Introduction

The apostle Paul was concerned for the members of the churches in the region of Galatia because false teachers (the Judaizers) were trying to draw them away from the truth of the gospel, especially that of justification by faith alone, by teaching them that they needed to add "the observance of the Law of Moses to faith in Christ." In writing this letter, Paul's aim is "to restore those who had been corrupted, to settle those who might waver, and to strengthen those among them who had maintained their integrity."

Galatians 1:1-10

v1-5: Jesus Christ has died to rescue us from this present evil age.  He gave Himself for us, not to immediately remove us from it, but to save us from its power which enslaves us to its practices and customs, to keep us from its evil, "and at the appropriate time to give [us] another and a better world."

v6-9: When a professing Christian turns from believing the gospel and living in a manner worthy of it, or are deceived in following another gospel which is no gospel at all, our response should be at the same time "surprise, dismay, and sorrow" at what they are doing, because of privileges and the blessings they are giving up and the danger they are putting themselves in.

v10: The aim of a true minister of the gospel is not to please people and seek to win their approval by what they teach, but to please Christ. "Although he will not unnecessarily displease anyone, he dare not allow himself to satisfy people at the expense of his faithfulness to Christ."