Galatians 1:6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ταχέως
soon
G5030
ταχέως
soon
Strong's:
G5030
Word #:
4 of 15
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
μετατίθεσθε
removed
G3346
μετατίθεσθε
removed
Strong's:
G3346
Word #:
5 of 15
to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλέσαντος
him that called
G2564
καλέσαντος
him that called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
8 of 15
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
χάριτι
the grace
G5485
χάριτι
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
11 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:4For 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.Isaiah 29:13Wherefore 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 106:13They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:1 Timothy 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,Acts 15:11But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.1 Corinthians 4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.Galatians 5:4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.1 Timothy 1:14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.2 Thessalonians 2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
The Galatians' susceptibility to Judaizers reflects their cultural background. Celtic tribes were known for impulsiveness and volatility. Having recently converted from paganism or syncretistic Judaism, they lacked theological grounding to recognize subtle error. The Judaizers likely arrived shortly after Paul's departure, presenting themselves as representing Jerusalem apostles and "completing" Paul's teaching. Their message seemed reasonable: Scripture commands circumcision; the Messiah came to fulfill, not abolish, the law; Jerusalem leaders still observed Torah.
Questions for Reflection
- What false gospels (grace plus performance, Jesus plus politics, faith plus self-help) tempt you toward desertion?
- How can established believers recognize when they're drifting from grace-centered faith toward works-centered religion?
- Why is theological discernment essential, not optional, for persevering faith in a climate of competing messages?
Analysis & Commentary
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Paul's shock is palpable—thaumazō (θαυμάζω, "I am astonished") expresses bewilderment at their rapid defection. "So soon" (houtōs tacheōs) emphasizes shocking speed of apostasy. They are abandoning not mere doctrine but "him that called you"—deserting God Himself.
The verb metatithesthe (μετατίθεσθε, "you are being removed") uses present passive, suggesting ongoing desertion and external influence. They are victims of deception while remaining responsible. God's call came "into the grace of Christ" (en chariti Christou)—grace is the sphere of salvation. To abandon grace for law is to abandon Christ.
"Another gospel" (heteron euangelion, ἕτερον εὐαγγέλιον) uses heteros (fundamentally different kind) not allos (another of same kind). Paul will clarify (v. 7) this isn't another valid gospel but a perversion. There is only one gospel; alternatives are anti-gospels.