Paul’s Greeting

Galatians 2:2-5. “And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia. Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver  us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Having established his apostolic authority in verse one, Paul continued with his greeting to all the churches in Galatia. He mentioned “all that are with me.” One of Paul’s more endearing qualities was his consistent appreciation of those who labored with him for the Gospel.

Grace was the Greek greeting; Peace  was the Hebrew. Paul gloried in the fact the the wall between the Jew and the Gentile had been taken down with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

In verses 4 and 5, Paul emphasized the work of Jesus. Paul always, always reminded the recipients of his letters of the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  In Il Cor. 5:21, Paul writes that “He hath made Him to be sin for us. . .”   Jesus not only died FOR our sin; He actually BECAME sin.This is a truth that God has really brought home to me during my study in Matthew, and I hope I never forget it. Jesus, while He hung on the cross of shame, actually became sin in our place.  Paul never failed to remind people of that great truth.

Someone said once that Jesus’ sacrifice was like a huge, perfect diamond displayed on a background of black cloth, with the light shining on the diamond to reflect all its facets. I like that picture. My sin is the black background that makes  His death and resurrection so incredibly beautiful.

With the final words To Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen  Paul completed his greeting and now moves on the the introduction, stating his reason for writing the letter.