Who Have You Been Listening To?

“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, . . . “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace . . ..” (Galatians 1:13, 15, ESV).

Paul's aim was to establish the fact that after he was saved, he did not learn from men about the Gospel of the message he was supposed to proclaim. ". . . I did not immediately consult with anyone," [1] he writes.  But in his discussion he reminds the readers that he was a zealous Pharisee. He honored the Law.  Luther points out that Paul's agenda is that "if the righteousness of the law had been anything worth, [he] had not turned back from it: in the keeping whereof, notwithstanding, before [he] knew Christ [he] did so exercise [him]self, and so profit therein, that [he] excelled many of [his] companions of [his] own nation." [2] 

Paul describing his great salvation, bringing him from a persecutor of the Church to a proclaimer of the Gospel, now describes his early journey. 

“I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days.” (Galatians 1:17–18, NIV)  

Luther understands Paul's trip to Arabia as a preaching mission.  "And here he witnesseth that straightway, after he was called by the grace of God to preach Christ among the Gentiles, he went into Arabia, without the advice of any man, to that work whereunto he was called." [2]  Others suggest Paul went into Arabia to be taught, alone, by God. [3]  I favor the latter.

It is in this testimony we get a hint of Paul's understanding of the sovereignty of God.  “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.” (Galatians 1:15–16, NIV).  "This is an Hebrew phrase. As if he said: Which had sanctified, ordained, and prepared me. That is, God had appointed, when I was yet in my mother’s womb, that I should so rage against his Church, and that afterwards he would mercifully call me back again from the midst of my cruelty and blasphemy, by his mere grace, into the way of truth and salvation. To be short, when I was not yet born, I was an Apostle in the sight of God, and when the time was come, I was declared an Apostle before the whole world." [2]  It is here that Paul is dismissing any human intervention.  This is all of God! 

And the point of Paul's salvation is clearly stated: "To reveal God's Son."  "This is a doctrine quite contrary to the law, which revealeth not the Son of God, but it showeth forth sin, it terrifieth the conscience, it revealeth death, the wrath and judgment of God, and hell." [2]  The goal and aim of the Law versus the Gospel is different.  And the recipients of the Gospel always have a purpose.  For Paul this purpose was to preach to the Gentiles.

But in his defense of the origin of the Christian faith, Paul makes sure his readers know that he was not taught by humans nor did he have much contact with any human, but Peter. "Paul granteth that he was with the Apostles, but not with all the Apostles. Howbeit he declareth that he went up to Jerusalem to them, not commanded, but of his own accord, not to learn any thing of them, but only to see Peter." [2] He saw none of the apostles except Peter and James, and this he affirms by oath (Galatians 1:20).

Paul then describes his ongoing journeys "as though he would say: I appeal to the testimony of all the churches, yea even of those which are in Judaea; for the churches do witness, not only in Damascus, Arabia, Syria and Cilicia, but also in Judaea, that I have preached the same faith which I once withstood and persecuted." [2]

And then as a parting salvo, he writes, “And they praised God because of me.” (Galatians 1:24, NIV).

Father, in the midst of this passionate defense of where he went, who he saw, and what they said, we also understand the amazing blessings of the Gospel.  None of this we know upon our own conversion.  None of this is familiar to us until we learn of Your ways, in Your words.  That decision that we thought occurred because of our obvious impression and desire, we find, is all of God.  Thus far, not only is our salvation all of grace, but our lives and ministries have been prepared for us long before we were born.  What can we but do but join the folks in Syria and Cilicia and praise God for such a great and marvelous salvation.  

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1. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 1:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

2. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 1:13). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2376). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Calling and the Canon

Galatians 1:1–2 (NIV),

"¹ 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—² and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches in Galatia."

Paul is resoundingly convinced of his calling to the Gospel ministry.  Luther writes, "Wherefore, let the preacher of the Gospel be certain that his calling is from God. And it is expedient, that according to the example of Paul, he should magnify this his calling, to the end that he may win credit and authority among the people, like as the king’s ambassador magnifieth his office and calling." [1]  To be confident and convinced of one's calling to the ministry is to give glory to the call, not the man.

In these opening lines we see him draw a comparison.  There are those called by men; and those called by Jesus.  Now here we must draw a distinction.  It was due the apostles of Christ to be called directly by Him. Not so today or for those other than the Twelve.  Today, "He calleth us all to the ministry of his Word at this day, not immediately by himself, but by other means; that is to say, by man." [1]  

Paul's concern when writing this letter, though, were those who were false apostles.  And his point, as Luther writes is this:  "Calling, therefore, is not to be despised; for it is not enough for a man [one claiming to be an apostle] to have the Word and pure doctrine, but also he must be assured of his calling; and he that entereth without this assurance, entereth to no other end but to kill and destroy." [1]  Luther's instruction is the the enjoining of right doctrine with the certain call is what affirms the apostle.  

Paul unnecessarily attributes his call to "Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead." [2] But in view of the fact that is is facing severe opposition and that his passion for the Gospel of righteousness is profound, he announces with clarity that his call is be the Messiah and the Supreme one who has ultimate power.  "Christ’s victory, then, is the overcoming of the law, of sin, our flesh, the world, the devil, death, hell and all evils: and this his victory he hath given unto us." [3]

One would think that Paul's credentials are more than sufficient. To be sent by the One who is the resurrected Savior is ample evidence.  However he adds, "and all the brothers who are with me." Those fellow servants of Paul are also on side with this Gospel.  "Wherefore we be sure that Christ is present with us, and that he teacheth and speaketh in the midst of us, and in our Church." [3]  Certainly the opinion of men is not the decisive element in a matter.  But one should be wary about promoting a doctrine or scheme that is not been given the nod of approval by good men.   

The churches of Galatia "probably refers to the churches of Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe." [4]  Luther points out the reality that Paul calls these place the "churches."  In spite of their difficulties and troubles he viewed them as part of the Body of Christ. "Wherefore, the Church is holy even where fantastical spirits do reign, if only they deny not the Word and Sacraments. For if these be denied, there cannot be the Church. Wherefore, wheresoever the substance of the Word and Sacraments remaineth, there is the holy Church . . .." [5]

Father, those men that wrote the New Testament, those men we know as Christ's apostles, were called uniquely and personally by You.  They were taught by You.  Your Spirit reminded them of all that they learned from You and they put it in writing for our sake.  This is what You meant when You told them, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26, NIV).  And later You said,   “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13, NIV). These Words of Life are the basis of our life and our doctrine.  We sometimes argue and debate about certain aspects of our great faith, but Father, as long as we have the Word of Truth, rightly interpreted and rightly taught in our churches we can trust You to lead us and guide us.  You may even send some 'Pauls' to correct us.   Thank You Father for such mercy.  That you for Your inspired Word.  Amen.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 1:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc."

2. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 1:1). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

3. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 1:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2245). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

5. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 1:2). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.