Galatians – Chapter 1

New Testament24 Verses

1Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead:

2And all the brethren who are with me: to the churches of Galatia.

3Grace be to you, and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present wicked world, according to the will of God and our Father:

5To whom is glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6I wonder that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel.

7Which is not another: only there are some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema.

9As we said before, so now I say again: If any one preach to you a gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema.

10For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11For I give you to understand, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.

12For neither did I receive it of man: nor did I learn it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

13For you 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.

14And I made progress in the Jew's religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15But when it pleased him who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by his grace,

16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles: immediately I condescended not to flesh and blood.

17Neither went I to Jerusalem, to the apostles who were before me: but I went into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus.

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

19But other of the apostles I saw none, saving James the brother of the Lord.

20Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.

21Afterwards, I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ:

23But they had heard only: He, who persecuted us in times past doth now preach the faith which once he impugned.

24And they glorified God in me.

Reflection for Today

In Galatians Chapter 1, we encounter the continuing revelation of freedom in Christ and justification by faith. The Catholic Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, has always treasured these sacred texts. the Church teaches that faith works through love (CIC 1814). The central message—For freedom Christ has set us free—speaks to believers in every age.

The Magisterium teaches that Scripture must be interpreted in light of the whole of revelation and the Church's living Tradition. The Catechism emphasizes that "the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone" (CIC 85). This does not limit our engagement with Scripture but ensures its proper understanding.

As you reflect on this chapter, consider how its message applies to your life today. The Word of God is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and renewing minds. Through prayer and meditation, allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through these ancient yet ever-new words.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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