Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πείθω
do I
G3982
πείθω
do I
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
4 of 21
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ζητῶ
do I seek
G2212
ζητῶ
do I seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
9 of 21
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δοῦλος
the servant
G1401
δοῦλος
the servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
18 of 21
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.Ephesians 6:6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.Matthew 22:16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.Colossians 3:22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:Romans 2:29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.1 John 3:9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,Romans 2:8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Historical Context
The Judaizers likely accused Paul of teaching circumcision to Jews (Acts 16:3, 21:20-24) while omitting it for Gentiles—theological inconsistency for pragmatic success. Paul's letters show he became "all things to all men" (1 Corinthians 9:22) in nonessentials but never compromised gospel core. His refusal to circumcise Titus (2:3) demonstrated principle over popularity. In patronage culture, teachers depended on pleasing benefactors for financial support. Paul's tent-making ministry (Acts 18:3) freed him from this pressure, allowing prophetic boldness.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to soften biblical truth to gain approval, avoid conflict, or maintain relationships?
- In what ways does financial independence or dependence affect your freedom to speak unpopular truth?
- What does it mean practically to be Christ's slave rather than men's servant in your workplace, family, or church?
Analysis & Commentary
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Paul answers an accusation: that he's a people-pleaser who softens the gospel for Gentile audiences. "Do I now persuade men, or God?" (the Greek syntax is difficult—likely "Am I now seeking human approval or God's?"). The obvious answer: God's approval alone matters. "Or do I seek to please men?" (ē zētō anthrōpois areskein) asks directly what motivates him.
"For if I yet pleased men" (ei eti anthrōpois ēreskon) suggests past accusations that Paul once preached circumcision (5:11). "Yet" or "still" (eti) implies change. Before Damascus, Pharisee Saul pleased men by persecuting the church; now Apostle Paul pleases God by proclaiming free grace. The conditional structure makes pleasing men and serving Christ mutually exclusive.
"I should not be the servant of Christ" (Christou doulos ouk an ēmēn)—doulos (δοῦλος) means "slave," not mere servant. Christ's slaves have no freedom to accommodate the message to human preference. The Judaizers' gospel was digestible to Jewish sensibilities; Paul's gospel of grace offended Jewish pride and Gentile moral philosophy. Gospel faithfulness costs popularity.