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;)"

He was sent by the highest authority of all - the risen, glorified Lord and God the Father - therefore could act for and on behalf of and in the stead of the Sender. This assertion is made in the opening statement as his credentials for his right not only to preach the gospel, but to defend it against false gospels. His commission and authority is not "from men" not "through men." He is set apart from false apostles who were never commissioned by God. Like the twelve Paul was commissioned by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was a true servant of the Godhead. His commission dated from his supernatural conversion (Acts 26:17 ).

Such are called by God the Father acting through Jesus Christ who He raised from the dead. As the ascended redeemer He still gifts the church with His gift messengers (Ephesians 4:11 ), who are distinct from those who are self-called or man-appointed. One of the marks of the truly called is their self-disinterest shown in their priority in the interests of the Lord who called them, and the welfare of those they serve. There is no higher calling than to serve the Lord God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

Galatians 1:2 "and all the brethren who are with me, ..."

Endorsement of ministry by the association of other ministries is a New Testament pattern. Paul usually made a distinction between his brethren, fellow labourers who were with him, and his brethren the saints.

Philippians 4:21 "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you."

To emphasise such brethren at the commencement of this letter would remind the Galatians that ministers like Timothy, Titus, Silas, whom they knew, and others were one with the message the letter contained. These were not just the statements or opinions of Paul - they were the faith for which they were all contending (Jude 3 ).

Galatians 1:2 "... To the churches of Galatia:"

Paul's responsibility and concern was to "all" (Galatians 1:2 NIV) the local churches in the region, not to just one local church - not to one as distinct from the rest because it may have been the largest in numbers or more generous in financial support. "All" points to the genuineness of the father side of Paul's apostolic ministry.

They are churches in which wrong teaching had been allowed to be taught and where there had been submission to that doctrinal corruption. They were not given over to total denial of the truth - so they were not disowned or disfellowshipped. The need was related to, and loving, though severe treatment, was administered to correct the disorder. A lesson for those upon whom comes the care of the churches today.

There is no mention of kind remembrances, nor description of "faithfulness" or the calling of them saints in Christ Jesus. What is omitted would point to disturbed remembrance - their unfaithfulness to the message, and their lack of total separation unto Christ Jesus.

Galatians 1:3 "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,"

Every member is so by grace alone. That needs to be remembered by the Galatians, and that peace with God is through the reconciliating death of Jesus Christ, and are kept in peace by His life. (Romans 5:10-11 ). Its this message of reconciliation that we must minister to others (2 Corinthians 5:18 ).

A favour that is not earned but freely given - an assurance that is His peace springing out of His grace. For a church to turn to earning approval of God and man will remove any possible true confidence of peace. Back to striving but never attaining - which is the stuff man-made religions consists of. Paul would wish them the well-being of moving in the reality of God-given grace and peace.

Galatians 1:3 "... from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,"

The Father is the source and reason for every blessing we receive. The link word "and" unites the Lord Jesus as both source and means of all our blessings. Jesus accomplished our salvation and conveys it to each believing heart. There is salvation in no other nor through any other means (Acts 4:12 ).

Galatians 1:4 "Who gave himself for our sins, ..."

He voluntarily offered His life (John 10:17 ). It was an act of self-surrender (1 Timothy 2:6; Matthew 20:28 ), and a substitutionary act, on the behalf of sinners (Titus 2:14 ). No offering of Himself, then no redemption for sinners. It cannot be added to and needs no additions - His blood prevails for us.

Galatians 1:4 "... that he might deliver us from this present evil world, ..."

Not only is the offering for our sins perfect, so the deliverance from sin is perfect. He delivers us from the curse, the corruption of sin and continuance in sin. He sets us apart unto Himself, and separates us from the evil of this present age. He not only cancels our sins, He breaks the power of sin over our lives.

Galatians 1:4 "... according to the will of God and our Father:"

The plan of salvation is altogether divine. Christ Jesus in His sacrificial work did the Father's will completely. The gospel is the expression of the Father heart of God in His love for the lost. To change the gospel, as those who were troubling these Galatians were doing, is to oppose the revealed will of God.

Galatians 1:5 "To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

In this ascription of praise there is contained a suggestion of rebuke - that anyone should credit sinful man as able to assist God in His own salvation - the glory of salvation belongs to God alone.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What do you learn about the authority of those who are a God-called leadership? (Galatians 1:1 ).
2. What distinguishes the service of God's true messengers? (Galatians 1:1 ).
3. Would you say that endorsement of ministry by the association of other ministries is a pattern to be followed today? (Galatians 1:2 ).
4. What did Paul mean by his usual distinctions of "his brethren," "fellow labourers." and "brethren the saints"? (Galatians 1:2; Philippians 4:21 ).
5. For whom was Paul concerned? In which way do you see the genuineness of Paul's father ministry expressed? (Galatians 1:2 ).
6. Where you worship can it be called a church in the New Testament sense? (Galatians 1:2 ).
7. Would there be significant omissions in the way Paul would address a letter to you or to your church? (Galatians 1:2 ).
8. Can a church be genuinely a New Testament church unless it is founded on grace and peace? (Galatians 1:3 ).
9. What does it mean to you personally, and to your church, to be operating in grace and peace? (Galatians 1:3 ).
10. What great truth is Paul asserting by linking the Lord Jesus with God the Father? (Galatians 1:3 ).
11. What effect does the teaching of the self-giving and substitutionary life of Jesus have on your lifestyle? (Galatians 1:4 ).
12. What do you understand to be the meaning of being delivered from this present evil age? (Galatians 1:4 ).
13. How important is it to emphasise the gospel as the expression of the Father heart of God? (Galatians 1:4 ).
14. Why would you in unison with Galatians 1:5 give glory to God?