The Apostolic Salutation (1:1-5)
Paul affirms the divine authority of his apostleship and communicates the divine message of grace and peace from Father and Son.
C.I. Scofield preaches on the divine authority of Paul's apostleship, emphasizing that it was solely from Jesus Christ and God the Father, not by man's authority or ordination. He highlights the unity of faith among believers and the message of grace and peace from the Father and Son, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice delivers believers from sin and the religious legalism of this age.
Text
Paul begins with the affirmation, so usual in his epistles, of the divine authority of his apostleship (v. 1). It was neither "of" man as to authority, nor even "by" man instrumentally--as by election, or lot, or ordination, but wholly by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Acts 22:6-15; 26:12-18). He joins with himself the brethren who are with him (v. 2), as being of like precious faith; and communicates to the Galatians not, as some say, the apostolic blessing (which is blessed foolishness), but the divine message of grace and peace from Father and Son--that Son whose sacrifice was meant to deliver the believer not only from sin, but also from this present evil age with all its religiosity and pretended law-keeping (vv. 3, 4).
Sermon Outline
- The Divine Authority of Paul's Apostleship
- The Fellowship of the Brethren
- The Divine Message of Grace and Peace
- From Father and Son
- Delivering the believer from sin and the present evil age
Key Quotes
“It was neither 'of' man as to authority, nor even 'by' man instrumentally--as by election, or lot, or ordination, but wholly by Jesus Christ and God the Father.” — C.I. Scofield
Application Points
- Recognize the divine authority of spiritual leaders and their calling.
- Embrace the message of grace and peace that delivers from sin and the present evil age.
- Foster fellowship with brethren who share like precious faith.