Paul views his service as primarily to God, not men, as seen in his refusal to seek men's approval and his role as a bond-servant of Christ.
In Galatians 1:10, Paul asks whether he seeks to please men or God, clarifying that if he pleased men, he would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul's service was to God alone, evidenced by his willingness to endure trials and his refusal to seek personal gain or popularity.
Galatians 1:10 — This verse directly answers the question by contrasting pleasing men with serving God.
In Galatians 1:10, Paul writes, "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." This is a direct statement that his service is to God, not to win human approval. Earlier in the same chapter, he emphasizes his divine calling as an apostle, not from men but through Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1). Paul also describes himself as a "bond-servant of Christ" in his letters, indicating his total devotion to God's service (e.g., Romans 1:1). Throughout his epistles, he defends his apostleship, insisting that his message and ministry come from God, not from human appointment or desire for fame.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's service was exclusively to God, not to men, as seen in his interpretation of Galatians 1:10. He points out that Paul did not seek to please men or gain personal support or fame; instead, he was a bond-servant of Christ. Les emphasizes that Paul's ministry was marked by trials and opposition because he preached the true gospel without compromise. He also highlights that Paul never sought to build a personal empire or gain followers for himself, but only to serve God's purposes for the Gentile world.
Les Feldick explains that the Greek word for 'servant' used by Paul is more accurately 'bond-servant' or 'bondslave,' indicating a complete and total surrender to his Master, Jesus Christ. In his teaching, this means Paul's identity and purpose were entirely wrapped up in serving God, not in seeking his own interests or pleasing people. His apostleship and ministry were not for personal gain but were a result of his divine calling.
Les Feldick teaches that because Paul preached the truth without trying to please men, he faced constant persecution—imprisonment, beatings, and even shipwrecks. By not compromising the gospel to gain human approval, Paul attracted opposition from those who rejected the message. His trials were a result of his faithfulness to God rather than a desire to be liked by others.
Les Feldick notes that despite Paul's education at the feet of Gamaliel and his former religious zeal, he had to become a 'nobody' to be a servant of God's grace to the Gentiles. Paul did not rely on his human credentials or abilities; instead, he came in weakness, determined to know only Jesus Christ and Him crucified. This humility and dependence on God were central to his service.
Paul's Warning Against False Gospels
Les explains that Paul's strong language about a curse on those who pervert the gospel comes from the Spirit's inspiration, showing Paul's commitment to God's truth over pleasing men.
Paul's Total Surrender to God
Les highlights that Paul left all material wealth behind, counting it but dung, to serve God fully—an example of being sold out to God.
Pleasing Men vs Being a Bond-Slave of Christ
Les directly applies Galatians 1:10, teaching that Paul could not be a bond-servant of Christ if he sought to please men, and that this explains the trials he endured.
Paul's Humility in Service
Les notes that Paul had to become a 'nobody' and relied not on education or eloquence but on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, showing his service was to God, not to impress men.
Paul's Service as a Bondslave
Les emphasizes that Paul preached not himself but as a bondslave for Jesus' sake, avoiding personal fame or empire-building.
Paul's Endurance Under Persecution
Les describes how Paul's first memories of persecuting Christians motivated him to endure abuse, showing his readiness to give up everything for God.
Paul's Unique Role for the Gentiles
Les stresses that Paul magnified his office as apostle to the Gentiles, never backing down from God's calling, which required serving God rather than human expectations.
Paul as a Bond Slave of Jesus Christ
Les explains that Paul introduced himself as a 'bond slave' of Christ, indicating his total service to God, not to men.
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.
This verse is the direct basis for Paul's view that his service is to God, not to men.
Romans 1:1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Paul's self-identification as a servant (bond-slave) of Jesus Christ clarifies his allegiance.
Galatians 1:1: Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Paul emphasizes his apostleship comes from God, not men, reinforcing his divine commission.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5: And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Paul's service was marked by humility and reliance on God, not human persuasion.
A bond-servant (or bondslave) in Greek implies a complete and willing surrender to one's master. Paul used this term to show that his life and ministry were totally devoted to serving God, not seeking personal gain or approval from men.
Paul did not seek to please people, which sometimes caused conflict. He was willing to endure persecution and hardship because he prioritized God's approval over human acceptance.
Because Paul preached the true gospel without compromise, he attracted opposition from those who rejected it or wanted to alter it. His faithful service to God often put him at odds with both religious and secular authorities.
Watch the Teaching: Why Preaching Another Gospel Brings a Curse — Galatians 1 Explained