In Galatians 1:11-24, Paul asserts his apostolic authority by emphasizing that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin but was received directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ. This claim is foundational to his authority because it places his message on par with that of the original apostles despite his lack of direct association with them at the time of his calling. Paul deliberately distances himself from the influence of the Jerusalem church to underscore that his apostolic mission is divinely ordained and not derived from human sources. This distinction is crucial as Paul combats the challenges to his authority by those who suggest his gospel is secondary or incomplete compared to that of the other apostles.
Paul’s recounting of his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church highlights the dramatic nature of his transformation, a change he attributes entirely to God’s grace. Before his conversion, Paul was deeply entrenched in Judaism, advancing beyond his peers and passionately defending the traditions of his ancestors. However, his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) marked a radical shift in his life, turning him from an enemy of the gospel into one of its most fervent advocates. Paul’s transformation, primarily a result of God's grace, illustrates the power of this grace not only to forgive but also to radically change the direction of a person’s life, equipping them for a divine purpose.
This passage serves as a testament to the transformative power of grace in Paul’s life, affirming that his apostolic authority is not based on his previous religious achievements or human credentials but on the direct intervention of God. Paul’s story exemplifies the Wesleyan understanding of prevenient and justifying grace that works in a person’s life even before they are aware of it, leading them to conversion and empowering them for service. Paul’s conversion and subsequent ministry underscore the message that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transformative power and that true apostolic authority comes from a direct calling and revelation from God rather than human endorsement.
The Book of Galatians is an epistle, or letter, written by the Apostle Paul to the churches in the region of Galatia, located in modern-day Turkey. The name "Galatians" refers to the people of Galatia, a region inhabited by Celtic tribes known as the Gauls who had settled there around the 3rd century BCE (Longenecker). The letter is known for addressing significant theological issues concerning the nature of the Gospel and the role of the Mosaic Law in the Christian faith.
The Apostle Paul is universally recognized as the author of Galatians. His authorship is confirmed both by internal evidence—such as the autobiographical sections where Paul recounts his personal history and interactions with the apostles in Jerusalem (Galatians 1:11-24)—and by the strong stylistic similarities with his other epistles (Bruce). Early church tradition further supports Paul’s authorship, with early Christian writers like Irenaeus and Tertullian affirming his authorship (Longenecker).
There is some debate among scholars regarding the date of the epistle. The two primary theories are the 'North Galatian' theory, which suggests that Paul addressed the letter to ethnic Galatians in the region's northern part, and the 'South Galatian' theory, which is more widely accepted and suggests that Paul wrote the letter to churches in the Roman province of Galatia in the south. The South Galatian theory proposes that Paul wrote the letter around 48-50 CE, after his first missionary journey and before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). The North Galatian theory, on the other hand, dates the letter to around 54-56 CE, during Paul's third missionary journey (Bruce).
Paul wrote Galatians to address a crisis in the Galatian churches. False teachers, often identified as Judaizers, had infiltrated these communities, insisting that Gentile Christians must observe the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be fully part of God’s people (Galatians 1:6-7). Paul’s primary purpose in writing was to reaffirm the true Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the Law (Galatians 2:16). He passionately defends the doctrine of justification by faith. He argues that believers are free from the Law’s bondage, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life (Galatians 5:1).
Major themes in Galatians include the contrast between law and grace, the role of faith in justification, Christian freedom, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the unity of all believers in Christ regardless of ethnic or cultural background (Bruce).
The structure of Galatians can be divided into three main sections:
Galatians is a foundational text for Christian theology, especially in its articulation of the doctrine of justification by faith, which was pivotal during the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther, for instance, viewed Galatians as one of the most important books of the New Testament, often referring to it as his "Katie von Bora," after his wife, due to his deep affection for it (Luther). The letter’s emphasis on Christian liberty and its explicit rejection of any form of legalism continues to be a source of encouragement and instruction for Christians today, reminding believers of their freedom and new life in Christ.
Galatians 1:11-12
Paul begins by emphasizing that the gospel he preaches is
not derived from human sources. This is crucial because his opponents likely
accused him of preaching a gospel that was either incomplete or not in line
with the apostles' teachings in Jerusalem. Paul asserts that his message came
directly from Jesus Christ through divine revelation, highlighting its divine
authority and legitimacy (Carson and Moo 456). This revelation is likely a
reference to Paul's dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus
(Acts 9), which transformed him from a persecutor of Christians into a fervent
apostle.
Galatians 1:13-14
Paul recounts his past zeal for Judaism, including his
active persecution of the early church. This background serves to underscore
the radical nature of his conversion. His reference to "advancing in
Judaism" suggests that Paul was well-versed in Jewish law and traditions,
and his zeal for these traditions was unmatched among his peers (Guthrie 472).
By sharing this, Paul is setting up a contrast between his former life and his
new mission, demonstrating that his current role as an apostle is the result of
divine intervention, not a natural progression from his previous beliefs.
Galatians 1:15-16
Paul describes his calling as a fulfillment of God's
predetermined plan. The phrase "set me apart from my mother’s womb"
echoes language found in the call narratives of Old Testament prophets like
Jeremiah (Jer. 1:5) and Isaiah (Isa. 49:1), suggesting that Paul sees his
apostleship as divinely ordained from birth (Bruce 88). God's grace is central
to Paul's understanding of his calling, underscoring the unearned and unmerited
nature of his mission. The revelation of Jesus Christ "in" Paul
indicates an internal transformation that compels him to preach to the
Gentiles. Paul’s immediate decision not to consult others highlights his
independence from the Jerusalem apostles and his reliance on divine guidance.
Galatians 1:17
Paul continues to emphasize his independence from the
Jerusalem apostles by noting that he did not seek their counsel after his
conversion. Instead, he went to Arabia, likely to a region east of Damascus,
for a period of reflection and preparation. This journey into Arabia is unique
to Paul's account in Galatians and is not detailed elsewhere in the New
Testament. It demonstrates that his ministry was not influenced by the
Jerusalem leaders but was directed by God (Bruce 89). His return to Damascus,
where his conversion occurred, suggests a continuation of his ministry
independent of the apostolic authority in Jerusalem.
Galatians 1:18-19
After three years, Paul finally visits Jerusalem, not to be
instructed, but to meet Cephas (Peter) and James, the Lord's brother. This
brief visit serves to acquaint him with the key leaders of the Jerusalem
church, but Paul is careful to note that his stay was short, and his
interactions were limited. By mentioning that he saw only Peter and James, Paul
underscores that his gospel did not originate from the broader apostolic
community. This visit likely corresponds to the event described in Acts 9:26-30,
where Paul meets with Peter and James, but his stay is cut short due to threats
on his life (Guthrie 474).
Galatians 1:20
Paul includes this solemn affirmation to assert the
truthfulness of his account. The gravity of the statement, invoking God as a
witness, suggests that Paul is aware of the skepticism or accusations of
dishonesty he might face. By swearing an oath, Paul aims to remove any doubt
about the authenticity and independence of his apostolic mission (Carson and
Moo 459).
Galatians 1:21-22
After his brief visit to Jerusalem, Paul travels to Syria
and Cilicia, where he continues his ministry. This region includes Tarsus,
Paul’s hometown, and suggests that Paul was active in spreading the gospel far
from the influence of the Jerusalem church. His note that he was
"personally unknown" to the Judean churches emphasizes that his
ministry was conducted independently and that he did not rely on the authority
or recognition of these churches to validate his apostolic work (Bruce 90).
Galatians 1:23-24
The churches of Judea were aware of Paul only by
reputation, having heard of his dramatic transformation. The irony that the
former persecutor is now a preacher of the very faith he sought to destroy
highlights the transformative power of God’s grace. The response of the Judean
churches, praising God because of Paul, validates his ministry. This response
underscores that Paul’s work, though independent of the Jerusalem church, was
nevertheless recognized and celebrated by the broader Christian community (Guthrie
475).
The Epistle to the Galatians holds a significant place
within Wesleyan and Methodist theology, mainly due to its emphasis on grace,
faith, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit—central tenets of the
Wesleyan tradition. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, often referred to
Galatians in his sermons and writings, especially regarding Christian liberty
and the life of holiness.
Justification by Faith and Grace One of the core themes of Galatians is justification by
faith, a doctrine that aligns closely with Wesleyan theology. In Galatians
2:16, Paul asserts that "a person is not justified by the works of the
law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." This echoes Wesley's teaching that
salvation is a gift of God's grace, accessible through faith, not human effort
or adherence to the law (Collins). Wesley stressed that faith is not merely
intellectual assent but a trust in Christ that results in a transformed heart
and life. He saw Galatians as a powerful refutation of any notion that human
works could contribute to salvation, emphasizing instead the primacy of grace
(Outler).
Christian Liberty and the Law Wesleyan theology also draws heavily on Galatians’
discussion of Christian liberty. In Galatians 5:1, Paul exhorts the Galatians
to "stand firm" in the freedom that Christ has given them, warning
against returning to the "yoke of slavery" under the law. For Wesley,
this freedom is not a license to sin but a liberation from the guilt and power
of sin, enabling believers to live a holy life (Maddox). Wesley's doctrine of Christian
perfection—the idea that believers, by God's grace, can be freed from the
dominion of sin and grow into perfect love—resonates with Paul’s emphasis on
living by the Spirit rather than by the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25).
The Role of the Holy Spirit The transformative work of the Holy Spirit is another crucial
theme in Galatians that aligns with Wesleyan thought. Galatians 5:22-23 lists
the "fruit of the Spirit," virtues that characterize the life of a
person led by the Spirit. Wesley regarded the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as
essential for both justification and sanctification, the ongoing process of
being made holy. He believed that the Spirit empowers believers to bear these
fruits and to grow in love and holiness, which are marks of true Christian
discipleship (Collins).
Unity in Christ Galatians 3:28, which declares that "there is neither
Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you
are all one in Christ Jesus," reflects Wesley's vision of the inclusive
nature of the gospel. Wesley’s ministry was characterized by a commitment to
social justice and inclusivity, believing that the gospel breaks down all
barriers of race, class, and gender. This verse supports the Methodist emphasis
on the universal offer of grace and the church as a diverse yet unified body of
believers (Maddox).
Holiness and Social Ethics Finally, Galatians’ call to "serve one another humbly
in love" (Galatians 5:13) is in harmony with Wesleyan social ethics.
Wesley taught that holiness of heart must manifest in holiness of life,
particularly in acts of love and service to others. He saw the Christian life
as inherently social, where personal piety and social responsibility are
intertwined. The epistle’s emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law
(Galatians 5:14) is foundational to the Methodist commitment to works of mercy
and justice as expressions of faith (Outler).
Conclusion Galatians, through the lens of Wesleyan theology, is a rich
text that underscores the importance of grace, faith, and the transformative
work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. It supports the Methodist
emphasis on Christian liberty, holiness, and social ethics, reflecting core
beliefs that continue to shape the Wesleyan tradition.
Galatians 1:11-12
From a Wesleyan perspective, this passage emphasizes the
primacy of divine revelation in the transmission of the gospel. John Wesley,
the founder of Methodism, believed that true understanding of the gospel comes
from an encounter with the living Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Wesley would affirm that Paul's reception of the gospel by revelation mirrors how
believers today come to understand and accept the gospel—not through human
wisdom, but through the enlightening work of the Spirit (Maddox 121). This
aligns with Wesley's emphasis on "spiritual senses" and the necessity
of inward, heart-felt religion over mere intellectual assent (Outler 245).
Galatians 1:13-14
Wesleyan theology places great emphasis on the
transformation that accompanies true conversion. Paul recounts his former life
as a persecutor of the church, which highlights the radical change that God’s
grace can bring about in an individual. Wesleyan thought firmly upholds the
doctrine of prevenient grace, which is God’s grace working in an individual’s
life even before they are aware of it, leading them toward repentance and
conversion. Paul's zealous adherence to Judaism and subsequent conversion
exemplifies the power of prevenient grace, which was at work in his life even
before his encounter with Christ (Collins 153).
Galatians 1:15-16
Wesleyans would view Paul's description of his calling as
an example of God’s sovereign grace and the doctrine of Christian vocation.
Wesley believed that all Christians are called to serve God, but each person’s
calling is unique and divinely ordained (Maddox 135). The notion that Paul was
"set apart" from birth aligns with the Methodist understanding of
God’s prevenient grace at work even before an individual is aware of their
calling. Additionally, Paul's immediate response to God’s revelation reflects
the Wesleyan emphasis on the necessity of a personal, active response to God’s
grace, which is freely given but requires human cooperation (Outler 297).
Galatians 1:17
Paul’s decision not to seek validation from the Jerusalem
apostles underscores the directness of his divine calling. In Wesleyan
theology, while the community of faith is vital, there is also a strong
emphasis on the personal experience of God’s grace. Wesley often spoke of the
"heart strangely warmed" as an individual, transformative experience
of God's love. Paul’s retreat into Arabia can be seen as a time of personal
reflection and deepening of his relationship with Christ, much like Wesley's
own experiences of spiritual retreat and renewal (Collins 178).
Galatians 1:18-19
Paul’s brief visit to Jerusalem and his limited interaction
with the apostles, particularly Peter (Cephas) and James, emphasizes the
autonomy of his mission yet does not dismiss the importance of connection with
the broader church. Wesleyan theology, while emphasizing personal piety and
direct experience of God, also values the communion of saints and the
accountability provided by the church community (Maddox 141). Wesley himself
sought the counsel of fellow believers and valued the tradition of the church
while maintaining the primacy of scripture and personal experience in
understanding God's will.
Galatians 1:20
In Wesleyan theology, the integrity of the gospel message
and the truthfulness of one’s witness are paramount. Wesley emphasized the
importance of honesty and sincerity in the Christian life, often cautioning
against hypocrisy and urging believers to live authentically in accordance with
the gospel (Collins 193). Paul's solemn affirmation here reflects the
seriousness with which he regards his apostolic mission and the trustworthiness
of his message, which is central to Wesleyan emphasis on holiness of heart and
life.
Galatians 1:21-22
Paul’s ministry in Syria and Cilicia, independent of the
Judean churches, can be seen through a Wesleyan lens as a reflection of the
itinerant ministry that Wesley himself practiced. Wesleyan Methodism places a
high value on the spread of the gospel beyond established church structures, as
seen in Wesley's own missionary endeavors and the establishment of societies
and classes across England and America (Maddox 149). Paul's ministry in these
regions exemplifies the outward focus of the church, spreading the gospel
wherever the Spirit leads.
Galatians 1:23-24
This transformation from persecutor to preacher exemplifies
the transformative power of God’s grace—a key theme in Wesleyan theology.
Wesley taught that sanctifying grace enables believers to grow in holiness and
be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Paul’s story is a powerful
testimony to the change that God’s grace can bring, and the response of the
Judean churches—praising God—aligns with the Wesleyan emphasis on giving glory
to God for all good works and transformations in the Christian life (Collins
203). This praise also reflects the communal aspect of Wesleyan theology, where
the community of believers rejoices together in the work that God is doing in
individuals' lives.
