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| Parallel Chapters and Verses, Greek and Hebrew Lexicon, Commentaries, Strong's Bible Dictionary, Concordances and Cross References for Galatians 1 Galatians: Galatians 1:1 New American Standard Bible: Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), God's Word Translation: From Paul-an apostle chosen not by any group or individual but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who brought him back to life- King James Version: Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) Bible in Basic English: Paul, an Apostle (not from men, and not through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who made him come back from the dead), Weymouth New Testament: Paul, an Apostle sent not from men nor by any man, but by Jesus Christ and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from among the dead-- World English Bible: Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), Alphabetical: not agency an and apostle but by Christ dead dead Father from God him Jesus man men nor not of Paul raised sent the through who GSB: 1:1 Paul, {1} an apostle, (not {a} of men, neither by {b} man, but by {c} Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) (1) A salutation which puts in a few words the sum of the apostle's doctrine, and also immediately from the beginning shows the gravity appropriate for the authority of an apostle, which he had to maintain against the false apostles. (a) He shows who is the author of the ministry generally: for in this the whole ministry agrees, that whether they are apostles, or shepherds, or teachers, they are appointed by God. (b) He mentions that man is not the instrumental cause: for this is a special right of the apostles, to be called directly from Christ. (c) Christ no doubt is man, but he is also God, and head of the Church, and in this respect to be exempted out of the number of men. PNT: 1:1 Paul's Apostleship of God, Not of Men SUMMARY OF GALATIANS 1: Greetings. Paul's Wonder That the Galatians Had Swerved from the Gospel. They Had Received. Anathemas on Those Who Preach Another Gospel. The Gospel Communicated to Paul by Christ Himself. Paul's Early Life. A Persecutor. Christ Revealed. Goes Not Then to Jerusalem. After Three Years, Abode with Peter Fifteen Days. Then Preached in Cilicia. Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man. This verse is the text of the first two chapters. In the Introduction I have pointed out that this Epistle was written on account of the disturbance made among the churches of Galatia by false teachers. These teachers sought to prepare a way for their doctrines by discrediting Paul. If they admitted that he was an apostle at all, they claimed that he was inferior to Peter and the Twelve; that he had received his gospel from them, and hence all must look to Jerusalem for the true gospel. Hence Paul here begins by declaring that his apostleship is not from man, but by Jesus Christ, directly from Christ. The other apostles did not convert, choose, or appoint him, but Christ came from heaven to commission him. WES: 1:1 Paul, an apostle - Here it was necessary for St. Paul to assert his authority; otherwise he is very modest in the use of this title. He seldom mentions it when he mentions others in the salutations with himself, as in the Epistles to the Philippians and Thessalonians; or when he writes about secular affairs, as in that to Philemon; nor yet in writing to the Hebrews because he was not properly their apostle. Not of men - Not commissioned from them, but from God the Father. Neither by man - Neither by any man as an instrument, but by Jesus Christ. Who raised him from the dead - Of which it was the peculiar business of an apostle to bear witness. MHC: 1:1-5 St. Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ; he was expressly appointed by him, consequently by God the Father, who is one with him in respect of his Divine nature, and who appointed Christ as Mediator. Grace, includes God's good-will towards us, and his good work upon us; and peace, all that inward comfort, or outward prosperity, which is really needful for us. They come from God the Father, as the Fountain, through Jesus Christ. But observe, first grace, and then peace; there can be no true peace without grace. Christ gave himself for our sins, to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to this he freely submitted. Here is to be observed the infinite greatness of the price bestowed, and then it will appear plainly, that the power of sin is so great, that it could by no means be put away except the Son of God be given for it. He that considers these things well, understands that sin is a thing the most horrible that can be expressed; which ought to move us, and make us afraid indeed. Especially mark well the words, for our sins. For here our weak nature starts back, and would first be made worthy by her own works. It would bring him that is whole, and not him that has need of a physician. Not only to redeem us from the wrath of God, and the curse of the law; but also to recover us from wicked practices and customs, to which we are naturally enslaved. But it is in vain for those who are not delivered from this present evil world by the sanctification of the Spirit, to expect that they are freed from its condemnation by the blood of Jesus. Galatians 1:2 New American Standard Bible: and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: God's Word Translation: and all the believers who are with me. To the churches in Galatia. King James Version: And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Bible in Basic English: And all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Weymouth New Testament: and all the brethren who are with me: To the Churches of Galatia. World English Bible: and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: Alphabetical: all and are brethren brothers churches Galatia in me of the To who with PNT: 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me. His fellow-laborers, such as Timothy, Titus, Silas, Luke, etc. some of whom at least were with him at this time. The word all implies that a number were with him. Unto the churches of Galatia. The inference from the language is that there were a considerable number scattered through the province. WES: 1:2 And all the brethren - Who agree with me in what I now write. MHC: Galatians 1:3 New American Standard Bible: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Word Translation: Good will and peace are yours from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! King James Version: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Bible in Basic English: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, Weymouth New Testament: May grace and peace be granted to you from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, World English Bible: Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, Alphabetical: and Christ Father from God Grace Jesus Lord our peace the to you PNT: 1:3 Grace... and peace. The salutation is a benediction, a petition that the blessings of Father and Son may be bestowed upon them. See PNT Ro 1:7. MHC: Galatians 1:4 New American Standard Bible: who 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, God's Word Translation: In order to free us from this present evil world, Christ took the punishment for our sins, because that was what our God and Father wanted. King James Version: 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: Bible in Basic English: Who gave himself for our sins, so that he might make us free from this present evil world, after the purpose of our God and Father: Weymouth New Testament: who gave Himself to suffer for our sins in order to rescue us from the present wicked age in accordance with the will of our God and Father. World English Bible: who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father- Alphabetical: according age and evil Father for from gave God He himself might of our present rescue sins so that the this to us who will GSB: 1:4 {2} Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil {d} world, according to the will of God and our Father: (2) The sum of the true Gospel is this, that Christ by his offering alone saves us who are chosen out of the world, by the free decree of God the Father. (d) Out of that most corrupt state which is without Christ. PNT: 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins. The name of Christ causes the utterance of a grand truth, of which the heart of Paul was always full, and which needed at this time to be impressed on the Galatian brethren. It was not Moses, but Christ who gave himself for them. This present evil world. The existing state of things, where sin and death reign. WES: 1:4 That he might deliver us from the present evil world - From the guilt, wickedness, and misery wherein it is involved, and from its vain and foolish customs and pleasures. According to the will of God - Without any merit of ours. St. Paul begins most of his epistles with thanksgiving; but, writing to the Galatians, he alters his style, and first sets down his main proposition, That by the merits of Christ alone, giving himself for our sins, we are justified: neither does he term them, as he does others, either saints, elect, or churches of God. MHC: Galatians 1:5 New American Standard Bible: to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. God's Word Translation: Glory belongs to our God and Father forever! Amen. King James Version: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Bible in Basic English: To whom be the glory for ever and ever. So be it. Weymouth New Testament: To Him be the glory to the Ages of the Ages! Amen. World English Bible: to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Alphabetical: Amen and be ever for forevermore glory the to whom PNT: 1:5 To whom [be] glory. This doxology is an indirect rebuke to those who were exalting Moses to share the glory of Christ. WES: 1:5 To whom be glory - For this his gracious will. MHC: Galatians 1:6 New American Standard Bible: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; God's Word Translation: I'm surprised that you're so quickly deserting Christ, who called you in his kindness, to follow a different kind of good news. King James Version: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Bible in Basic English: I am surprised that you are being so quickly turned away from him whose word came to you in the grace of Christ, to good news of a different sort; Weymouth New Testament: I marvel that you are so readily leaving Him who called you by the grace of Christ, and are adhering to a different Good News. World English Bible: I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different "good news"; Alphabetical: a am amazed and are astonished by called Christ deserting different for gospel grace Him I of one quickly so that the to turning who you GSB: 1:6 {3} I marvel that ye are so soon {e} removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (3) The first part of the epistle, in which he witnesses that he is an apostle, nothing inferior to those chief disciples of Christ, and wholly agreeing with them, whose names the false apostles abused. And he begins with chiding, reproving them of unsteadiness, because they gave ear so easily to those who perverted them and drew them away to a new gospel. (e) He uses the passive voice to cast the fault upon the false apostles, and he uses the present voice to show them that it was not completely done, but in the process of being done. PNT: 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed. Paul abruptly springs into the midst of his subject. With the fickleness of their race, they had so soon swerved from him that called them. The analogy of Paul's language would show that he refers to God. Compare Ga 1:15 1Co 1:9 Ro 8:30. The call was a divine one. Paul was only the instrument that God used. Into the grace of Christ. The gospel privileges. Called into these, they had removed unto another gospel, one of a different kind, not worthy of the name. WES: 1:6 I marvel that ye are removed so soon - After my leaving you. From him who called you by the grace of Christ - His gracious gospel, and his gracious power. MHC: 1:6-9 Those who would establish any other way to heaven than what the gospel of Christ reveals, will find themselves wretchedly mistaken. The apostle presses upon the Galatians a due sense of their guilt in forsaking the gospel way of justification; yet he reproves with tenderness, and represents them as drawn into it by the arts of some that troubled them. In reproving others, we should be faithful, and yet endeavour to restore them in the spirit of meekness. Some would set up the works of the law in the place of Christ's righteousness, and thus they corrupted Christianity. The apostle solemnly denounces, as accursed, every one who attempts to lay so false a foundation. All other gospels than that of the grace of Christ, whether more flattering to self-righteous pride, or more favourable to worldly lusts, are devices of Satan. And while we declare that to reject the moral law as a rule of life, tends to dishonour Christ, and destroy true religion, we must also declare, that all dependence for justification on good works, whether real or supposed, is as fatal to those who persist in it. While we are zealous for good works, let us be careful not to put them in the place of Christ's righteousness, and not to advance any thing which may betray others into so dreadful a delusion. Galatians 1:7 New American Standard Bible: which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. God's Word Translation: But what some people are calling good news is not really good news at all. They are confusing you. They want to distort the Good News about Christ. King James Version: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Bible in Basic English: Which is not another sort: only there are some who give you trouble, desiring to make changes in the good news of Christ. Weymouth New Testament: For other "Good News" there is none; but there are some persons who are troubling you, and are seeking to distort the Good News concerning Christ. World English Bible: and there isn't another "good news." Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. Alphabetical: all and another are at Christ confusion distort disturbing Evidently gospel into is no not of only people pervert really some the there throwing to trying want which who you GSB: 1:7 {4} Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would {f} pervert the gospel of Christ. (4) He warns them in time to remember that there are not many Gospels; and therefore whatever these false apostles pretend who had the Law, Moses, and the fathers in their mouths, yet these ones had indeed corrupted the true Gospel. And he himself, indeed, also the very angels themselves (and therefore much more these false apostles) ought to be held accursed, if they go about to change the least thing that may be in the Gospel that he delivered to them before. (f) For there is nothing more contrary to faith or free justification, than justification by the Law or by deeds. PNT: 1:7 Which is not another. Is not a gospel at all, but only a perversion of the only gospel of Christ, due to false teachers. WES: 1:7 Which, indeed, is not properly another gospel. For what ye have now received is no gospel at all; it is not glad, but heavy, tidings, as setting your acceptance with God upon terms impossible to be performed. But there are some that trouble you - The same word occurs, Acts 15:24. And would - If they were able. Subvert or overthrow the gospel of Christ - The better to effect which, they suggest, that the other apostles, yea, and I myself, insist upon the observance of the law. MHC: Galatians 1:8 New American Standard Bible: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! God's Word Translation: Whoever tells you good news that is different from the Good News we gave you should be condemned to hell, even if he is one of us or an angel from heaven. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, were to be a preacher to you of good news other than that which we have given you, let there be a curse on him. Weymouth New Testament: But if even we or an angel from Heaven should bring you a Good News different from that which we have already brought you, let him be accursed. World English Bible: But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any "good news" other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. Alphabetical: a accursed an angel be But condemned contrary eternally even from gospel have he heaven him if is let one or other preach preached should than the to we what you GSB: 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 {g} accursed. (g) See Ro 9:3. PNT: 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, etc. He supposes an impossibility in order to make his statement emphatic. These false teachers said, Our gospel is of Peter, or of James. Paul replies, Even though they, or we, or even an angel, preach another gospel, let him be accursed. Accursed. Anathema; given over to the judgments of God. He who corrupts divine truth is an enemy of God, and is under the curse. See 1Co 16:22. WES: 1:8 But if we - I and all the apostles. Or an angel from heaven - If it were possible. Preach another gospel, let him be accursed - Cut off from Christ and God. MHC: Galatians 1:9 New American Standard Bible: As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! God's Word Translation: I'm now telling you again what we've told you in the past: If anyone tells you good news that is different from the Good News you received, that person should be condemned to hell. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man is a preacher to you of any good news other than that which has been given to you, let there be a curse on him. Weymouth New Testament: What I have just said I repeat--if any one is preaching to you a Good News other than that which you originally received, let him be accursed. World English Bible: As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any "good news" other than that which you received, let him be cursed. Alphabetical: a accepted accursed again already any anybody As be before condemned contrary eternally gospel have he him I If is let man now other preaching received said say so than to we what you PNT: 1:9 As we said before. This refers, it is generally supposed, to Paul's last visit to Galatia, mentioned in Ac 18:23, at which time he had warned the brethren against the Judaizers. So say I now again, etc. The strong language shows how great a sin it is to pervert the gospel or Bible truth. WES: 1:9 As - He speaks upon mature deliberation; after pausing, it seems, between the two verse s. We - I and the brethren who are with me. Have said before - Many times, in effect, if not in terms. So I say - All those brethren knew the truth of the gospel. St. Paul knew the Galatians had received the true gospel. MHC: Galatians 1:10 New American Standard Bible: For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. God's Word Translation: Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant. King James Version: 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. Bible in Basic English: Am I now using arguments to men, or God? or is it my desire to give men pleasure? if I was still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Weymouth New Testament: For is it man's favour or God's that I aspire to? Or am I seeking to please men? If I were still a man-pleaser, I should not be Christ's bondservant. World English Bible: For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ. Alphabetical: a Am approval be bond-servant Christ favor For God I If men not now of or please seeking servant still striving the to trying were win would GSB: 1:10 {5} For do I now persuade {h} men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (5) A confirmation taken both from the nature of the doctrine itself, and also from the manner which he used in teachings. For neither, he says, did I teach those things which pleased men, as these men do who put part of salvation in external things, and works of the Law, neither went I about to procure any man's favour. And therefore the matter itself shows that that doctrine which I delivered to you is heavenly. (h) He refers to the false apostles, who had nothing but flattery in their mouths for men, and he, though he would not detract from the apostles, preaches God, and not to please men. PNT: 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? Is this his motive, or to please God? If he sought to please men, he would never have become the servant of Christ. By so doing he had displeased all his own nation and brought on himself the hatred of men. See 2Co 11:23. WES: 1:10 For - He adds the reason why he speaks so confidently. Do I now satisfy men - Is this what I aim at in preaching or writing? If I still - Since I was an apostle. Pleased men - Studied to please them; if this were my motive of action; nay, if I did in fact please the men who know not God. I should not be the servant of Christ - Hear this, all ye who vainly hope to keep in favour both with God and with the world! MHC: 1:10-14 In preaching the gospel, the apostle sought to bring persons to the obedience, not of men, but of God. But Paul would not attempt to alter the doctrine of Christ, either to gain their favour, or to avoid their fury. In so important a matter we must not fear the frowns of men, nor seek their favour, by using words of men's wisdom. Concerning the manner wherein he received the gospel, he had it by revelation from Heaven. He was not led to Christianity, as many are, merely by education. Galatians 1:11 New American Standard Bible: For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. God's Word Translation: I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Good News I have spread is not a human message. King James Version: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. Bible in Basic English: Because I say to you, my brothers, that the good news of which I was the preacher is not man's. Weymouth New Testament: For I must tell you, brethren, that the Good News which was proclaimed by me is not such as man approves of. World English Bible: But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. Alphabetical: according brethren brothers by For gospel have I is know made man me not preached something that the to up want was which would you GSB: 1:11 {6} But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (6) A second argument to prove that his doctrine is heavenly, because he had it from heaven, from Jesus Christ himself, without any man's help, in which he excels those whom Christ taught here on earth after the manner of men. PNT: 1:11 The gospel which was preached by me is not after to man. It is not preached to please man, nor is it of human origin. WES: 1:11 But I certify you, brethren - He does not till now give them even this appellation. That the gospel which was preached by me among you is not according to man - Not from man, not by man, not suited to the taste of man. MHC: Galatians 1:12 New American Standard Bible: For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. God's Word Translation: I didn't receive it from any person. I wasn't taught it, but Jesus Christ revealed it to me. King James Version: For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Bible in Basic English: For I did not get it from man, and I was not given teaching in it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. Weymouth New Testament: For, in fact, it was not from man that I received or learnt it, but by a revelation from Jesus Christ. World English Bible: For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. Alphabetical: a any but by Christ did For from I it Jesus man neither nor not of rather receive received revelation taught through was GSB: 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the {i} revelation of Jesus Christ. (i) This passage is about an extraordinary revelation, for otherwise the Son revealed his Gospel only by his Spirit, even though by the ministry of men, which Paul excludes here. PNT: 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it]. It could not be of man, for it did not come to him from man. No preacher or apostle taught it to him. But by the revelation of Jesus Christ. It came by a direct revelation of Christ. The first revelation was on the way to Damascus (Ac 26:13-18). There were no doubt successive revelations (2Co 12:1). WES: 1:12 For neither did I receive it - At once. Nor was I taught it - Slowly and gradually, by any man. But by the revelation of Jesus Christ - Our Lord revealed to him at first, his resurrection, ascension, and the calling of the gentiles, and his own apostleship; and told him then, there were other things for which he would appear to him. MHC: Galatians 1:13 New American Standard Bible: For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; God's Word Translation: You heard about the way I once lived when I followed the Jewish religion. You heard how I violently persecuted God's church and tried to destroy it. King James Version: 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: Bible in Basic English: For news has come to you of my way of life in the past in the Jews' religion, how I was cruel without measure to the church of God, and did great damage to it: Weymouth New Testament: For you have heard of my early career in Judaism--how I furiously persecuted the Church of God, and made havoc of it; World English Bible: For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it. Alphabetical: and beyond church destroy For former God have heard how I in intensely it Judaism life manner measure my of persecute persecuted previous the to tried used way you GSB: 1:13 {7} 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: (7) He proves that he was extraordinarily taught by Christ himself, by this history of his former life, which the Galatians themselves knew well enough. For, he says, it is well known in what school I was brought up, even from my childhood, that is, among the deadly enemies of the Gospel. And no man may raise a frivolous objection and say that I was a scholar of the Pharisees in name only, and not in deed, for no man is ignorant of how I excelled in Pharisaism, and was suddenly changed from a Pharisee to an apostle of the Gentiles, so that I had no time to be instructed by men. PNT: 1:13 Ye have heard of my conversation in time past. Of my manner of life (Revised Version). While he was still a Jew. In order to show that his gospel did not come from man, he cites his history, of which they knew something. I persecuted the church of God. See Ac 9:21. He made a determined effort to destroy Christianity. Compare Ac 22:4 26:10,11. WES: 1:13 I Persecuted the church of God - That is, the believers in Christ. MHC: Galatians 1:14 New American Standard Bible: and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. God's Word Translation: You also heard how I was far ahead of other Jews in my age group in following the Jewish religion. I had become that fanatical for the traditions of my ancestors. King James Version: And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Bible in Basic English: And I went farther in the Jews' religion than a number of my generation among my countrymen, having a more burning interest in the beliefs handed down from my fathers. Weymouth New Testament: and how in devotion to Judaism I outstripped many men of my own age among my people, being far more zealous than they on behalf of the traditions of my forefathers. World English Bible: I advanced in the Jews' religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. Alphabetical: advancing age among ancestral and being beyond contemporaries countrymen extremely fathers for I in Jews Judaism many more my of own the traditions was zealous GSB: 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the {k} traditions of my fathers. (k) He calls them the traditions of his fathers, because he was not only a Pharisee himself, but also had a Pharisee for his father. PNT: 1:14 Profited in the Jews' religion. Made progress in it. He was a Pharisee, was well educated, exceedingly zealous, and reached a high degree. Traditions of my fathers. Not only the law of Moses, but the traditions handed down which were taught so assiduously. See Mt 15:2 Mr 7:3,13. Our Lord condemned these Jewish traditions. WES: 1:14 Being zealous of the unwritten traditions - Over and above those written in the law. MHC: Galatians 1:15 New American Standard Bible: But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased God's Word Translation: But God, who appointed me before I was born and who called me by his kindness, was pleased King James Version: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, Bible in Basic English: But when it was the good pleasure of God, by whom I was marked out even from my mother's body, through his grace, Weymouth New Testament: But when He who set me apart even from my birth, and called me by His grace, World English Bible: But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, Alphabetical: and apart birth But by called even from God grace had his me mother's my pleased set through was when who womb GSB: 1:15 But when it pleased God, who {l} separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace, (l) He speaks of God's everlasting predestination, by which he appointed him to be an apostle, of which he makes three distinctions: the everlasting council of God, his appointing from his mother's womb, and his calling. And we see that there is no mention at all of foreseen works. PNT: 1:15 But when it pleased God, etc. The language that follows implies that, like Moses, John the Baptist (Lu 1:15-17), Isaiah (Isa 49:1), and Jeremiah (Jer 1:5), Paul was destined to his work from birth. WES: 1:15 But when it pleased God - He ascribes nothing to his own merits, endeavours, or sincerity. Who separated me from my mother's womb - Set me apart for an apostle, as he did Jeremiah for a prophet. Jer 1:5. Such an unconditional predestination as this may consist, both with God's justice and mercy. And called me by his grace - By his free and almighty love, to be both a Christian and an apostle. MHC: 1:15-24 St. Paul was wonderfully brought to the knowledge and faith of Christ. All who are savingly converted, are called by the grace of God; their conversion is wrought by his power and grace working in them. It will but little avail us to have Christ revealed to us, if he is not also revealed in us. He instantly prepared to obey, without hesitating as to his worldly interest, credit, ease, or life itself. And what matter of thanksgiving and joy is it to the churches of Christ, when they hear of such instances to the praise of the glory of his grace, whether they have ever seen them or not! They glorify God for his power and mercy in saving such persons, and for all the service to his people and cause that is done, and may be further expected from them. Galatians 1:16 New American Standard Bible: to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, God's Word Translation: to show me his Son. He did this so that I would tell people who are not Jewish that his Son is the Good News. When this happened, I didn't talk it over with any other person. King James Version: To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Bible in Basic English: To give the revelation of his Son in me, so that I might give the news of him to the Gentiles; then I did not take the opinion of flesh and blood, Weymouth New Testament: saw fit to reveal His Son within me in order that I might tell among the Gentiles the Good News concerning Him, at once I did not confer with any human being, World English Bible: to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn't immediately confer with flesh and blood, Alphabetical: among and any blood consult did flesh Gentiles him his I immediately in man me might not preach reveal so Son that the to with GSB: 1:16 To reveal his Son {m} in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately {8} I conferred not with {n} flesh and blood: (m) To me, and this is a type of speech which the Hebrews use, by which it shows us that this gift comes from God. (8) He says this because it might be objected that he was indeed called by Christ in the way, but afterward was instructed by the apostles and others (whose names, as I said before, the false apostles abused to destroy his apostleship), as though he delivered another Gospel than they did, and as though he were not of their number, who are to be credited without exception. Therefore, Paul answers that he began immediately after his calling to preach the Gospel at Damascus and in Arabia, and was not from that time in Jerusalem except for fifteen days, when he saw only Peter and James. And afterwards, he began to teach in Syria and Cilicia, with the consent and approval of the churches of the Jews, who knew him only by name: so far off was it, that he was there instructed by men. (n) With any man in the world. PNT: 1:16 To reveal his Son in me. It was one thing to call him, as was done on the way to Damascus; another to reveal Christ to him. This was needful that he should be a witness of the resurrection to the Gentiles. I conferred not with flesh and blood. He did not go to men to learn more, or for counsel. WES: 1:16 To reveal his Son in me - By the powerful operation of his Spirit, 2Cor 4:6; as well as to me, by the heavenly vision. That I might preach him to others - Which I should have been ill qualified to do, had I not first known him myself. I did not confer with flesh and blood - Being fully satisfied of the divine will, and determined to obey, I took no counsel with any man, neither with my own reason or inclinations, which might have raised numberless objections. MHC: Galatians 1:17 New American Standard Bible: nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. God's Word Translation: I didn't even go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went to Arabia and then came back to Damascus. King James Version: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Bible in Basic English: And I went not up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; but I went away into Arabia, and again I came back to Damascus. Weymouth New Testament: nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were my seniors in the Apostleship, but I went away into Arabia, and afterwards came back to Damascus. World English Bible: nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus. Alphabetical: and apostles Arabia away before but Damascus did go I immediately into Jerusalem later me more nor once returned see those to up was went were who PNT: 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them who were apostles before me. He did not seek those who were apostles before him at Jerusalem to be taught. I went into Arabia. This is the only place where this fact is mentioned. Like Moses and Elijah, he spent a season, perhaps for reflection, communion with God, and preparation, amid the Arabian solitudes. He then returned again to Damascus. Here he probably did his first preaching (Ac 9:20-23). Arabia lay south and east of Palestine, extending to the vicinity of Damascus. WES: 1:17 Neither did I go up to Jerusalem - The residence of the apostles. But I immediately went again into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus - He presupposes the journey to Damascus, in which he was converted, as being known to them all. MHC: Galatians 1:18 New American Standard Bible: Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. God's Word Translation: Then, three years later I went to Jerusalem to become personally acquainted with Cephas. I stayed with him for fifteen days. King James Version: Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. Bible in Basic English: Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Cephas, and was there with him fifteen days. Weymouth New Testament: Then, three years later, I went up to Jerusalem to inquire for Peter, and I spent a fortnight with him. World English Bible: Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. Alphabetical: acquainted after and become Cephas days fifteen get him I Jerusalem later Peter stayed Then three to up went with years PNT: 1:18 Then, after three years I went up to Jerusalem. Three years after conversion. This journey to Jerusalem, hurried by persecution at Damascus (2Co 11:32), was probably A.D. 40. To see Peter. He had probably never met him before. He desired to form his acquaintance and counsel over their great work. He then remained fifteen days, not long enough to have been taught the gospel by Peter, if that had been his object. WES: 1:18 Then after three years - Wherein I had given full proof of my apostleship. I went to visit Peter - To converse with him. MHC: Galatians 1:19 New American Standard Bible: But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. God's Word Translation: I didn't see any other apostle. I only saw James, the Lord's brother. King James Version: But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Bible in Basic English: But of the other Apostles I saw only James, the Lord's brother. Weymouth New Testament: I saw none of the other Apostles, except James, the Lord's brother. World English Bible: But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord's brother. Alphabetical: any apostles brother But did except I James Lord's none not of only other saw see the PNT: 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none. The other apostles were probably absent among churches of Judea (Ac 9:31). Save James, the Lord's brother. Not James the brother of John, an apostle, but James, the brother of the Lord, named in Ac 12:17 15:13 21:18 This James was not one of the Twelve, but rose to great dignity and influence in the church at Jerusalem. He is called here the brother of the Lord, to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee (Mt 4:21 10:02 Mr 1:19 3:17), and James, the son of Alphaeus (Mt 10:3 Mr 3:18 Lu 6:15 Ac 1:13), who were of the Twelve. For Introduction to Epistle of James, see PNT Jas 1:1. WES: 1:19 But other of the apostles I saw none, save James the brother (that is, the kinsman) of the Lord - Therefore when Barnabas is said to have brought him into the apostles, Acts 9:27, only St. Peter and St James are meant. MHC: Galatians 1:20 New American Standard Bible: (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) God's Word Translation: (God is my witness that what I'm writing is not a lie.) King James Version: Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Bible in Basic English: Now God is witness that the things which I am writing to you are true. Weymouth New Testament: In making these assertions I am speaking the truth, as in the sight of God. World English Bible: Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I'm not lying. Alphabetical: Now am assure before God I in is lie lying no not that to what writing you GSB: 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, {o} before God, I lie not. (o) This is a type of an oath. PNT: 1:20 Behold, before God, I lie not. This statement, an important one in view of the declarations of the Judaizers, Paul makes very solemnly. MHC: Galatians 1:21 New American Standard Bible: Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. God's Word Translation: Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. King James Version: Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; Bible in Basic English: Then I came to the parts of Syria and Cilicia. Weymouth New Testament: Afterwards I visited Syria and Cilicia. World English Bible: Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. Alphabetical: and Cilicia I into Later of regions Syria the Then to went PNT: 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. He was forced to leave Jerusalem by the attempt of the Hellenistic Jews to kill him. See Ac 9:29,30. MHC: Galatians 1:22 New American Standard Bible: I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; God's Word Translation: The churches of Christ in Judea didn't know me personally. King James Version: And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: Bible in Basic English: And the churches of Judaea which were in Christ still had no knowledge of my face or person: Weymouth New Testament: But to the Christian Churches in Judaea I was personally unknown. World English Bible: I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ, Alphabetical: are by Christ churches I in Judea of personally sight still that the to unknown was were which PNT: 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea. The churches of Judea had heard of him, but few had seen him. MHC: Galatians 1:23 New American Standard Bible: but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." God's Word Translation: The only thing they had heard was this: "The man who persecuted us is now spreading the faith that he once tried to destroy." King James Version: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. Bible in Basic English: Only it came to their ears that he who at one time was cruel to us is now preaching the faith which before had been attacked by him; Weymouth New Testament: They only heard it said, "He who was once our persecutor is now telling the Good News of the faith of which he formerly made havoc." World English Bible: but they only heard: "He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy." Alphabetical: but destroy faith formerly he heard hearing is kept man now once only persecuted preaching report the They to tried us which who GSB: 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the {p} faith which once he destroyed. (p) The doctrine of faith. PNT: 1:23 They had heard. Rather, they kept hearing. That he was busy planting churches in Syria and Cilicia at this time we know from the fact that we find them in existence soon after (Ac 15:41). The faith. In the study of this Letter, it is well to keep in mind that the term faith is used by Paul often in a sense that means more than the act of belief. When it is put in contrast with the law, it is used in the sense of The Faith, that is, The Gospel. It comprehends what is believed, believing, and the results of believing. The fact that the apostles so often places the definite article before the word faith, so that in the Greek he speaks of The Faith, leaves no doubt of his meaning. It is unfortunate that the translators have obscured the meaning by omitting the article. Thus in this chapter the Greek gives the definite article before the word ( the faith ) five times where it is omitted in the Common Version. The examples are Ga 3:14,23,25,26. MHC: Galatians 1:24 New American Standard Bible: And they were glorifying God because of me. God's Word Translation: So they praised God for what had happened to me. King James Version: And they glorified God in me. Bible in Basic English: And they gave glory to God in me. Weymouth New Testament: And they gave glory to God on my account. World English Bible: And they glorified God in me. Alphabetical: And because glorifying God me of praised they were PNT: 1:24 They glorified God in me. Glorified God for the work I was doing. The idea of glorifying men for the success of their work was unknown in the early church. WES: 1:24 In me - That is, on my account. MHC: NASB, GWT, KJV, NIV, GWT, NLT, ASV, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Chapter and Verse Old and New Testament Christian Bible Study, Concordance, Chain Links, Cross Reference for pastors, teachers and students |