What happensPermalink
Paul opens by asserting that his apostleship comes directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father. Astonished that the Galatians have turned so quickly to a distorted gospel, he declares that any messenger—human or angel—who preaches another gospel is accursed, for there is only one: justification by faith in Christ. Those false teachers aim to please people, but Paul serves only Christ. Recounting his story, he reminds them that his conversion and commission came through divine revelation, not human teaching.
Why it mattersPermalink
Paul defends the divine origin of both his apostleship and his message. To alter the gospel is to desert Christ himself. Because it comes from God, the gospel frees believers from human authority and law.
Key versePermalink
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.