Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Luther
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 Corinthians Ephesians
Galatians 1
Concise Complete
The apostle Paul asserts his apostolic character
against such as lessened it. (1-5) He reproves the Galatians for revolting from
the gospel of Christ under the influence of evil teachers. (6-9) He proves the
Divine authority of his doctrine and mission; and declares what he was before
his conversion and calling. (10-14) And how he proceeded after it. (15-24)
Verses 1-5 St.
Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ; he was expressly appointed by him,
consequently by God the Father, who is one with him in respect of his Divine
nature, and who appointed Christ as Mediator. Grace, includes God's good-will
towards us, and his good work upon us; and peace, all that inward comfort, or
outward prosperity, which is really needful for us. They come from God the
Father, as the Fountain, through Jesus Christ. But observe, first grace, and
then peace; there can be no true peace without grace. Christ gave himself for
our sins, to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to
this he freely submitted. Here is to be observed the infinite greatness of the
price bestowed, and then it will appear plainly, that the power of sin is so
great, that it could by no means be put away except the Son of God be given for
it. He that considers these things well, understands that sin is a thing the
most horrible that can be expressed; which ought to move us, and make us afraid
indeed. Especially mark well the words, "for our sins." For here our weak nature
starts back, and would first be made worthy by her own works. It would bring him
that is whole, and not him that has need of a physician. Not only to redeem us
from the wrath of God, and the curse of the law; but also to recover us from
wicked practices and customs, to which we are naturally enslaved. But it is in
vain for those who are not delivered from this present evil world by the
sanctification of the Spirit, to expect that they are freed from its
condemnation by the blood of Jesus.
Verses 6-9 Those
who would establish any other way to heaven than what the gospel of Christ
reveals, will find themselves wretchedly mistaken. The apostle presses upon the
Galatians a due sense of their guilt in forsaking the gospel way of
justification; yet he reproves with tenderness, and represents them as drawn
into it by the arts of some that troubled them. In reproving others, we should
be faithful, and yet endeavour to restore them in the spirit of meekness. Some
would set up the works of the law in the place of Christ's righteousness, and
thus they corrupted Christianity. The apostle solemnly denounces, as accursed,
every one who attempts to lay so false a foundation. All other gospels than that
of the grace of Christ, whether more flattering to self-righteous pride, or more
favourable to worldly lusts, are devices of Satan. And while we declare that to
reject the moral law as a rule of life, tends to dishonour Christ, and destroy
true religion, we must also declare, that all dependence for justification on
good works, whether real or supposed, is as fatal to those who persist in it.
While we are zealous for good works, let us be careful not to put them in the
place of Christ's righteousness, and not to advance any thing which may betray
others into so dreadful a delusion.
Verses 10-14
In preaching the gospel, the apostle sought to bring persons to the obedience,
not of men, but of God. But Paul would not attempt to alter the doctrine of
Christ, either to gain their favour, or to avoid their fury. In so important a
matter we must not fear the frowns of men, nor seek their favour, by using words
of men's wisdom. Concerning the manner wherein he received the gospel, he had it
by revelation from Heaven. He was not led to Christianity, as many are, merely
by education.
Verses 15-24
St. Paul was wonderfully brought to the knowledge and faith of Christ. All who
are savingly converted, are called by the grace of God; their conversion is
wrought by his power and grace working in them. It will but little avail us to
have Christ revealed to us, if he is not also revealed in us. He instantly
prepared to obey, without hesitating as to his worldly interest, credit, ease,
or life itself. And what matter of thanksgiving and joy is it to the churches of
Christ, when they hear of such instances to the praise of the glory of his
grace, whether they have ever seen them or not! They glorify God for his power
and mercy in saving such persons, and for all the service to his people and
cause that is done, and may be further expected from them.
Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Luther
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 Corinthians Ephesians
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
