Galatians 1 opens with Paul’s unusual greeting, his shock that the Galatian churches are turning to a different gospel, and his account of how he came to preach the good news he did. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or a person reading the letter alone. Each set is designed to move from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday life.
Galatians 1 at a Glance
Paul begins by asserting that his apostleship comes from Jesus Christ and God the Father, not from people. He then pronounces a strong warning against any message that departs from the gospel he first preached, before explaining that this gospel came to him by revelation. The second half of the chapter traces his past as a persecutor, his call by God’s grace, and his early years of ministry, including his visits to Jerusalem and the reaction of the churches in Judea.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask group members to point to the exact words in the chapter, and encourage them to read the passage aloud once before answering. Keep the focus on what the text states rather than what it might imply.
Galatians 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle (not from men, nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia…
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Read these verses first to establish Paul’s authority and the wider circle of believers who share his greeting. Hearing the opening aloud sets the tone for the whole letter and reminds the group where Paul’s commission comes from.
Galatians 1:6-7
6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”; 7 and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
(WEB)
These verses state the problem that drives the letter, so reading them aloud helps the group feel the urgency Paul expresses. Pause afterward and ask what Paul saw as the real danger in the Galatians’ shift.
Galatians 1:11-12
11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. 12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
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Reading Paul’s claim that his gospel did not come from man helps the group see why he defends his message so strongly. This passage is the hinge between his warning and his personal story.
Galatians 1:15-16
15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood…
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Hearing God’s grace described in these verses reminds the group that Paul’s calling began with God’s purpose before he ever acted. It is a good passage for anchoring the discussion in grace rather than effort.
Galatians 1:23-24
23 But they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
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Ending the reading with the Judean churches’ response gives the group a hopeful note. Reading it aloud draws attention to the way God’s work changed a life and gave others reason to praise Him.
Memory Verse for Galatians 1
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
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This verse asks the question every believer must answer: whose approval guides our choices? Memorizing it gives you a short, pointed question to return to when you feel the pull to please people more than God.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you called us by your grace and made us your own. Keep us from turning to any message that departs from the good news of Christ, and give us wisdom to recognize what is true. Free us from the need to please people more than you, so that we serve you with an honest heart. Where our pasts still weigh on us, remind us that your calling is stronger than our failures. Let others see the change you have made in us and give you the glory. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins. Amen.
