Galatians 1:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the things which {G3739} I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}, behold {G2400}, before {G1799} God {G2316},{G3754} I lie {G5574} not {G3756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(Concerning these matters I am writing you about, I declare before God that I am not lying!)

Berean Standard Bible

I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie.

American Standard Version

Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Galatians 1:20, the Apostle Paul makes an exceptionally solemn and emphatic declaration of his absolute truthfulness concerning the preceding account of his conversion and apostolic commissioning. This verse serves as a powerful affidavit, calling God Himself as a witness to the veracity of his statements, thereby underscoring the divine origin and unadulterated nature of the gospel message he proclaims to the Galatian churches.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 1:20 concludes Paul's deeply personal and foundational defense of his apostolic authority and the divine source of his gospel, which began in [Galatians 1:11](/galatians/1-11 "Galatians 1:11 - Paul's Divine Revelation"). Following his initial greeting and a sharp rebuke of those distorting the gospel, Paul immediately launches into an autobiographical account designed to prove that his message was not derived from human instruction or approval. He recounts his dramatic conversion experience, his immediate, independent ministry in Arabia and Damascus, and his limited, delayed interactions with the Jerusalem apostles, emphasizing that he did not receive his gospel from them, nor did they teach him anything new. This declaration of truthfulness in [Galatians 1:20](/galatians/1-20 "Galatians 1:20 - Paul's Oath of Truth") acts as a climactic seal on this personal testimony, preparing the way for his continued defense in [Galatians 2](/galatians/2 "Galatians 2 - Paul's Confrontation in Antioch") where he recounts his confrontation with Peter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's declaration "before God, I lie not" would have resonated powerfully with his audience, both Jewish and Gentile. In both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, invoking a deity as a witness to an oath was the highest form of affirmation, carrying immense weight and implying severe consequences for falsehood. For Jews, such an oath echoed biblical practices where individuals would swear by the Lord to attest to truthfulness (e.g., [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Oaths and Vows")). For Gentiles, similar practices existed, though often involving multiple gods. Paul's use of this solemn oath underscores the gravity of the accusations against him by the Judaizers, who questioned his apostleship and the authenticity of his gospel. His integrity was under attack, and for the early church, the credibility of the messenger was inextricably linked to the truthfulness of the message, especially when that message claimed divine origin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians. Foremost is the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Authenticity**. Paul's oath directly defends his legitimate claim to apostleship, asserting that his commission and message came directly from Christ, not from human intermediaries, as he argues throughout [Galatians 1](/galatians/1 "Galatians 1 - Paul's Apostolic Defense"). Linked to this is the theme of the **Purity and Divine Origin of the Gospel**. If Paul's account of his independence were false, the divine source of the gospel he preached would be undermined, making it a human invention. His solemn affirmation protects the integrity of the gospel itself. Finally, the verse highlights Paul's profound **Integrity and Truthfulness**, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to honesty, even under intense scrutiny, a characteristic vital for any messenger of God's truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú_):** This interjection serves as an imperative, drawing immediate and emphatic attention to what follows. It functions like "look!" or "pay attention!" and is used here to heighten the solemnity and importance of Paul's subsequent declaration. It signals that what he is about to say, or has just said, is of utmost significance and requires the Galatians' full and serious consideration.
* **before (Greek, _enṓpion_):** This preposition, when combined with "God," signifies being "in the face of," "in the sight of," or "in the presence of." It indicates a direct and immediate awareness of God's observing presence. Paul is not merely making a statement; he is making it under the direct scrutiny and witness of the Almighty, implying that God Himself is the guarantor of his truthfulness and would expose any falsehood.
* **lie (Greek, _pseúdomai_):** This verb means "to utter an untruth," "to deceive by falsehood," or "to speak falsely." Paul's use of the strong negative "not" (G3756, _ou_) with this verb creates a forceful and unambiguous denial. He is categorically stating that his preceding narrative, particularly concerning the divine origin of his gospel and his independence from human authority, is entirely true and free from any deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the things which I write unto you":** Paul refers specifically to the autobiographical details he has just recounted in the preceding verses, particularly his conversion and the origins of his gospel. This emphasizes that his written testimony is what he is solemnly affirming.
* **"behold":** This interjection serves to draw the reader's immediate and serious attention to the weighty declaration that follows. It underscores the gravity and importance of his oath.
* **"before God":** This is the core of Paul's solemn oath. By invoking God as his witness, Paul places his statement under divine scrutiny. It is an appeal to the highest authority, implying that God Himself knows the truth of what Paul is saying and would expose any falsehood. This is not a casual remark but a profound religious affirmation.
* **"I lie not":** This is a direct and forceful negation, leaving no ambiguity. Paul is unequivocally asserting the absolute veracity of his statements. He is not merely saying he is telling the truth, but emphatically denying any possibility of falsehood or deception regarding the divine origin of his gospel and his apostolic independence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Oath/Solemn Affirmation**, where he calls God as his witness to the truth of his words. This is a form of **Apostolic Self-Attestation**, where the apostle's personal integrity is presented as a guarantee for the divine origin of his message. The use of **Apostrophe** is also present, as Paul directly addresses the Galatians, but implicitly appeals to God. The phrase "behold" (Greek _idoú_) functions as an **Exclamation** or an **Interjection**, serving to capture immediate attention and heighten the dramatic impact and solemnity of the declaration. Finally, the direct and absolute **Negation** "I lie not" (Greek _ou pseudomai_) provides an emphatic and unequivocal denial of any falsehood, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 1:20 profoundly grounds Paul's apostolic authority and the gospel's truthfulness in divine witness. Paul's willingness to call God as his witness underscores the ultimate source of his message and his unwavering commitment to its purity. This declaration is a theological bulwark against the false accusations of the Judaizers, asserting that his gospel is not a human invention or compromise, but a direct revelation from Christ. It sets a precedent for the integrity required of those who proclaim God's truth, reminding us that our words, especially concerning spiritual matters, are always spoken in the presence of the Almighty.

* [Romans 9:1](/romans/9-1 "Romans 9:1 - Paul's Oath of Truthfulness")
* [2 Corinthians 11:31](/2_corinthians/11-31 "2 Corinthians 11:31 - God as Witness to Paul's Truth")
* [1 Timothy 2:7](/1_timothy/2-7 "1 Timothy 2:7 - Paul's Commission as a Preacher of Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's solemn oath in Galatians 1:20 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our words carry weight, especially when we speak about God and His truth. For Paul, the integrity of the messenger was inseparable from the credibility of the message. This calls us to a high standard of honesty and transparency in all areas of life, but particularly in our spiritual walk and witness. Are we living and speaking "before God," with an acute awareness of His omnipresent scrutiny? This verse encourages us to examine our motives, ensure our claims align with truth, and stand firm in defending the authentic gospel against distortions, just as Paul did. Our commitment to truthfulness reflects the character of God Himself, who "cannot lie" ([Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God Who Cannot Lie")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to be more mindful that my words and actions are "before God"?**
* **How does Paul's example of defending the truth with such solemnity challenge my own commitment to the purity of the gospel?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity and truthfulness in my daily interactions, especially when discussing matters of faith?**
* **How does understanding Paul's intense commitment to truth strengthen my confidence in the reliability of Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Paul to make such a strong declaration of truthfulness?**

Answer: It was critically important because Paul's apostolic authority and the divine origin of his gospel message were being directly challenged by Judaizing teachers in Galatia. These opponents were likely accusing him of fabricating his message or compromising it to gain human favor, thereby undermining his credibility and the truth of the gospel he preached. By making a solemn oath "before God," Paul was employing the strongest possible affirmation of truth available in his culture, calling the Almighty as his witness. This was a direct response to the accusations, establishing beyond doubt that his account of receiving the gospel directly from Christ, without human mediation, was absolutely true. His integrity was essential because the purity of the gospel itself was at stake; if Paul was a liar, then his message could not be from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Galatians 1:20 is a personal affirmation of Paul's integrity, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and significance in Christ. Paul's unwavering commitment to truthfulness, even to the point of calling God as his witness, mirrors the perfect truthfulness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Jesus consistently spoke the truth, even when it led to His suffering and death, bearing witness to the truth of God's kingdom and His own divine identity ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Testimony to the Truth")). Paul's defense of the gospel's divine origin points to Christ as the sole source of salvation, a truth that could not be compromised or diluted by human additions. The very gospel Paul so vehemently defends is the good news of Christ's atoning work, His death, burial, and resurrection according to the Scriptures ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Thus, Paul's oath is not merely about his personal honesty, but about safeguarding the integrity of the message of Christ, the one through whom God's ultimate truth and salvation are revealed to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation Through His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 9:1

¶ I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

2 Corinthians 11:31

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

2 Corinthians 11:10

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

2 Corinthians 11:11

Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.