Ahh, Galatians.  Galatians is a breath of fresh air.  When we forget the grace that rules the kingdom in which we labor we serve a false king, and believe a false gospel.  Paul brings grace an peace to a people who are acting as if they were “bewitched” (3:1). Paul says, I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel (1:6).

People talk, gossip, rumor, and assert “truth” from mixed motives.  People wanting leadership in the church had come to into Galatia saying Paul was not a real apostle.  He didn’t meet the requirements and they should ignore his authority in their life. The church was in a tizzy.

Paul does not argue or confront.  He simply states his authority is from God.  He says he is an apostle of Jesus Christ.  The word apostle - is from two Greek words; “apo” and “stello,” i.e. “from” and “sent” or “sent out.”  He was sent out from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on a mission.

(Gal 1:1-5 NLT)  This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group or by human authority. My call is from Jesus Christ himself and from God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.

Paul then gives the people in the church in Galatia a blessing.  The blessing is a distinctly Christian one.
 {3} May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace. Only in Jesus.  {4} He died for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. {5} That is why all glory belongs to God through all the ages of eternity. Amen.

While grace is a theological word, it always brings with it a sense of its classical meaning which is beauty and charm.  It means the Christian life is a beautiful thing. Its specifically Christian aspect adds undeserved favor... a generous gift of God’s love. Paul is praying blessing on the Galatians, they way we should be praying for one another; May your life following Jesus be a beautiful generous experience of God’s undeserved love.

Paul prays a blessing of peace upon them.  It is God’s peace, yes an absence of trouble and faction and fighting and confusion, but more. It is the peace of reconciliation. A reconciled heart, life and relationship with God.  With this we can be reconciled to love even those who will not be reconciled to us.  With this we can have peace in turmoil, assurance in doubt and calm in storm.  It is a peace that comes from knowing you are right with God and his love and care is his constant concern for you.