God's Man, God's Message

Background on the book of Galatians:

Around AD 47/48, the apostle Paul evangelized the cities of Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe during his first missionary journey in South Galatia. This is southern Turkey just to give you a frame of reference. We read about this in Acts 13:13-14:28. Paul founded churches in each of these towns. These churches had a relationship with each other so Paul writes this letter to be circulated among them.

1. The Authority Paul Asserts – v1-2

Notice how Paul clearly distinguishes himself from other Christians who were with him at the time of writing. Paul an apostle…2and all the brothers who are with me,

They are all brethren; he alone among them is an apostle.

Why was Paul so adamant about being an apostle? Was he just full of himself? No, the Gospel was at stake! If Paul were not an apostle of Jesus Christ, then men could, and no doubt would, reject the gospel he preached. So Paul defended his apostolic authority in order to defend his message.
2) The Gospel Paul Preaches – v3-4
• Content of the Gospel = “who gave Himself for our sins”
• Purpose of the Gospel = “to deliver us from the present evil age”
• Reason for the Gospel = “according to the will of our God and Father”
3) The Praise Paul Gives – v5