Galatians 1:1-5: Paul’s Strong Start and Divine Calling

In the opening verses of his letter to the Galatians, Paul sets the stage for a powerful message about the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s break down these verses and explore their meaning for us today.

What Paul Says

• Verse 1: Paul introduces himself, not as someone chosen by humans, but as an apostle appointed directly by Jesus Christ and God the Father. This emphasises the divine authority of his message.
• Verse 2: Paul extends greetings from his fellow believers to the churches in Galatia, highlighting the unity and shared faith within the early Christian community.
• Verse 3: Paul offers a typical greeting of grace and peace, but notice that this grace and peace come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ – a reminder that our blessings flow directly from God’s love through Jesus.
• Verse 4: Paul gets to the heart of the matter, declaring that Jesus gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age. This highlights Jesus’ sacrifice as the central act of salvation.
• Verse 5: Paul concludes this section with a doxology – a short hymn of praise to God. He attributes glory to God the Father forever and ever, acknowledging God’s ultimate authority and worthiness of our worship.

Why is This Important?

These verses are significant for several reasons:

• Paul’s Authority: Paul’s emphasis on his divine appointment as an apostle establishes his credibility and authority to address the issues the Galatians were facing.
• The True Gospel: Paul’s clear statement about Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins sets the foundation for his later arguments against those who were distorting the gospel message.
• God’s Grace and Peace: The focus on grace and peace reminds us that our salvation and relationship with God are based on His unmerited favour and not our own efforts.
• God’s Glory: The doxology at the end reinforces the idea that our lives are not about us but about bringing glory to God.

Questions for Reflection

1. Why do you think Paul starts his letter by emphasising his authority as an apostle?
2. How does Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins “rescue us from the present evil age”?
3. What does it mean to you that grace and peace come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?
4. How can we live our lives in a way that brings glory to God?
5. What are some ways that people might try to distort the gospel message today?

Challenge

Take some time this week to meditate on the truth of these verses. Thank God for His grace and peace, and ask Him to help you live a life that glorifies Him in all you do.

Remember, the gospel is not just a set of rules or beliefs; it’s a transformative message of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Let Paul’s words in Galatians inspire you to embrace this truth and share it with others.