gift, a favor of God through Christ. A "free gift" purchased for you with his own precious blood. R687:5
Another gospel – Confessing that Jesus was a notable and worthy example, but that salvation was by good works and observance of the Law. R687:5, 1728:2, 687:6
A hopeless substitute--that Christ would save them if they kept the Law. R1734:6, 975:1, 972:6
Departing from a recognition of God's grace in Christ as our only hope for eternal life, and taking instead a hope of being able to walk righteously and do justly, and thus to merit eternal life. R2285:4
The ignorance of God's Word and plan and the present confusion of the nominal churches paves the way for the great falling away from the cross of Christ. R5801:4, 1643:6
Theosophy, Evolution, New Theology, Christian Science, Universalism, etc. R5137:2, 5801:1, 5800:6, 1643:6
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| 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. |
Is not another – For there can be but one. R1728:3
Is not really another gospel; it was simply the Jewish Law of salvation by merit and obedience, supplemented by the name and example of Jesus. R687:5
There was nothing in the Law which could give them life. R687:6
There be some – False teachers. R868:5
Those teachers who were attempting removal to another gospel were making Paul the center of their attack upon the true glad tidings. R652:1
Would pervert – Turn. R687:5
Teach false doctrines. R868:5
This epistle shows us how many, Gentile's by birth, had been misled into believing whatever blessings they might enjoy through Christ and the original Abrahamic Covenant, they must also become amenable to the Law Covenant. R4510:2
Satan has ever sought to counteract the force of truth by counterfeiting it; as with Spiritism and Papacy. R760:1
Mind-curers and Christian Scientists. R894:2
Gospel of Christ – The foundation doctrine is that Jesus died to secure the redemption price for Adam and his race. R5916:4, 975:1, 728:2, 753:2, 496:1, 425:3
Paul was fearful that subservience to the Law Covenant might lead them to reject the true Gospel, that Christ gave himself for our sins. R1734:6, 974:6
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| 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. |
Though we – Paul and his associates. R551:1
The truth, divinely inspired and first announced by the Lord's chosen agents, the apostles, even they themselves, had they fallen away, could not nullify. R1524:4
So positive and definite should be our spiritual individuality that, should the one whose spiritual life first nourished ours fall away, we would still live being able to appropriate for ourselves the spirit of truth. R3250:6
Or an angel – That would be proof that such angel had deflected from loyalty to the Lord. R5916:4
Those representing themselves as messengers of truth, wresting the Scriptures and perverting them to establish another gospel. R1025:1*
We are to receive nothing without evidence. R85:5*
Preach any other gospel – Present any other foundation for faith. R652:1, 3186:6
The Apostle lays special emphasis upon the fundamental importance of correct doctrinal teaching. R5916:4
In the Apostle's estimation, doctrinal disorders are among the chief. R1575:3
We are not to expect an additional revelation of any kind. God's people are not to trust either in their own speculations and mental gymnastics, or in visions and dreams. OV396:1
Theosophy, Evolution, Higher Critics, Christian Science. R5137:2, 5970:3, 3186:6
Let the soldiers of the cross be valiant for the truth, and let them negotiate no union with any class save the consecrated and faithful followers of the Lamb. D242; R1592:6
"If any man teach otherwise withdraw thyself." (1 Tim. 6:3) Do not lend support to tha F255
Papal comment on this text is, "Catholics should not spare their own parents, if heretics." B320
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| 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. |
Any other gospel – Than that of which Christ crucified is the foundation stone, and Christ glorified, the hope of restitution, the crowning feature. R1205:3, 1482:5*
Be accursed – For he should know better in view of all the divine testimony herein furnished. R1205:3
We have not much liberty or choice in our attitude toward those who deny the foundation of our faith. R1453:5
"Receive him not into your home, neither bid him God speed. He that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 10, 11) (Also see 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 3:10) R1453:5
Have nothing whatever to do with such. R1482:5*
Those who pervert the true gospel are no longer to be affectionately loved as God's children but are to be pitied. R1255:4
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| 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. |
For do I now – In 1:10-24, and 2:1-10, Paul reproduces the evidences of his apostleship and sets forth the strong foundation of the hope of the gospel. R1657:3
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| 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. |
I certify you – I certify unto you. R1419:3; HG311:6
Let me say further. R551:1
Paul's writings are toned not only with meekness, but also with that authority which should mark one who knows what he teaches to be the truth. R1419:3; HG311:6
Not after man – Human weaknesses were not permitted to mar the Apostle's work or usefulness. R1526:3; F224
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| 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
By the revelation – The visions which make Paul's writings of unspeakable value. F215
The Lord more than made up to Paul what he lacked, to make him a competent and reliable witness to us. R1523:1
Paul saw more literally the things subsequently revealed in symbols to John at Patmos. R4518:5
Paul being in visions and revelations of the Lord more abundant than they all. (2 Cor. 12:2-4) R365:1
It was because the Apostle Paul had visions and revelations that he was enabled to appreciate the divine character and plan so clearly, and was qualified to state them in his teachings and epistles. F215
He was a prophet as well as an Apostle. R1719:6
The apostles writings were especially supervised by the Lord and their doctrinal utterances inspired. SM672:3; R1719:6, 1526:3, 435:2; OV412:1
Of Jesus Christ – "With the holy Spirit sent down from heaven." (1 Pet. 1:12) F224; R1526:3
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| 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: |
Ye have heard of my conversation in time past – You heard of me in times past. R551:1
I persecuted – Paul labored the more diligently to testify to his appreciation of the grace bestowed, and to be long suffering with others as God had been with him. R1885:4
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| 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. |
Exceedingly zealous – How zealous I was for the tradition of my fathers. R551:1
Traditions – The teachings of the Scriptures and Paul's own instructions, which he had presented to those that he was addressing. Q747:2
There are true traditions, and false traditions. All of those which are in harmony with the teachings of the divine Word are true. Q747:2
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| 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, |
It pleased God – An illustration of God's election; for special services in the present life, and the shaping of their course in view of that purpose. R1651:1
Who separated me – To be a special servant. F209
God chose and prepared Paul for this service in early life. R1457:5 1565:3
This does not involve the thought of divine interference with the free will. Paul went into blind error, persecuting the Church. R2562:3, 4724:3
From my mother's womb – Who from my birth called me. R551:1
Paul was endowed from his birth, and was zealous toward God long before his conversion. R1671:6, 1651:1, 551:1
The Lord had his own choice for the one who would take the place of Judas, and this one had already been undergoing special training and discipline. R2823:2, 162:5; F209
Evidently divine providence had arranged that he should be born under certain conditions which tended to make him just such a vessel for the gospel as he now was. R4356:3, 5002:6
Such special preparation and supervision was no doubt applicable to all of the twelve, even as also with John the Baptist in his work. R5002:6, 1671:6
An illustration of the importance of prenatal influence. R1671:3
It has at times appeared as though divine providence occasionally interposed in prenatal influences which made the child very different in bent of mind from either of its parents. R4724:2
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| 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: |
Immediately – Prompt obedience is specially pleasing to the Lord. R457:5*
I conferred not – But went forth at once to preach the faith which once I persecuted. (Verse 23) R551:1
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| 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. |
Neither went I – Paul is proving that he received his commission and authority direct from the Lord and not from them who were apostles before. R551:1
Apostles – The twelve apostles (Paul taking the place of Judas) filled the office of prophets, as well as being under the guidance and supervision of the Lord with reference to future things. R1148:4
I went into Arabia – If Paul had stayed in Arabia all the rest of his life merely studying and nursing his sore eyes, doubtless he would have been of the Great Company class. Q697:4
We do not know how much studying he did in Arabia, nor do we see that he did much sacrificing during those years. Q697:5
The fact that one might be in an inert condition for a while does not mean that God had rejected him from the Holy condition. The decision of the Lord is at the end of the course. Q698:1
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| 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. |
Three years – Possibly spent in studying out various features of the divine program. R4357:4
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| 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. |
The Lord's brother – So styled by Jewish custom; supposed to have been a second cousin. R3003:2
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| 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. |
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| 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; |
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| 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: |
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| 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. |
Destroyed – Persecuted. R551:1
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| 24 And they glorified God in me. |
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