READ Galatians 1:1-5

This morning we begin a journey through the book of Galatians.  The following introduction to the book comes from the commentary "Understanding the Bible" by Dr. David Sorenson.  "This epistle is thought by some to have been written during Paul's last visit to Corinth in about A.D. 60. Galatia was a region in what is today called Turkey (or Asia Minor). It included the cities of Iconium, Derbe, Lystra, and other places Paul had visited on his first and second missionary journeys. It was called Galatia because the stock of people there were Gauls (not Greeks) which had migrated there in the third century before Christ.

In the interval since Paul’s initial visits, ‘missionaries’ from Judea had arrived informing the Galatian brethren that they needed to keep the law both to be saved and to keep saved. They have come to be referred to as ‘Judaizers.’ They thus introduced to the Galatians churches two forms of error which Paul systematically refutes. First, they alleged that the Law of Moses must be kept along with faith to be justified. Then in addition, they advanced that a Christian must continue to keep the Law (i.e., not sin) lest he lose his salvation.

Paul’s refutation to the first error is that justification by faith was illustrated when Abraham believed God. The Law, which appeared 430 years later, could not disannul that. The purpose of the Law was condemnation and to be an instructor of the need for salvation. The second error (keeping the Law to remain saved) is addressed by pointing out that our new nature, created by the Holy Spirit, is the dynamic of the Christian life."

Introduction to chapter one:  Paul's greeting to the Galatians is different from his greetings to other churches. He was writing under heavy stress and strain. False teachers and critics had arisen in the church who were criticizing and attacking him. They were questioning his call to the ministry and his authority as God's messenger. Some were even questioning the very gospel itself. Therefore, the usual affection expressed toward churches and individuals is missing. From the very first sentence his writing is abrupt. He assails the Galatian churches with words straight to the point: he is a true minister of God, a true apostle and messenger of the Lord Jesus Christ.

vs. 1 - Paul is commissioned by God alone.  "Paul an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead:)

vs. 2 - Paul is recognized as God's man by Christian believers.  "And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:"

vs. 3 - Paul wishes the very best for other believers. "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,"

vs. 4-5 - Paul proclaims the work of Christ.  "Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen"

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What do you think about people who make the Gospel into something it is not?  

2.  What things come to your mind when you hear the word grace?

3.  What does this section of Scripture tell you about God’s love for you?

4.  Why was it necessary for Jesus to die?