Galatians: The Epistle of Faith:

To begin, special note should be taken of Galatians 1:11 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

5 - 1715 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

: “But when it pleased God, Who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His (God’s) grace, To reveal His Son (Jesus Christ) in me, that I might preach Him (Jesus Christ) among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.” Three important truths are stated in these 3 verses: 1) God called Paul from eternity past, long before he was born Saul, became a Pharisee in the Jews religion and went about persecuting those Jews who believed Jesus Christ was their Messiah. 2) Paul did not get the Gospel he preached from anyone else including Peter and the 12 Apostles. 3) Before Paul was born, God chose him to be the Apostle Paul and to preach Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. (Before Paul was given this message, Gentiles were lost and bound for hell because they were not part of God’s chosen people Israel.) Paul’s ministry to individual Jews and Gentiles alike emphasizes faith, not the works of the Law given to Israel.

The English word “faith” translates the Greek “pis’tis” (G4102), which occurs 244 times in the New Testament (NT). Faith is found most frequently in Romans with 40. Romans is divided into 16 chapters and contains 9422 total words. The book of Hebrews comes in second with 32 occurrences of “faith” and Hebrews is divided into 13 chapters with a total of 6897 words. Galatians is third with “faith” occurring 22 times but Galatians has only 6 chapters with 384 total words. (Word count based on the King James Version [KJV}; see website How Many Words in Each Book of the Bible.) Following is a breakdown of the percent “faith” is of the total words in these 3 books:

◦ In Romans, 40 is 0.424538% of 9422 (rounded off).

◦ In Hebrews, 32 is 0.463969% of 6897 (rounded off).

◦ In Galatians, 22 is 5.729166% of 384 (rounded off).

Consider that in the epistle of Romans The Holy Spirit defines and declares the two great foundational doctrines of the Gospel of Grace to be 1) justification (rendered just or innocent, free, righteous) and 2) sanctification (made holy, purified). An attack on either destroys the Gospel. Paul reproves believers for practically denying the doctrine of sanctification in 1st Corinthians because of their sinful lifestyle, i.e., they were living like the unsaved. (2nd Corinthians reports that they heeded Paul’s reproof and turned to living sanctified lives befitting believers.)

On the other hand, some in the Galatian church were being corrupted by teachers denying the doctrine of justification, i.e., some were teaching it was necessary to follow some aspects of the Law of Moses in order to be justified/righteous. Paul sought to correct their error (and the error of any today) who add works to faith. In large part this error was (and is today) caused by failure to recognize the difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom message vis a vis the Gospel of Grace. The Gospel of the Kingdom was preached by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry and by Peter and the 12 Apostles as recorded in the first chapters of the book of Acts. It was clearly to Israel (the Jews) who worshipped at the Temple in Jerusalem and adhered to The Law of Moses.

In order to correct this error, Paul emphasizes a number of times in Galatians that Jesus Christ appointed him exclusively as an apostle of the Gospel of Grace. Read carefully Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:6 - 76 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

; Galatians 1:11 - 1211 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

; Galatians 2:5 - 95 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

. It’s deadly serious to recognize this distinction as Paul emphasizes that if anyone preaches any other Gospel than what he preached, they are to be accursed, i.e., damned to hell, Galatians 1:8 - 98 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

. Galatians teaches plainly that the only way to be saved today is by faith in the Gospel peached by the Apostle Paul, nothing more and nothing less.

The word faith occurs first in Galatians 1:2323 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

where Paul calls it “the Faith: “But they had heard only (were hearing), That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the Faith which once he destroyed.”. Peter and James the Lord’s brother are the “they” to whom Paul refers as having heard only that he (Paul) which destroyed (wasted) “the faith” they preached, Galatians 1:17 - 1917 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

. Galatians 1:21 - 2221 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

as well as those “who were in Christ” in Syria and Cilicia as well as those in the churches in Judea. This gave them reason for glorifying God for Paul, Galatians 1:2424 And they glorified God in me.

. The faith that Paul once persecuted/destroyed was the Gospel of the Kingdom specifically addressed only to and for Israel. That Gospel promised Israel the Gift of the Holy Spirit, requiring those Jews worshiping in the Temple in Jerusalem to be baptized and repent of crucifying their Messiah, Acts 2:1 - 121 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

; Acts 2:16 - 2416 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

; Acts 2:36 - 4136 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

; Acts 2:43 - 4743 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

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The phrase “the faith” used here in Galatians 1:23 is first found in the NT in Acts 3:1616 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

when Peter was preaching in the Temple in Jerusalem. Before entering the Tempe Peter and John saw a man who had been lame all his life begging at the door, Acts 3:1 - 31 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

. Peter subsequently took him by the hand, stood him up and he leaped and walked with Peter and John into the Temple, Acts 3:6 - 96 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

. Acts 3:16 tells us: “And His (Jesus Christ’s) Name through (the Apostle’s) faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him (Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of faith) hath given him (the former lame man) this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

The phrase “the faith” is next found: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:77 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

. Thus, the term “the faith” in Galatians 1:23 “But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the Faith which once he destroyed” refers to that which Peter and the 12 apostles preached as recorded in the first chapters of the book of Acts; “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:3838 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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When Paul writes in Galatians 1:23 that he once destroyed “The Faith” he refers to before he was saved when he was the Pharisee Saul. As such he had gone so far as to get permission from the High Priest in Jerusalem to travel to Damascus to find any Jews, men or women, who believed in Jesus Christ was their Messiah and arrest, bind and carry them back to Jerusalem to be prosecuted, Acts 8:33 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

; Acts 9:1 - 21 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

; Acts 22:3 - 153 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

10 And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

; Acts 26:11 - 2011 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

. In our next study we will examine the 2nd chapter of Galatians where Paul describes the distinct ministry the Lord revealed exclusively to him. That was to preach another Gospel to the Gentiles, not the Gospel preached by Peter and the 12 to Israel that he had persecuted before he was saved.