Galatians 1 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Paul started this letter differently than his other letters. He adds that he was an apostle “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, the one having raised him from the dead.” Paul probably included these words because false teachers were opposing him and trying to undermine his authority.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Heresy

God eternally saves people only through the true, biblical gospel. God condemns any other version of the gospel. Paul asks God to curse those who teach a false gospel. (See: save, eternity, goodnews and condemn and curse)

Paul’s qualifications

Some people in the early church were teaching that Gentiles needed to obey the law of Moses. To refute this teaching, in [verses 13–16](../01/13.md) Paul explains that he was formerly a zealous Jew, but he still needed God to save him through believing in Jesus. As a Jew, and as the apostle to Gentile people, Paul was uniquely qualified to address this issue. (See: lawofmoses)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“You are turning so quickly to a different gospel”

The book of Galatians is one of Paul’s earliest letters in Scripture. It shows that heresies troubled even the early church. (See: figs-explicit)