Stay on Track! Paul's Letter to the GalatiansSample

A letter from “brothers in Christ”

“Paul … and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God” (Galatians 1:1-3)

Paul was a missionary who proclaimed the gospel to people who had never heard it before. Throughout the Roman Empire, people came to faith and formed new churches. In his “Letter to the Galatians”, Paul addresses a group of such churches. He has heard how they are being influenced by false teachers and is deeply concerned by this news. Therefore, he writes them a letter, to rebuke them and give them sound teaching.

But before he addresses any problems, he greets them heartily, together with “all the brothers who are with me”. These people may not have known the Galatians personally, but their common faith unites them in Jesus Christ. They are part of God’s family, and therefore “brothers and sisters”, concerned about each other’s spiritual well-being.

This letter is a clear expression of Christian brotherly love. It is not always pleasant; Paul even calls his readers “foolish”! But Paul’s intention is to get them back on track — the only track leading to “grace and peace from God”.

Do you know Christians who are concerned about your spiritual well-being?