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.