Bible Commentary

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 16. to reveal his Son in me ] Christ had been revealed to St Paul when He was seen by him in the flesh (1Co 9:1). But a more blessed revelation was vouchsafed, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:16”

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called [me] by his grace, 15. it pleased God ] The commentary of Theodore of Mopsuestia on this expression is apt. “St Paul well refers it to the Divine foreknowledge, so that before he himself had any being, this should appear the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:15”

And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 14. St Paul was always in earnest. In the acquisition of Rabbinic lore he outstripped most of those of his own age, not merely his fellow-disciples at Tarsus, and in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:14”

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 13. Nothing short of a miracle could account for the change which had taken place in the life and aims of St Paul (comp. Php 3:4-10). It was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:13”

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it,] but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 12. For I neither received it of man] ‘I’ is emphatic: I received not the Gospel, any more than did the other Apostles, from man. neither was I taught it ] St Paul might have received … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:12”

But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 11, 12. A statement of St Paul’s claims, followed by a sketch of his life. 11. But I certify ] Now I declare to you. The same verb is used in 1Co 15:1 to introduce an emphatic statement. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:11”

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 10. For do I now men, or God? ] The particle ‘for’ connects this verse with what precedes. ‘I speak thus decisively and strongly, for in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:10”

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. 9. He repeats his denunciation with slight differences. (1) He does not mention ‘an angel from heaven’, (2) what in the preceding verse he put hypothetically, “should any … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:9”

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. 8. You have listened to these false teachers. But the Gospel is one and unchangeable, admitting of no addition or modification. Even though I, Paul, and those who, as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:8”

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 7. but there be some that trouble Christ ] Only so far can it be called another gospel, as it is a perversion of the Gospel of Christ. It does not profess to be a distinct revelation; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 1:7”