Galatians 1:1

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Galatians 1:1 (KJV)

Context

The book of Galatians is one of the letters written by the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia. Paul wrote this letter to address the issue of false teachings that were infiltrating the Galatian churches, particularly the teachings that insisted on the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law for salvation.

Meaning

In this verse, Paul identifies himself as the author, a common practice in ancient letters. He begins by stating his name, “Paul,” and then declares his role as an apostle, meaning one sent with a specific message and authority. Paul, formerly known as Saul, was an apostle chosen by Jesus Christ. He had a transformative encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, which led to his conversion. This encounter and subsequent commission from Jesus Christ made Paul an apostle.

Paul emphasizes the source and nature of his apostleship. He clarifies that he is not an apostle “of men” or “by man,” indicating that his calling did not originate from human authority or appointment. Instead, Paul’s apostleship came “by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.” This distinction is crucial: Paul’s commission did not originate from any human group or individual, nor was it mediated through any human agent. It came directly from the risen Christ and God the Father.

The phrase “of men” and “by man” also highlights the contrast between human and divine commissioning. Paul was not self-appointed or commissioned by any human authority but was directly chosen by Jesus Christ and God the Father. This divine calling carries significant weight and authority for Paul’s message and teachings. By emphasizing this, Paul establishes his authority to address the false teachings in the Galatian churches and defend the true gospel.

The mention of God the Father raising Jesus Christ from the dead is significant. It highlights the central event of Christianity—the resurrection of Jesus. Paul often emphasized the resurrection because it is through Christ’s death and resurrection that salvation and new life are made available to believers. The resurrection is the foundation of Paul’s preaching and the hope of the gospel message. It also links Paul’s apostleship to the central event of the gospel, establishing the power of God that validates his message.

Biblical connections

This verse implicitly affirms the deity of Christ, as Paul places Jesus Christ in equality with God the Father as the source of his commission. This opening verse is not merely a formal greeting but a deliberate theological statement that Paul’s authority and the gospel he preaches are of divine, not human, origin.

Application

For believers today, Galatians 1:1 reminds us that true spiritual authority and calling come from God, not from human appointment or approval. Just as Paul’s apostleship was grounded in the resurrection, our faith and ministry are grounded in the risen Christ. This verse encourages us to rely on God’s calling and to defend the true gospel against any teaching that adds to or distorts the grace of God.

Reflection

Consider the source of your own calling and purpose. Are you seeking human approval or divine direction? Let this verse reassure you that God, who raised Jesus from the dead, is the one who commissions and empowers His servants.