Galatians 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Truth to Learn
Peace only comes from God, and it is bestowed on us only through His infinite grace.
Behind the Words
“Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis, which is derived from the verb chairo, meaning “to rejoice.” But charis means more than ‘joy,’ it is the source of our joy. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, charis means, “a favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver; unearned and unmerited favor.”
The word “peace” is the translation of the Greek word, eirene, which means, “in a civil sense, the opposite of war and dissention and, among individuals, harmony, tranquility, and peace of mind.”
Meaning Explained
Paul now gives a familiar opening blessing of grace and peace. In fact, these two are so inseparable that Paul frequently opens his letters with a blessing of both grace and peace. See also 1Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1Thessalonians 1:1; 2Thessalonians 1:2; Philemon 1:3.
Grace is an important word and concept for the Galatian churches as it is in direct opposition to works of the Law. Remember what Paul taught in Romans:
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Rom 3:20-24)
The other thing Paul bestows on the Galatian churches is peace. For a Christian, this is the calm assurance that God has removed all our sins from us, has declared us righteous, and assures us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. It is only by His grace that He gives us His peace.
Interestingly enough, neither grace nor peace can be obtained by obedience to the Law. We are not saved by works neither are we kept in God’s good graces by works. The Galatian Christians were confused about salvation by grace apart from the works of the law as we will see throughout this letter.
Application
Are you a saved Christian who is still trying to please God by your good works? If so, then stay with us and learn what Paul taught about this type of legalism.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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