Main Idea of Galatians:
To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel.
Questions to Consider:
How does Paul establish his apostolic authority in these opening verses?
What does Paul emphasize about the nature and source of his apostleship?
How does Paul summarize the gospel message in his greeting?
The Text:
Paul, an apostle—not from men or by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers who are with me:
To the churches of Galatia.
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
– Galatians 1:1-5 (CSB)
Observations:
Apostolic Claim (v. 1): Paul identifies himself as an apostle, emphasizing that his authority comes directly from God, not from human sources.
Greetings to the Churches (v. 2): Paul, along with the “brothers” with him, sends greetings to the churches in Galatia.
Grace and Peace (v. 3): Paul pronounces a blessing of grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Summary (vv. 4-5): Paul provides a concise summary of the gospel, focusing on Christ’s self-sacrifice for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, all according to God’s will. He concludes with a doxology to God.
Interpretation:
Apostolic Authority (v. 1): Moo (BECNT) highlights that Paul’s opening statement is not merely a standard greeting, but a crucial assertion of his apostolic authority. The phrase “not from men nor through man” directly confronts any suggestion that his authority was derived from human institutions or other apostles.
D.A. Carson (NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible) notes that Paul’s emphasis here is a direct contrast to the false teachers who were likely claiming some kind of human authority or tradition to support their legalistic teachings. Paul’s gospel is not a human invention but a divine revelation.
Paul’s authority is further validated by the reference to God the Father “who raised him from the dead,” connecting his apostleship to the very foundation of the Christian message: the resurrection of Christ.
Greetings to the Churches (v. 2): The mention of “all the brothers who are with me” suggests a community of believers supporting Paul’s ministry. This may also serve to emphasize the unity and shared faith of those who stand with Paul.
The address “To the churches of Galatia” indicates that this letter is intended for a wider audience, addressing the collective body of believers in the region.
Grace and Peace (v. 3): The greeting “Grace to you and peace” is a standard Pauline greeting, yet it carries significant theological weight. “Grace” (Greek: charis) emphasizes God’s unmerited favor, and “peace” (Greek: eirene) signifies the wholeness and well-being that come from a right relationship with God.
Paul attributes these blessings to “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” highlighting the Trinitarian nature of salvation.
Gospel Summary (vv. 4-5): Schreiner (ZECNT) points out that this concise summary of the gospel is a powerful statement of the core message that Paul is defending in Galatians.
The phrase “who gave himself for our sins” emphasizes the substitutionary atonement of Christ. Christ’s death was not just an example, but a sacrifice for our sins.
“To deliver us from the present evil age” highlights the redemptive purpose of Christ’s work. It’s not just about individual salvation, but about deliverance from the power of sin and evil in this world.
“According to the will of our God and Father” underscores God’s sovereign plan in salvation.
The doxology “to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” expresses Paul’s ultimate desire that God be glorified through the gospel.
Application:
Embrace God’s Authority: Paul’s strong assertion of his authority reminds us that the gospel message is not a human invention but a divine revelation. We should ground our faith in the authority of Scripture and the truth of the gospel.
Live in Grace and Peace: The greeting “Grace to you and peace” is not just a formality but a powerful reminder of the blessings we receive through Christ. We should actively live in the grace and peace that God offers.
Understand the Atonement: Paul’s summary of the gospel highlights the centrality of Christ’s self-sacrifice for our sins. We should deepen our understanding and appreciation of the atonement and its implications for us.
Participate in God’s Redemptive Plan: Paul’s emphasis on deliverance from the “present evil age” reminds us that salvation has a broader scope than just individual forgiveness. We are called to participate in God’s redemptive plan.
Glorify God: The doxology reminds us that the ultimate purpose of the gospel is to bring glory to God. We should seek to glorify Him in all that we do.
Connection to the Main Idea:
These opening verses immediately establish the core themes and the central conflict of Galatians. Paul’s assertion of his apostolic authority is crucial for defending the true gospel against those who are distorting it. The summary of the gospel in verses 4-5 sets the stage for Paul’s argument: salvation is by grace through Christ’s atoning work, not by human works.
How Does This Text Point to Christ?
Christ is the source of Paul’s apostleship (v. 1).
Christ is the one who brings grace and peace (v. 3).
Christ is the central figure in the gospel message, giving Himself as a sacrifice for our sins (v. 4).
Summary:
Galatians 1:1-5 establishes Paul’s apostolic authority and provides a concise summary of the gospel, emphasizing Christ’s atoning work and God’s sovereign plan of salvation.
Be Intentional:
Recognize the divine authority of the gospel message.
Appreciate the grace and peace offered through Christ.
Understand the central role of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Ask Yourself:
How am I grounding my faith in the authority of the gospel?
Do I fully appreciate the grace and peace I have received through Christ?
What practical difference does my knowledge of the gospel make in my identity and my relationships with others?
Bibliography:
Carson, D. A. (General Editor). NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Zondervan.
Merida, Tony & Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary).
Moo, Douglas J. Galatians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – BECNT).
Schreiner, Thomas R. Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament – ZECNT).
Schreiner, Thomas R. Christ Crucified: A Theology of Galatians.
White, A. Blake. Galatians: A Theological Interpretation.
