Galatians 1:6

KJV

¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

KJV (with Strong's)

I marvel {G2296} that {G3754} ye are {G3346} so {G3779} soon {G5030} removed {G3346} from {G575} him that called {G2564} you {G5209} into {G1722} the grace {G5485} of Christ {G5547} unto {G1519} another {G2087} gospel {G2098}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I am astounded that you are so quick to remove yourselves from me, the one who called you by the Messiah’s grace, and turn to some other supposedly “Good News,”

Berean Standard Bible

I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—

American Standard Version

I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound astonishment and dismay at the Galatian believers, who have so swiftly and inexplicably turned away from the true gospel—the divine call into the grace of Christ—to embrace a fundamentally different and false message. This verse serves as an immediate and sharp rebuke, setting the urgent and confrontational tone for the entire letter as Paul addresses the severe theological drift threatening the Galatian churches.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 1:6 marks an abrupt and dramatic shift from Paul's customary opening in his epistles. Following a brief salutation (Galatians 1:1-5), which includes a powerful statement about Christ's self-sacrifice for our sins, Paul immediately launches into a direct and emotional rebuke. Unlike other letters where he often begins with commendations or expressions of thanksgiving, his astonishment here signals the grave nature of the problem. This verse serves as the thesis statement for the entire letter, introducing the core conflict: the purity of the gospel versus the perversion of legalism. The subsequent verses (Galatians 1:7-9) further intensify this by pronouncing a curse on those who preach "another gospel," underscoring the non-negotiable truth Paul is defending.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to churches in the Roman province of Galatia, likely established during his first missionary journey. The central issue plaguing these churches was the infiltration of "Judaizers," Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to certain aspects of the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision (Galatians 2:3-5; Galatians 5:2-4; Galatians 6:12-13), in addition to faith in Christ, to be truly saved or fully righteous. This teaching directly undermined Paul's gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone, presenting a significant threat to the theological integrity and spiritual freedom of the Gentile believers. The Galatians' quick acceptance of this legalistic message indicates a vulnerability to false teaching and a misunderstanding of the radical implications of Christ's finished work.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that Paul will expound upon throughout the letter. Firstly, it highlights **The Purity and Singularity of the Gospel**, emphasizing that there is only one true gospel of salvation, established by God through Christ, and any deviation from it is a perversion (Galatians 1:7-9). Secondly, the phrase "called you into the grace of Christ" underscores **Salvation by Grace Alone**, a foundational tenet of Paul's theology, asserting that salvation is a free gift of God, received through faith, not earned by human effort or adherence to the law (compare with [Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Lastly, Paul's "I marvel that ye are so soon removed" points to the dangerous reality of **Spiritual Instability and Drifting**, revealing how easily believers can be swayed from fundamental truths, even after initially embracing them, and the urgent need for firm grounding in the genuine message of Christ (as further elaborated in [Galatians 3 - Justification by Faith](/galatians/3 "Galatians 3 - Justification by Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **marvel (Greek, _thaumázō_):** This word conveys Paul's profound astonishment, wonder, and even a sense of disbelief. It's not mere surprise, but a deep emotional reaction to something unexpected and deeply troubling. Paul is genuinely shocked by the Galatians' swift departure from the truth.
* **removed (Greek, _metatíthēmi_):** This verb means to transfer, change, or desert. It implies a fundamental shift in allegiance or position. The use of this word highlights that the Galatians were not merely wavering but had actively shifted their spiritual foundation, moving away from the one who called them. It suggests a perversion or turning aside from the original, true path.
* **another (Greek, _héteros_):** This is a crucial distinction. While _allos_ would mean "another of the same kind," _héteros_ specifically means "another of a *different kind*." Paul is not saying the Galatians have adopted a slightly different version of the gospel, but a fundamentally distinct and therefore false one. This "another gospel" is not merely an alternative but an antithesis to the true gospel of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I marvel that ye are so soon removed":** Paul's opening expresses his profound shock and dismay. The phrase "so soon" emphasizes the astonishing rapidity with which the Galatians had abandoned the gospel message he had faithfully delivered to them. This swift defection indicates a lack of deep understanding or firm conviction in the truth they had initially embraced.
* **"from him that called you into the grace of Christ":** The "him that called you" refers to God the Father, the ultimate initiator of salvation. The calling is not into a system of law or human effort, but specifically "into the grace of Christ." This highlights the divine initiative and the nature of salvation as a free, unmerited gift, secured by Christ's finished work, rather than by human performance.
* **"unto another gospel":** This clause reveals the destination of their "removal"—a competing message that Paul immediately identifies as fundamentally different and therefore false. This "another gospel" was the legalistic teaching of the Judaizers, which sought to add works of the law (like circumcision) to faith in Christ as a requirement for salvation or spiritual perfection, thereby nullifying the sufficiency of Christ's grace.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, where he directly addresses the Galatian churches, expressing his raw emotion ("I marvel"). This direct address creates a sense of intimacy and urgency, drawing the readers immediately into the gravity of the situation. There is also a strong **Juxtaposition** between "the grace of Christ" and "another gospel." This stark contrast highlights the irreconcilable differences between the true gospel of unmerited favor and the false gospel of human effort. Furthermore, Paul's use of the word "removed" functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual apostasy, implying a physical displacement or transfer of allegiance from one spiritual foundation to another. The entire statement also carries an element of **Rhetorical Question** or implied incredulity, as Paul's "I marvel" suggests his utter disbelief that such a thing could happen so quickly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 1:6 serves as a foundational declaration of the exclusivity and purity of the gospel. Theologically, it asserts that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, initiated by His divine call and accomplished through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Any attempt to supplement this grace with human works or legalistic observances fundamentally distorts and nullifies the gospel, transforming it into "another gospel" that lacks saving power. This verse underscores the radical nature of grace—it is either entirely by grace or not grace at all—and establishes the critical importance of guarding this truth against all forms of syncretism or legalism. It sets the stage for Paul's robust defense of justification by faith alone, apart from the works of the law, which is the cornerstone of Christian freedom.

* [Galatians 1:7-9](/galatians/1-7-9 "Galatians 1:7-9 - Paul's Curse on False Teachers")
* [Romans 3:20-24](/romans/3-20-24 "Romans 3:20-24 - Justification by Faith Apart from Law")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's astonishment in Galatians 1:6 serves as a timeless warning for believers across generations. It compels us to cultivate a profound understanding and unwavering commitment to the singular truth of the gospel: salvation is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual narratives and self-help philosophies, the temptation to subtly add human effort, good works, or religious rituals to the finished work of Christ remains ever-present. This verse calls us to vigilant discernment, urging us to critically examine any teaching that diminishes the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice or suggests that our standing with God depends on anything other than His unmerited favor. It challenges us to firmly root our faith in the unadulterated message of grace, ensuring that we are not "so soon removed" from the one who called us into such glorious freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are some contemporary forms of "another gospel" that subtly add to or detract from the sufficiency of Christ's grace for salvation?**
* **How does understanding that God "called you into the grace of Christ" deepen your appreciation for your salvation?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure you are firmly grounded in the true gospel and not easily swayed by false teachings?**

### FAQ

**Who is "him that called you" in this verse?**

Answer: "Him that called you" refers to God the Father. It emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation, highlighting that believers are not merely choosing God, but are first called by Him into a relationship of grace through Jesus Christ. This calling is an act of sovereign grace, not based on human merit or works.

**What exactly is "another gospel" that Paul condemns?**

Answer: "Another gospel" (Greek: _héteros euangélion_) is any message that fundamentally alters or perverts the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. In the context of Galatians, it specifically refers to the teaching of the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile Christians must observe elements of the Mosaic Law, such as circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ, to be truly saved or perfected. Paul vehemently rejects this, as it undermines the sufficiency of Christ's work and the freeness of God's grace, turning salvation into a system of human achievement rather than a divine gift (see [Galatians 2:16 - Justified by Faith in Christ](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justified by Faith in Christ")).

**Why was Paul so "marveled" or astonished at the Galatians' actions?**

Answer: Paul's astonishment stemmed from the swiftness and the fundamental nature of the Galatians' departure from the truth. He was shocked that they had so quickly abandoned the liberating message of grace he had preached to them, turning instead to a legalistic system that nullified Christ's work. His marvel highlights the gravity of their spiritual instability and the dangerous implications of embracing a gospel that was not merely different, but entirely false and destructive to true faith (as further explained in [Galatians 5:4 - Fallen from Grace](/galatians/5-4 "Galatians 5:4 - Fallen from Grace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 1:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the absolute sufficiency and exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation. The "grace of Christ" is not merely a concept but the very essence of His person and work. It is Christ who, by His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, fully paid the penalty for sin and secured eternal life for all who believe. Therefore, any "another gospel" that adds human works, rituals, or legalistic requirements to Christ's finished work is a direct assault on His all-sufficient sacrifice. To turn "unto another gospel" is to implicitly deny the complete efficacy of Christ's redemption, suggesting that His grace is somehow insufficient or needs human supplementation. The true gospel, which Paul so fiercely defends, centers entirely on the person and work of Jesus Christ, affirming that He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")), and the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2 - Author and Perfecter of Faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, the call "into the grace of Christ" is a call into union with Him, where all spiritual blessings are found and from whom all true life flows.

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

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

Galatians 5:7

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Galatians 5:8

This persuasion [cometh] not of him that calleth you.

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Psalms 106:13

¶ They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

Galatians 3:1

¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Galatians 3:5

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, [doeth he it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?