Faithful and True (Galatians 1:1-4) BIBLE

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. – Galatians 1:1

An Apostle is one who is ‘sent’ or ‘commissioned.’ | WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Apostles described a unique group, invested with Christ’s authority in the early church. The greatest qualification of an apostle was a first-hand knowledge of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The apostle Paul had not been with Jesus from the beginning, but the revelation he received was direct and his encounter with Christ unique to him alone. 

When goods have been tampered with, they have to be taken off the shelves. Even if only a small part of the product is affected, the remedy has to be swift and radical for the welfare of the people. So with the gospel. In this instance, the gospel has been tampered with by false teachers and so Paul writes this letter to the Galatians in AD 48 to defend two things, God’s pure gospel and Paul’s true apostleship. 

Paul defends his apostleship. Though he was not with Jesus during his life on earth, his encounter with Christ was unique. Paul preached the gospel that he received directly from God. When God called him, he simply obeyed. During the early days of his apostleship, Paul had minimal contact with the other apostles. He was alone in Arabia for three years listening and learning from the Lord. 

Paul was an apostle of God, who was faithful and true to what he was called to do. And he wrote under the authority of God and was inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

How does Paul’s obedience to God inspire you to be faithful and true to what God is asking you to do?

Lord, give me a heart of obedience to you, I pray.

Extended Reading – Galatians 1-3

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