Galatians Chapter 1

SECTION OUTLINE ONE (GALATIANS 1)

Paul opens his letter to the Galatian church with an affirmation of his identity as an apostle of Christ. He expresses grief that the Galatians have turned from the gospel, and he talks briefly about his own conversion experience.

I. Paul’s Greetings (1:2–5)

A. To the saints in Galatia (1:2): Paul sends greetings from himself and the Christians he is with.

B. From the Savior in glory (1:3–5)

1. Who died to save us (1:3–4a)

2. Who lives to sanctify us (1:4b–5)

II. Paul’s Grief (1:6–10)

A. The apostle’s concern (1:6–7): He grieves that the Galatians have turned from the gospel of grace to the bondage of the law.

B. The apostle’s curse (1:8–10): He pronounces God’s severe judgment on those who dare pervert the gospel message.

III. Paul’s Gospel Call (1:1, 11–24)

A. The revelation (1:11–12)

1. It is not of man (1:1, 11): The gospel was not compiled by any human authority, reasoning, or logic.

2. It is not from man (1:12): The gospel was communicated to Paul by none other than Jesus Christ.

B. The review (1:13–24)

1. Paul speaks of his pre-conversion activities (1:13–14).

a. His cruelty toward Christianity (1:13): He persecuted Christians.

b. His commitment to Judaism (1:14): As a very religious Jew he followed all the laws and customs.

2. Paul speaks of his post-conversion activities (1:15–24).

a. His choosing by God (1:15–16): He was chosen before he was born, and the Son was revealed to him.

b. His travels from Arabia to Damascus (1:17)

c. His travels from Damascus to Jerusalem (1:18–20): Three years after his conversion, he went to Jerusalem and met with Peter and James, the Lord’s brother, for 15 days.

d. His travels from Jerusalem to Syria and Cilicia (1:21–24)