Liberated- Part 1

Introduction- Galatians 1:1-5

Today we will begin a new study verse by verse through the book of Galatians.

It is important to consider the context and the overall theme of the book as we begin this study.

Galatians was penned by the Apostle Paul (under the inspiration of the Spirit of God), and was written to “the churches of Galatia”—Paul’s design evidently being that this epistle would be circulated among the several churches in the region of Galatia.

The epistle was written for the purpose of confronting and correcting the heresy of the Judaizers which had gained a foothold in the churches of this region.

The overall theme of the epistle is the liberty which is ours in Christ in contrast to the bondage of the law.

The Judaizers had perverted the gospel of Christ by mixing grace with law and teaching that one must keep the tenants of the law in order to be saved—this Paul will strongly refute.

The passage before us today serves essentially as an introduction to the epistle and serves to reassert Paul’s authority as an apostle and to remind the believers in the churches of Galatia of what Christ has done for them.

Apostolic Authority (Vs. 1-2)

This epistle opens in typical fashion with Paul identifying himself as its author, but in this instance he also adds a parenthetical statement which is of great significance.

Paul identifies himself first of all as “an apostle” this signifies those who were called and commissioned by Christ and who were sent into the world on His behalf.

The most prominent figures in the early church were the apostles, especially the twelve which were especially recognized (Judas having now been removed and Mathias substituted in his place).

Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”

The difficulty that Paul faced with regard to his own apostleship was that he was not among the twelve and was called independently of them.

1 Corinthians 15:8–10 “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

This led some to question his apostleship and then to deny his authority to speak of behalf of Christ.

In the opening of this epistle Paul reasserts his apostleship in a manner that will appeal to the believers in the Galatian churches to recognize his authority.

Paul not only identifies himself as an apostle here, but indicates that his appointment to this role was “not of men, neither by man.”

He intends to demonstrate that the authority which he speaks is not derived from men and that he was not appointed to be an apostle by any man but rather as he plainly asserts— “by Jesus Christ, and God the Father.”

This is designed to establish his ability to speak authoritatively to them.

Paul was called in the period immediately following his encounter with the risen Savior on the road to Damascus—the call proceeding from Christ and as well from God the Father who raised Him from the dead.

Paul had been appointed to be the “apostle to the Gentiles” by the Lord Jesus Christ and the authority with which he spoke was not his own, nor that of some man or group of men, but was that of Jesus Christ Himself.

Paul’s purpose here is to refute the idea that he was acting only upon the authority of men and that he had no right to speak of behalf of God.

This must have been in response to the doubts and questions which had arisen as a result of his appointment to apostleship independent of the twelve which were appointed during Jesus earthly ministry.

Paul also includes “the brethren which are with me” in his opening address—this shows that he does have an association with other brethren but his authority is not derived from them.

This introduction establishes the fact that Paul has every right to speak authoritatively to them.

It is important to recognize that there are no “apostles” today and that there is no such thing as “apostolic succession” for these men were uniquely called and gifted by Christ for a specific time and a specific work.

Grace and Peace to You (Vs. 3)

At this point Paul greets them in typical fashion, commending to them the grace and peace which come from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace are deeply connected ideas—it is the grace of God which brings us to repentance and which is responsible for transforming us into the image of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:9–10 “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

This then allows us to experience peace with God and this is what brings true and lasting satisfaction and fulfillment to our lives.

Even though the believers in the churches of Galatia have erred from the truth, Paul still commends to them grace and peace from God.

The Work of Christ (Vs. 4-5)

At this point Paul makes a statement which serves to remind all of the believers in the churches of Galatia what Christ has done for them.

Paul speaks of Jesus Christ first as the one “who gave Himself for our sins.”

This is simply a reference to the fact that Jesus Christ came and died, al