Galatians 1:1-5: a reflection

Paul begins his letter to the Galatians, and even his opening greeting is packed with the gospel. He introduces himself as an apostle sent not by human authority but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead. Before he says anything else, he anchors his message in the resurrection. His authority and his good news both rest on the God who raised Jesus from the grave.

Then, greeting the churches with grace and peace, Paul cannot help but describe what Christ has done: he gave himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God our Father. In a single sentence he names the heart of the gospel. Christ's self-giving was not an accident but a rescue, freeing us from the grip of an evil age, and it was according to the Father's own will. And Paul closes the thought with worship: to him be glory forever.

It is worth lingering on the phrase Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us. The gospel is not merely that Jesus forgives, but that he rescues, pulling you out of the grip of a fallen age and into a new life. This was the Father's plan and the Son's willing gift. When your faith feels dim, return to this greeting: Christ gave himself for you, to deliver you, on purpose. Let that truth move you, as it moved Paul, to give God the glory.