“But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.”
But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
In passing, Paul met “James, the Lord’s brother,” who was also a key leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17). Jesus had more than one biological brother (Matthew 13:55; cf. Psalms 69:8,9). This verse contradicts the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary (Mark 6:3; Galatians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Acts 15:13; 21:18). James was Mary and Joseph’s biological son. Jesus was not the biological son of Joseph.
Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.
The legalists who came to Galatia cast such a pall of suspicion on Paul that he pledged he wrote the truth in the preceding verses. He took this oath in God’s presence, making it solemn. He calls on God to witness his statements (Romans 9:1).
Principle:
False teachers love to undermine God’s messengers since it also undercuts God’s message.
Application:
How strange that Paul’s very own converts would think that he was not truthful! This shows the pall that false teaching can cast on the integrity of Christians. Satan loves to cast aspersions on God’s people so that he can undermine God’s message.
