Galatians 1:10

The false teachers evidently charged Paul with preaching to curry the favor of his listeners, perhaps to gain a large number of converts to enhance his own reputation. They could have charged him with preaching "easy believism" since he advocated faith in Christ alone for salvation.

"There have always been preachers who have sought popular acclaim above all else, and there are some still. It is part of fallen human nature that even those charged with the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel can fall into the trap of trying to be popular rather than faithful." [Note: Morris, p. 46.]

Paul’s critics may have accused him of preaching one thing to some people and the opposite to others (cf. Galatians 5:2; Galatians 5:11). It is understandable how some people might have concluded this (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:22). However, Paul’s argument in this verse was that a person can only be the slave of one master. Paul was claiming to have behaved among them consistent with his commitment to Christ as his master.

". . . his uncompromising attitude as reflected in the severity of his language in condemning the counterfeit gospel (Galatians 1:8 f.) is proof positive that he is no men-pleaser." [Note: Fung, p. 49.]

Paul liked to describe himself as a "bond-servant" (Greek doulos) in relation to Christ (cf. Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1). This Greek word also describes Moses (Joshua 14:7; Revelation 15:3), David (cf. Psalms 89:3), Elijah (cf. 2 Kings 10:10), and the Old Testament prophets (Revelation 10:7; Revelation 11:18). Moreover it describes Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:7), Christian leaders (2 Timothy 2:24), the apostles (2 Corinthians 4:5), James (James 1:1), Peter (2 Peter 1:1), and Jude (Judges 1:1). Furthermore it describes John (Revelation 1:1), Christians (Acts 4:29; 1 Corinthians 7:22; Galatians 4:7; Ephesians 6:6; 1 Peter 2:16; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 2:20), Tribulation saints (Revelation 7:3), and all believers (Revelation 19:2; Revelation 19:5; Revelation 22:3; Revelation 22:6) in the New Testament.

"Already in these opening verses the two key concepts in the letter have surfaced-gospel and grace." [Note: Timothy George, Galatians, p. 102.]