On Trial

Here in the book of Galatians Paul is on trial - not on trial literally in an official Roman or Jewish court (that will happen later in his life), but he is on trial in the court of public opinion among the churches in South Galatia. These are the churches He founded during His first missionary journey, but since he left, trouble has been brewing and Paul finds himself needing to defend his authority and his message.
The Defendant = Paul – claimed to be an apostle. Preached that salvation comes through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

The Accusers = Judaizers – Jews who preached that belief in Jesus was not enough to be saved, you must also keep the law of Moses.

The Charge = Paul received his commission and message secondhand from the Jerusalem apostles. Therefore, he is not a true apostle. You don't need to obey him or believe the gospel he preaches.
Paul's Defense = I was commissioned to be an apostle and taught the gospel by Jesus Christ personally.
Exhibit A = Paul's conversion – v13-16a, v23-24
-What Paul was like pre-conversion – v.13-14
-What happened at his conversion – v15-16a
-The evidence of a changed life – v23-24
Exhibit B = Paul's seclusion from the apostles – v16b-22
Verdict = Paul is a true apostle. The gospel he preached of salvation by grace alone through faith alone is from God!
Application:

1. Believe this gospel = embrace Jesus by faith as Savior and Lord
2. Recognize that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
3. Receive the Bible as God's words.