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Salutation

From Paul,[a] an apostle (not from men, nor by human agency, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead) and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia. Grace and peace to you[b] from God the Father and our[c] Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever! Amen.

Occasion of the Letter

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one[d] who called you by the grace of Christ[e] and are following[f] a different[g] gospel— not that there really is another gospel,[h] but[i] there are some who are disturbing you and wanting[j] to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach[k] a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you,[l] let him be condemned to hell![m] As we have said before, and now I say again, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell![n] 10 Am I now trying to gain the approval of people,[o] or of God? Or am I trying to please people?[p] If I were still trying to please[q] people,[r] I would not be a slave[s] of Christ!

Paul’s Vindication of His Apostleship

11 Now[t] I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[u] that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.[v] 12 For I did not receive it or learn it from any human source;[w] instead I received it[x] by a revelation of Jesus Christ.[y]

13 For you have heard of my former way of life[z] in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it. 14 I[aa] was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation,[ab] and was[ac] extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.[ad] 15 But when the one[ae] who set me apart from birth[af] and called me by his grace was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in[ag] me so that I could preach him[ah] among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from[ai] any human being,[aj] 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia,[ak] and then returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas[al] and get information from him,[am] and I stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles[an] except James the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you[ao] that, before God, I am not lying about what I am writing to you![ap] 21 Afterward I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 But I was personally[aq] unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They were only hearing, “The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news[ar] of the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 So[as] they glorified God because of me.[at]

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 1:1 tn Grk “Paul.” The word “from” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.
  2. Galatians 1:3 tn Grk “Grace to you and peace.”
  3. Galatians 1:3 tc ‡ The unusual placement of the pronoun in καὶ κυρίου ἡμῶν (kai kuriou hēmōn), which produces the reading “God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” instead of “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” is read by P46, 51vid B D F G H 1175 1505 1739 1881 M sy sa, while the more normal ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου (hēmōn kai kuriou) is found in א A P Ψ 33 81 326 365 1241 2464. Thus, the reading adopted in the translation is more widespread geographically and is found in the two earliest witnesses, along with several good representatives of the Alexandrian, Western, and Byzantine families. Internally, there would be a strong motivation for scribes to change the order to the more usual expression: “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” is Paul’s normal greeting; here alone is the pronoun attached to “Jesus Christ” (except in the Pastorals, though the greeting in these letters is nevertheless unlike the rest of the corpus Paulinum). Intrinsically, the chosen reading is superior as well: Scribes would be prone to emulate Paul’s regular style, while in an early letter such as this one his regular style was yet to be established (for a similar situation, cf. the text-critical discussion at 1 Thess 1:1). Hence, there is a strong probability that the reading in the translation above is authentic. Although B. M. Metzger argues that “the apostle’s stereotyped formula was altered by copyists who, apparently in the interest of Christian piety, transferred the possessive pronoun so it would be more closely associated with ‘Lord Jesus Christ’” (TCGNT 520), one might expect to see the same alterations in other Pauline letters. That this is not the case argues for “our Lord Jesus Christ” as the authentic reading here.
  4. Galatians 1:6 sn The one who called you is a reference to God the Father (note the mention of Christ in the following prepositional phrase and the mention of God the Father in 1:1).
  5. Galatians 1:6 tc Although the majority of witnesses, including some of the most important ones (P51 א A B Fc Ψ 33 1175 1505 1739 1881 2464 M f vg syp bo), read “by the grace of Christ” (χάριτι Χριστοῦ, chariti Christou) here, this reading is not without variables. Besides alternate readings such as χάριτι ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ (chariti Iēsou Christou, “by the grace of Jesus Christ”; D 326 1241s syh**) and χάριτι θεοῦ (chariti theou, “by the grace of God”; 327 Thretlem), a few mss and other witnesses (P46vid F* G Hvid ar b Tert Cyp Ambst Pel) have simply χάριτι with no modifier. Internally, the reading that seems best to explain the rise of the others is the shortest reading, χάριτι. Indeed, the fact that three different adjuncts are found in the mss seems to be a natural expansion on the simple “grace.” At the same time, the witnesses for the shortest reading are not particularly impressive, being that they largely represent one textual strand (Western), and a less-than-reliable one at that. Further, nowhere else in the corpus Paulinum do we see the construction χάρις (charis, “grace”) followed by Χριστοῦ without some other name (such as κυρίου [kuriou, “Lord”] or ᾿Ιησοῦ). The construction χάρις θεοῦ is likewise frequent in Paul. Thus, upon closer inspection it seems that the autographic wording here was χάριτι Χριστοῦ (for it is difficult to explain how this particular reading could have arisen from the simple χάριτι, in light of Paul’s normal idioms), with the other readings intentionally or accidentally arising from it.
  6. Galatians 1:6 tn Grk “deserting [turning away] to” a different gospel, implying the idea of “following.”
  7. Galatians 1:6 tn Grk “another.”
  8. Galatians 1:7 tn Grk “which is not another,” but this could be misunderstood to mean “which is not really different.” In fact, as Paul goes on to make clear, there is no other gospel than the one he preaches.
  9. Galatians 1:7 tn Grk “except.”
  10. Galatians 1:7 tn Or “trying.”
  11. Galatians 1:8 tc ‡ Most witnesses have ὑμῖν (humin, “to you”) either after (א2 A [D* ὑμᾶς] 6 33 326 614 945 1881 M Tertpt Ambst) or before (P51vid B H 0278 630 1175 [1739* ἡμῖν]) εὐαγγελίζηται (euaggelizētai, “should preach” [or some variation on the form of this verb]). But the fact that it floats suggests its inauthenticity, especially since it appears to be a motivated reading for purposes of clarification. The following witnesses lack the pronoun: א* F G Ψ ar b g Cyp McionT Tertpt Lcf. The external evidence admittedly is not as weighty as evidence for the pronoun, but coupled with strong internal evidence the shorter reading should be considered the earliest. Although it is possible that scribes may have deleted the pronoun to make Paul’s statement seem more universal, the fact that the pronoun floats suggests otherwise. NA28 has the pronoun in brackets, indicating doubt as to its authenticity.
  12. Galatians 1:8 tn Or “other than the one we preached to you.”
  13. Galatians 1:8 tn Grk “let him be accursed” (ἀνάθεμα, anathema). The translation gives the outcome which is implied by this dreadful curse.
  14. Galatians 1:9 tn See the note on this phrase in the previous verse.
  15. Galatians 1:10 tn Grk “of men”; but here ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous) is used in a generic sense of both men and women.
  16. Galatians 1:10 tn Grk “men”; but here ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) is used in a generic sense of both men and women.
  17. Galatians 1:10 tn The imperfect verb has been translated conatively (ExSyn 550).
  18. Galatians 1:10 tn Grk “men”; but here ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) is used in a generic sense of both men and women.
  19. Galatians 1:10 tn Traditionally, “servant” or “bondservant.” Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). One good translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος) in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force. Also, many slaves in the Roman world became slaves through Rome’s subjugation of conquered nations, kidnapping, or by being born into slave households. sn Undoubtedly the background for the concept of being the Lord’s slave or servant is to be found in the Old Testament scriptures. For a Jew this concept did not connote drudgery, but honor and privilege. It was used of national Israel at times (Isa 43:10), but was especially associated with famous OT personalities, including such great men as Moses (Josh 14:7), David (Ps 89:3; cf. 2 Sam 7:5, 8) and Elijah (2 Kgs 10:10); all these men were “servants (or slaves) of the Lord.”
  20. Galatians 1:11 tc ‡ The conjunction δέ (de) is found in P46 א*,2 A D1 Ψ 1175 1241 1505 1739 1881 M sy bo, while γάρ (gar) is the conjunction of choice in א1 B D*,c F G 33 lat sa. There are thus good representatives on each side. Scribes generally tended to prefer γάρ in such instances, most likely because it was more forceful and explicit. γάρ is thus seen as a motivated reading. For this reason, δέ is preferred.
  21. Galatians 1:11 tn Grk “brothers,” but the Greek word may be used for “brothers and sisters” or “fellow Christians” as here (cf. BDAG 18 s.v. ἀδελφός 1, where considerable nonbiblical evidence for the plural ἀδελφοί [adelphoi] meaning “brothers and sisters” is cited).
  22. Galatians 1:11 tn Grk “is not according to man.”
  23. Galatians 1:12 tn Or “I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it.”
  24. Galatians 1:12 tn The words “I received it” are not in the Greek text but are implied.
  25. Galatians 1:12 tn It is difficult to determine what kind of genitive ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ (Iēsou Christou) is. If it is a subjective genitive, the meaning is “a revelation from Jesus Christ” but if objective genitive, it is “a revelation about Jesus Christ.” Most likely this is objective since the explanation in vv. 15-16 mentions God revealing the Son to Paul so that he might preach, although the idea of a direct revelation to Paul at some point cannot be ruled out.
  26. Galatians 1:13 tn Or “lifestyle,” “behavior.”
  27. Galatians 1:14 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  28. Galatians 1:14 tn Or “among my race.”
  29. Galatians 1:14 tn Grk “was advancing beyond…nation, being.” The participle ὑπάρχων (huparchōn) was translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  30. Galatians 1:14 sn The traditions of my ancestors refers to both Pharisaic and popular teachings of this time which eventually were codified in Jewish literature such as the Mishnah, Midrashim, and Targums.
  31. Galatians 1:15 tc ‡ Several significant witnesses have ὁ θεός (ho theos) after εὐδόκησεν (eudokēsen; so א A D Ψ 0278 33 1175 1241 1739 1881 2464 M co) while the shorter reading is supported by P46 B F G 629 1505 lat. There is hardly any reason why scribes would omit the words (although the Beatty papyrus and the Western text do at times omit words and phrases), but several reasons why scribes would add the words (especially the need to clarify). The confluence of witnesses for the shorter reading (including a few fathers and versions) adds strong support for its authenticity. It is also in keeping with Paul’s style to refrain from mentioning God by name as a rhetorical device (cf. ExSyn 437 [although this section deals with passive constructions, the principle is the same]). NA28 includes the words in brackets, indicating some doubts as to their authenticity.
  32. Galatians 1:15 tn Grk “from my mother’s womb.”
  33. Galatians 1:16 tn Or “to me”; the Greek preposition ἐν (en) can mean either, depending on the context.
  34. Galatians 1:16 tn This pronoun refers to “his Son,” mentioned earlier in the verse.
  35. Galatians 1:16 tn Or “I did not consult with.” For the translation “I did not go to ask advice from” see L&N 33.175.
  36. Galatians 1:16 tn Grk “from flesh and blood.”
  37. Galatians 1:17 sn As a geographical region Arabia included the territory west of Mesopotamia, east and south of Syria and Palestine, extending to the isthmus of Suez. During the Roman occupation, some independent kingdoms arose like that of the Nabateans south of Damascus, and these could be called simply Arabia. In light of the proximity to Damascus, this may well be the territory Paul says he visited here. See also C. W. Briggs, “The Apostle Paul in Arabia,” Biblical World 41 (1913): 255-59.
  38. Galatians 1:18 sn Cephas. This individual is generally identified with the Apostle Peter (L&N 93.211). Both the Aramaic name “Cephas” and the Greek name “Peter” are related to words in each language which mean “rock.”
  39. Galatians 1:18 tn Although often translated “to get acquainted with Cephas,” this could give the impression of merely a social call. L&N 34.52 has “to visit, with the purpose of obtaining information” for the meaning of ἱστορέω (historeō), particularly in this verse.
  40. Galatians 1:19 tn Grk “But another of the apostles I did not see, except…” with “another” in emphatic position in the Greek text. Paul is determined to make the point that his contacts with the original twelve apostles and other leaders of the Jerusalem church were limited, thus asserting his independence from them.
  41. Galatians 1:20 tn Grk “behold.”
  42. Galatians 1:20 tn Grk “What things I am writing to you, behold, before God [that] I am not lying.”
  43. Galatians 1:22 tn Or “by sight”; Grk “by face.”
  44. Galatians 1:23 tn The Greek verb here is εὐαγγελίζεται (euangelizetai).
  45. Galatians 1:24 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of the report about Paul’s conversion.
  46. Galatians 1:24 tn The prepositional phrase ἐν εμοί (en emoi) has been translated with a causal force.

From Paul Paulos, an apostle apostolos not ou from apo men anthrōpos, nor oude through dia man anthrōpos, but alla through dia Jesus Iēsous Christ Christos and kai God theos the Father patēr who ho raised egeirō him autos from ek the dead nekros and kai all pas the ho brothers adelphos who are with syn me egō, to the ho churches ekklēsia of ho Galatia Galatia: Grace charis to you hymeis and kai peace eirēnē from apo God theos our hēmeis Father patēr and kai the Lord kyrios Jesus Iēsous Christ Christos, who ho gave didōmi himself heautou for hyper · ho our hēmeis sins hamartia in order to hopōs rescue exaireō us hēmeis from ek this ho present enistēmi evil ponēros age aiōn, · ho according kata to the ho will thelēma of ho our hēmeis God theos and kai Father patēr, to whom hos be · ho glory doxa for eis all ho time aiōn ho! · ho Amen amēn.

I am astonished thaumazō that hoti you are so houtōs quickly tacheōs deserting metatithēmi the ho one who called kaleō you hymeis by en the grace charis of Christ Christos and are turning to eis a different heteros gospel euangelion not ou that hos there is eimi another allos gospel, but ei mē there are eimi some tis who ho are trying to confuse tarassō you hymeis and kai want thelō to pervert metastrephō the ho gospel euangelion of ho Christ Christos. But alla even kai if ean we hēmeis, or ē an angel angelos from ek heaven ouranos, should preach euangelizō a gospel at odds with para the one hos we already preached euangelizō to you hymeis, let him be eimi accursed anathema. As hōs we have said before, and kai now arti I say legō again palin: If ei anyone tis is preaching euangelizō to you hymeis a gospel euangelizō at odds with para the one hos you have already received paralambanō, let him be eimi accursed anathema.

10 For gar am I peithō now arti seeking the approval of peithō men anthrōpos, or ē of · ho God theos? Or ē am I trying zēteō to please areskō men anthrōpos? If ei I were areskō still eti trying to please areskō men anthrōpos, I eimi would an not ou be eimi a servant of Christ Christos.

11 I want you hymeis to know gnōrizō, brothers adelphos, that hoti the ho gospel euangelion · ho preached euangelizō by hypo me egō is eimi not ou of kata human anthrōpos origin. 12 For gar I egō did paralambanō not oude receive paralambanō it autos from para man anthrōpos, nor oute was I taught didaskō it; instead alla I received it by dia a revelation apokalypsis from Jesus Iēsous Christ Christos.

13 For gar you have heard akouō of · ho my emos former pote way of life anastrophē in en · ho Judaism Ioudaismos, how hoti intensely kata hyperbolē I used to persecute diōkō the ho church ekklēsia of ho God theos and kai was trying to destroy portheō it autos. 14 And kai I was advancing prokoptō in en · ho Judaism Ioudaismos beyond hyper many polys of my egō own age synēlikiōtēs in en the ho entire nation genos, being hyparchō extremely perissoterōs zealous zēlōtēs for the ho traditions patrikos of my egō ancestors paradosis. 15 But de when hote · ho God theos, who ho had set me egō apart aphorizō from ek my egō mother’ s mētēr womb koilia and kai called kaleō me by dia · ho his autos grace charis, was pleased eudokeō 16 to reveal apokalyptō · ho his autos Son hyios in en me egō so that hina I might preach euangelizō him autos among en the ho Gentiles ethnos, I did not ou consult with prosanatithēmi flesh sarx and kai blood haima, 17 nor oude did I go up anerchomai to eis Jerusalem Hierosolyma to pros those ho who were apostles apostolos before pro me egō; but alla I went away aperchomai into eis Arabia Arabia and kai returned hypostrephō again palin to eis Damascus Damaskos.

18 Then epeita after meta three treis years etos I went anerchomai up to eis Jerusalem Hierosolyma to get acquainted historeō with Cephas Kēphas and kai stayed epimenō with pros him autos fifteen dekapente days hēmera. 19 But de I did not ou see any of the ho other heteros apostles apostolos except ei mē James Iakōbos, the ho Lord’ s kyrios brother adelphos. · ho 20 In what hos · de I am writing graphō to you hymeis, I swear idou before enōpion · ho God theos, I am not ou lying pseudomai! 21 After that epeita I went erchomai to eis the ho regions klima of ho Syria Syria and kai · ho Cilicia Kilikia. 22 But de I was eimi still personally prosōpon unknown agnoeō · ho to the ho churches ekklēsia of ho Judea Ioudaia that ho are in en Christ Christos. 23 They eimi only monon · de kept eimi hearing akouō, “ The ho one who formerly pote persecuted diōkō us hēmeis is now nyn preaching euangelizō the ho faith pistis that hos he once pote tried to destroy portheō.” 24 So kai they praised doxazō God theos because en of me egō. · ho