CLAIM: In Greek culture, most people would introduce a letter with thanksgiving and a greeting. In fact, it was considered shameful and offensive to dive immediately into the letter. Paul opens his letter with prayer and thanksgiving in every other letter. Why not this one?
RESPONSE: Paul is so “amazed” (v.6) at their rejection of the gospel that he immediately jumps into the message of his letter. For a modern equivalent, imagine if you saw your boss every day, and he always said, “Hey, how’s it going? Good to see you!” However, on morning, he came into your office, closed the door, and said, “We need to talk…” This would let you know that he meant business. Paul is using a similar approach in his letter to the Galatians.
“Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(Gal 1:1-5)”
