Last week, I studied Galatians 1:1–10. Now I continue with Galatians 1:11–2:10 summarizing the message, adding same parallel passages for explanation, then asking some application questions. It’s my way of making sense of Paul’s writing and digging for his meaning and how I can apply it personally.

Source

In this section of this letter, Paul defends himself to his readers in Galatia. He assures them he preaches the only true gospel. He didn’t learn it from another human (1:11) or copy any other preacher. He received it “by revelation from Jesus Christ” (1:12).

If Paul were writing today, he might say, “I did not learn from John Piper, or my bishop, or Beth Moore, but directly from Jesus’s words. My authoritative source is Scripture.”

I, like many others, have my preferred Christian teachers and authors. Paul reminds me to always read and listen with a careful ear to weigh their words against my source of authority—God’s scripture. And when there are legitimate, yet different, ways to interpret a text, I do my homework. I may remain in the center of Biblical tension or choose a single interpretation, but I still respect those who land in a different place than I do.

Who or what is your authoritative source?

Testimony

Next Paul gives his readers a glimpse into his background and testimony. He was gaining recognition above his peers as a prominent Jewish leader zealous for the traditions and rituals of his faith (1:14; Phil 3:5–6; Acts 26:5). As such, he was strongly against the new “sect” of Christianity and attempted to destroy it (1:13) going as far as to persecute Jesus followers (1:13; Acts 8:1–3). But now he has been transformed by God’s grace (1:15; 1 Cor 15:8–10).

Paul doesn’t relate all the details in this account but he is referring to his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. There Jesus revealed himself to Paul in a bright light and spoke out loud (Act 9:1–19) identifying himself as Jesus of Nazareth. At that time Paul believed in Jesus (Acts 9:20).

Knowing someone’s story helps me understand why they do what they do. Seeing how they have changed and how God has worked in their life enables me to accept them.

Whose testimony might you need to accept?

Now Paul testifies that God set him apart from birth—appointed him for a specific purpose—and called him by grace (1:15) to preach in non-Jewish regions (1:16; Acts 26:17–18). Only a revelation of Jesus (1:16) could have changed the old Paul into a messenger of the gospel. That is proof enough that his message is from God.

What tremendous grace that God would take a man so opposed to him and who had done such harm to his children, save him, and make him into one of the greatest servants of his kingdom. I resonate with Paul regarding his pedigree. I used to feel very self-righteous about my background and heritage, thinking God was privileged to have me as his servant. Like Paul, I came to see myself as needing God’s saving grace.

How has God changed you?

Reflection First

What’s important for Paul’s audience is the fact that he does not go to visit the church founders/leaders/apostles right away but instead goes to Arabia (1:17). He does not need to consult with them because he knows his revelation is supernatural. He wants to ensure his audience that no human being had a part in crafting his message.

Some scholars suggest that Paul retraces the steps of his forefathers, Moses and Elijah, going to Mt. Sinai to reflect, meditate, deconstruct, and reconstruct his faith. (Perhaps to tell the Lord exactly why he isn’t qualified to undertake this assignment!) I imagine Paul pouring over the scrolls of the Torah and the prophets and making the connections to Jesus. I see him reading the prophecies and light bulbs going off in his mind as he realizes and sees the proof that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. I love that he isn’t immediately placed on main stages under bright lights and paraded around to share his testimony. He retreats for three years to reflect, study, learn, and prepare.

I know that my commission is different from the apostle Paul’s, but I rejoice that I have also been set apart and called by God’s grace. Like all believers I am commanded to make disciples (Matt 28:19–20) and to implore others to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:20). More specifically and individually my mission is to teach and encourage others to ponder God’s words so they can live fully, knowing they are lavishly loved by God and created to play a part in building his kingdom (Eph 4:11–13).

What specifically has God set you apart for? How have you prepared for it?

First Jerusalem Visit

Then after three years Paul finally goes to Jerusalem and visits only the apostles Peter and James (1:18–19) for 15 days to get acquainted and to communicate to them his mission. After that he travels north to Syria (a Roman province) and Cilicia (where his hometown of Tarsus is located) to other churches where he is not yet known (1:21–22). The believers have heard that the one “who formally persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy” (1:23–24). Upon meeting Paul, they praise God for his transformation.

I pray that, like Paul, the changes God works in me would cause others to praise him.

How has your transformation brought glory to God?

Second Jerusalem Visit

Directed by a revelation from God (2:1), Paul visits Jerusalem again 14 years later. This time Barnabas and Titus accompany him (2:1). (According to Acts 9:27, Barnabas stood up for Paul and encouraged the apostles to believe he was a true disciple.) The purpose of his visit is to meet privately with the leaders and present to them the gospel he preaches among the Gentiles (2:2). Paul wants to be sure he’s “not running in vain,” that the question of circumcision will not jeopardize the gospel he preaches and the freedoms Christ gives. Paul is reassured when Titus, a Greek, is not required to be circumcised (2:3). This way Paul’s readers know that he has the support of the Jerusalem leaders in regards to circumcision. Paul indicates that those who try to insist on that ritual are “false teachers attempting to enslave believers” (2:4). Paul is intent on preserving the truth of the gospel, so he doesn’t give in to their pressure (2:5).

Paul is not impressed by the rank or position of the church leaders because God doesn’t show favoritism (2:6). They have nothing to add to what Paul is preaching and verify his mission to take the gospel to the Gentiles (2:7). They recognize that the same God who empowered Peter to go to the Jews empowers Paul (2:8). James, Peter, and John accept Paul into their fellowship and agree on each one focusing on a different audience (2:9; Eph 2:11–15).

Peter, James, and John had to trust Paul’s testimony and evaluate the evidence of his transformation, but they accepted him. They included him into the fellowship and verified his commission from God. Too often I see fellow ministers as rivals or competitors, rather than accepting them. Especially if they come with baggage or have a past that was opposed to the things of God.

To whom might you be unwilling to give the right hand to fellowship?

Main Concern

This section of the letter ends with the church leaders expressing their main concern that Paul remember the poor, probably those affected by the famine (2:10; 1 Cor 16:1–4; Rom 15:25–29).

My Bible teacher, Dr. Amy Cedrone, says, “Concern for the poor is not a requirement of the gospel. It’s evidence of it. Love is the natural outpouring of the gospel. Love is Jesus expressed.”¹

How are you living out the truth of the gospel that you have received?

How amazing it is that the gospel isn’t wrapped in a particular cultural dress. Our dress, rules, and behavior, are not requirements for salvation. Instead the gospel brings freedom to worship Christ in many beautiful and varied ways. It also gives us freedom from rules and regulations. Paul will say more about this in the rest of his letter.

Prayer

Lord, as you effectively empowered, Peter and Paul, please work in me. (2:8) Show me how I can remember those less fortunate than me (2:10). Teach me to come to you for truth and insight, rather than relying on human teachers.

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1. Quoted from her live message on Sept 30, 2025 to TMBS. ↩︎