Galatians – Commissioned

In the Introduction to the book of Galatians, we addressed what was transpiring in the churches of Galatia that caused Paul to write this letter to them. The Judaisers (Jewish Christians), who had come from Judea to Antioch, questioned Paul’s teachings about the gospel and began teaching a different gospel to the gentiles. They perpetuated the concept of living as a Jew, following all the rituals and customs as a necessity in addition to believing what Jesus did on the cross. One of the ways they carried this out was by discrediting the legitimacy of Paul as an apostle.

The word apostle means “sent one”.  Jesus disciples were called apostles, they were the first messengers of the gospel after the death and resurrection of Christ. The work of apostleship was to carry the gospel to people, lay the foundation of the Church in a sense secondary only to that of Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:19-20). To qualify as an apostle required eyewitness authority of the resurrected Christ behind their preaching. Although Paul never included himself among the original twelve, he identified himself as an apostle as he was called and appointed to carry the gospel to the gentiles.

Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

And as such we see Paul establish his identity in the start of this letter as an apostle sent by God and not man.

Galatians 1: 1-2a “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, and all the brothers and sisters with me.”  

Paul makes clear that he is commissioned by God, the authority and surety with which he spoke came not from any of his own accomplishments but only from the fact that God called him to this role.

Paul establishes his credentials as an apostle with the intention for his audience to listen to his teaching. We are to remember what is at stake here, the gospel was being perverted and thereby misleading people. Paul was concerned and therefore brings attention to him being an apostle not to elevate himself but for the sake of the souls in jeopardy. His intention was to make clear that it was neither his self-appointed title nor something given by anyone else, but it was God himself who appointed him to be one, unlike the Judaisers who were self-appointed.

How would you react if someone disrespected or discredited your words or how you live for God, would you act from a stance of hurt/pride? Paul teaches us what truly matters. Often, we can get so caught up in operating from a place of angered emotions that we forget that like Paul we need to be concerned with the things of God and not the exaltation of ourselves.   

As Paul begins his letter, he encapsulates the crux of the gospel.

Galatians 1:2b-5 “To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Keeping in mind the false teaching he intended to correct, Paul begins with the core truth of the gospel.  The work of Salvation beings and ends with God. Yes, we have to place our faith in Him but there is no merit on our part that either earns or sustains our salvation. All glory rightly belongs to Him. Paul later goes into so much more depth about Justification, but as he begins this letter, he brings focus to the work of Christ; for our salvation but also to rescue us from the present evil age. Therefore, as we walk this journey with its many distractions and temptations that strive to pull us off our path, lean on the Lord to guard your heart and mind to remain secure in Him.

Prayer: Lord, you have called each one of us to minister through words or actions to those we come across in our lives. Give us the courage and boldness to speak the truth in love, to not get caught up with rude words but focus on bringing your name to others. Amen.

God Bless.