Galatians: Salutation

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 1:1-2 • March 7, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

A dire situation moved the quill (pen) of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, to write a strong-worded letter. One could feel the anguish in the soul of the apostle. He ministered to the Galatians, yet they quickly fell away from the purity of the gospel message. Most likely, Paul wrote to the churches in Southern Galatia, which Paul founded on his first missionary journey. Some believe the areas included Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 1:1-2 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters with me,

To the churches in Galatia:

Notes

A dire situation moved the quill (pen) of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, to write a strong-worded letter. One could feel the anguish in the soul of the apostle. He ministered to the Galatians, yet they quickly fell away from the purity of the gospel message. Most likely, Paul wrote to the churches in Southern Galatia, which Paul founded on his first missionary journey. Some believe the areas included Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

  1. In the salutation part of the letter, Paul reminded the Galatians that he was an apostle. And his apostleship was not from men but through Jesus Christ and God the Father (1:1). In the epistle, Paul would defend his apostleship.

  2. Paul mentioned that the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead. It may seem like a formality, yet it is more than that. The resurrection is at the heart of the gospel. Thus, Paul needed to include the truth of the resurrection (1:1b).

  3. Paul was the writer of the epistle, but he was not alone. He mentioned that the letter was also from all the brothers with him. Paul wrote and sent the letter to the Galatians whom he ministered to (1:2).

Application

  1. Apostleship was a divine office. Thus, we should respect the NT Scripture because the content came from the Lord and His apostles. However, let us also beware of all who claim apostleship. Let us test each one based on Scripture.

  2. Let us continue to proclaim the death of Christ because of sin and proclaim that the Father raised Him from the dead. People should hear about it even if they think they already know.

  3. We are not alone with our message. Our message aligns with the Holy Scripture. Therefore, we should resonate with the apostles' message in our world today. Let us also strengthen our bonds not with men’s opinions but with the word.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What is the relevance of Paul’s apostleship?

  2. What is the importance of mentioning the resurrection?

  3. What is the implication of Paul mentioning the brothers who were with him?