Galatians 1:3-5, A Prayer for God's Glory

 

For whom is Paul praying?  “the churches of Galatia”

There were Judaizers trying to influence these churches, teaching them that as Christians they had to keep the OT law.  Galatians is a polemic letter.

To whom is Paul praying? “God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ”

This is Paul’s invocation, and verse 3 is not unique (see the beginning of Romans, 1 Corinthians, Philippians and other letters).  Paul frequently addresses both the Father and Son as he prays that “grace and peace” come from them upon the churches and people for whom he intercedes.  However …

What words, phrases titles, names, etc. are applied to God by Paul?

Concerning the Son (our Lord Jesus Christ) he reminds the Galatians that He gave Himself for our sins.  This is critical to the issue of the letter.  In 2:20 Paul will testify that the Son of God loved him and gave Himself for him.  But the terms are different, although in the same word family.  In 2:20 Christ gave Himself “over,” “on behalf of” Paul.  That word speaks of the crucifixion specifically.  The word in 1:4 says He gave Himself, as a gift, on behalf of our sins.  It’s the same as in 2 Cor. 9:15, where Christ is God’s indescribable gift.  I take this to refer to the entirety of the Incarnation.  Of course, the effectiveness of the cross of Christ depended on His entire earthly life.  The gift of Christ ultimately removes the obligation to the law.  He fulfilled all righteousness in His life and death.

Concerning the Father, He is the One to whom be glory forever and ever.  This is a powerful reminder to the Galatians as to what the whole Judaizing issue is about.  It comes down to, not the glory of Paul, but the glory of God.  In all his arguments Paul will be true to this, that liberty in Christ glorifies God while bondage to the law tries to glorify the sinner.

The other two phrases of v4 make this connection.  Why did Christ give Himself?  To deliver us from the present evil age.  The law could never do that.  It could point out the evil age, but was powerless to deliver us from it.  Again, why did Christ give Himself?  Because it was the will of our God and Father. 

What requests does Paul present? “grace and peace”

Remember this.  This is not just a formula for starting letters.  It is sound doctrine.  Our lives, if they are going to glorify God, depend on His grace (His power at work, giving us all we need for life and godliness) and peace (His face shining upon us, the experience of His presence).  We ought always to entrust those we love into this grace and peace.

How does Paul show that he believes his prayer will be answered?

One word, at the end of the prayer: Amen!  What he has prayed for is the will of God.  We have whatever we ask according to His will.  Again, it’s not a formula.  It’s sound doctrine.  Amen.  So be it!