#317 - By Whose Authority - Galatians 1.1-2 - Bible Study
Key Takeaways
- In Galatians 1:1-2, Paul immediately addresses the critical question of spiritual authority before making any further arguments.
- Paul establishes that his message was sent not from men, but was signed directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father.
- A common misconception is corrected by clarifying that God never actually changed Saul's name to Paul.
- The study examines the true first-century definition of an 'apostle' and why Paul denies both the source and the channel of his calling.
- Pastor Brian Overturf explores the Assemblies of God perspective on apostles and prophets in the modern day.
A verse-by-verse Bible study through Galatians 1:1-2, going deeper than Sunday's sermon with the commentaries open.
Paul answers one question before he argues anything else: when the Bible tells you something you don't want to hear, who says you have to listen? His answer comes in three parts. This word was sent, not from men. It was signed by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead. And it is settled.
Along the way we correct something many of us were taught wrong — God never changed Saul's name to Paul. We look at what "apostle" actually meant in the first century, why Paul denies both the source and the channel of his calling, and where the Assemblies of God stands on apostles and prophets today.
Galatians 1:1-2 (NKJV)
Pastor Brian Overturf | Arvin Assembly of God
STUDY NOTES: https://www.brianoverturf.com/galatians/by-whose-authority
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Galatians 1 1-2?
Galatians 1 1-2 focuses on the authority behind Paul's message, establishing that his apostleship and teachings come directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father rather than human sources.
Did God change Saul's name to Paul?
No, God never actually changed Saul's name to Paul; both names were used concurrently, as Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Roman name.
What does the term 'apostle' mean in the context of Galatians 1 1-2?
In this context, an apostle refers to someone sent out with a specific commission and absolute authority representing the sender, which Paul asserts comes directly from the resurrected Christ.
Where can I find the study notes for this Galatians 1 1-2 Bible study?
You can find the detailed study notes and commentaries on Pastor Brian Overturf's website at brianoverturf.com/galatians/by-whose-authority.