A Convincing Salutation Series

A Convincing Salutation

Galatians 1:1-5

Today, I want to begin our journey through the book Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia. Many scholars agree that Galatians was one of the earliest of Paul’s letters, likely written somewhere around 49-50 AD. This early date assumes Paul was writing to the southern region of Galatia, a Roman province, and penned the letter just prior to attending the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). If Paul wrote to the northern region of Galatia, scholars argue that Paul would not have written the letter until after his third missionary journey, somewhere around 53-56 AD.

Regardless of the timing of the letter, the purpose is clear – Paul sought to address the challenges within Galatia regarding false teaching and many of the believers there being tempted to move away from the truth of the gospel, being influenced by the Judaizers who refused to accept the gospel by grace through faith alone. While the false teachers presented an appealing message on several fronts, Paul was well aware of the dangers of moving away from the truth. Such false teaching was not liberating, but in fact, it led to additional bondage. Paul knew real liberty and freedom is found in Christ alone. The Judaizers emphasized the keeping of the Mosaic law, along with Jewish rituals and ceremonies if one was to truly please God. This was a direct attack on the liberty received through salvation by faith in Christ alone.

As we begin this informative study, I want to examine the aspects of Paul’s greeting as we consider: A Convincing Salutation.

I. The Apostle’s Greeting (1-2a) – Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me. As was his custom, Paul offered a greeting to identify himself as the author of the letter and establish a proper foundation for that which was to follow. We discover:

A. His Identity (1) – Paul, an apostle…Although the churches within Galatia were familiar with Paul, he reminds them of his apostleship in Christ. This was a position to be noted and respected. An apostle (“one who is sent with a commission”) was an envoy, ambassador, or messenger who was chosen and trained by Jesus Christ as His special emissary for proclaiming His truth during the formative years of the church. (i)

Paul doesn’t make reference to his apostleship in arrogance or to appear more righteous than those to whom he was writing, but it seems apparent he felt the need to affirm his calling. He viewed himself as an apostle “born out of due time.” He was the only apostle who had not walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry. This added scrutiny and skepticism that the other apostles typically avoided. Also, as we will see, as Paul combated the false teaching prevalent in Galatia, it was important for them to receive him as an apostle of Christ.

B. His Authority (1) – Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.) While some were skeptical, Paul revealed there was no need for skepticism or doubt. He was not called or sent out merely from those in Jerusalem. While it was good to have their support and backing, Paul was sent with a commission from the risen Savior and God the Father. (Again, this authority was much needed as he sought to preach truth and combat false doctrine. He was not sharing the thoughts or agendas of men; he was preaching the gospel under the calling and authority of Christ the Lord.)

The same holds true for the commission of the church. We are not merely sharing the message of men; we are proclaiming the gospel of the risen Christ, seeking to fulfill the work He has left us to perform. The world may not embrace the truth of the gospel, but that doesn’t detract from its validity, nor does it diminish our calling and authority.

C. His Community (2a) – And all the brethren which are with me...While it wouldn’t affect the determination and commitment of Paul for the gospel ministry, (he would go it alone if necessary) he does send greetings from the brethren who served alongside him in ministry. No doubt, this would have encouraged those who were initially skeptical of Paul to embrace his work and calling.

There is great benefit to the fellowship of faith. We draw strength and encouragement from one another and we all have those whom we can influence in the faith. There can be no doubt, we are more effective together than we are alone.

II. The Audience in Galatia (2b) – unto the churches of Galatia. Paul reveals to whom this particular letter was written. In this simple statement, we discover: