Monday 17 March 2025

Psalm 100

Background
We begin a two-week series looking at Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia. Unlike some of the letters attributed to Paul, there are few who dispute that Paul was the author of the letter to the Galatians. It was likely written somewhere between 49 AD and 56 AD, putting it after 1 Corinthians was written, but before the letter to the Romans. Although the precise location of Galatia is uncertain, it was all in Asia Minor, in what is now Turkey. The fact the letter was addressed ‘to the churches’ suggests that this would be a circular, which would be passed from church to church.

It can be easy to skip over the opening verses of the letters as they can all seem similar and somewhat formulaic. Although Paul does use the standard form of the time, his introductions do give hints as to the subject of the letter to come.

He begins by affirming that he is an apostle not because he was commissioned by a community, or under the instruction of an individual, but commissioned through Christ and God the Father. An apostle was one who was sent with a mission and spoke with the authority of the one who did the sending. Paul’s words are, therefore, to be taken as Christ’s words. To add extra emphasis, he says that it isn’t just him speaking, but he has the agreement of all his companions as well.

Often in his letters, Paul includes some warm words about the community to which he is writing. Not here – it is just "To the churches of Galatia". It is clear from the outset that the relationship is tense, and the letter won’t make easy reading for the congregations.

Despite the tension, Paul still offers them the grace and peace of God. They may disagree, but they are still family. This introduction rounds off with the nub of what the letter will be about. Salvation only comes through Christ’s death and resurrection. This salvation is forgiveness of past sins, but also freedom to live under a different authority, not condemned to continue in the cycle of sin and guilt. Paul’s mention of "the present evil age" in verse 4 shouldn’t be taken as his condemnation of God’s creation, but rather the corruption that has polluted it.

To Ponder:

• How might we seek to build better relationships with other churches?
• In what ways can we offer grace and peace to those who are different to us?

Prayer
God of grace and peace, fill us with your Spirit, that we may offer grace and peace to all whom we meet. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.