1:1-5. Introduction

Paul's opening sentence strongly affirms his apostolic ministry to which he had been called by God, in the service of Jesus Christ. The one who is writing the letter is not just Paul but God's chosen servant. This opening sentence sets the tone for what is to follow in the letter. Paul writes with apostolic authority and he expects the Galatians to take what he says with absolute seriousness. The greetings in 1:2 remind us that the churches in Galatia were one of the parts of the whole Church of God (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). 1:3 is not just a polite, conventional wish but Paul's prayer that the Galatians may know God's love and peace, his generous gift to the believer. 1:4-5 take us to the main concern of the letter, what Jesus Christ had done for the Galatians and everyone, so that they might be freed from the power of sin and put right with God.