“Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever.” (vv.1-5)
Paul began his letter to the Galatians defending the legitimacy of his apostolic authority. His critics wanted to subvert the gospel he had been preaching, and their first line of attack was to discredit Paul as an apostle. If Paul was to defend the gospel he preaches, he must also defend the validity of his apostleship. So here in the opening verses of our text he reminded the Galatians that he had been sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father. No man commissioned him, not Peter or any other elder of the church. Therefore, his knowledge of the gospel came from God, not man. And his authority was given by God, not man.
In the middle of these subversive attacks, Paul did not get caught up in all the personal issues being thrown around, but stayed focused on the issue at hand, the gospel. And, that the Galatians needed to understand it correctly. Paul didn’t always defend himself when attacked though. In 1 Corinthians 4:3 Paul told his critics, “I care very little if I am judged by you.” So why then was Paul so eager to defend his apostleship in this letter to the Galatians? He was convinced that the truth and purity of the gospel were at stake, so he was rallying to the defense of it.
What a great example for us to follow when we suffer personal attack, to use wisdom to discern how we ought to respond, or, if we should respond at all. Some times silence speaks volumes, while other times we must mount a defense. However, not everything needs a defense or is worthy of a response. Draw you lines, make them clear, defend the faith, but do not case your pearls before swine.
The Truth: "I delight to do Your will, O my God: Your will is written on my heart." (Psalm 40:8)
