And All the Brethren Galatians 1:2 - Equipped for Battle

We began our study in the book of Galatians by looking at the authority of Paul the apostle and its origin. Paul was not ordained of or by men but by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As an apostle, a separated and sent out one, Paul prepared himself to share important principles of the kingdom of God with the church of Galatia. As he shares, we note that he is not alone in his efforts. We read in chapter one and verse two:

And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ, and yet he felt it important to mention “all the brethren which are with me.” Although he was set apart for the ministry by God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son, Paul knew that having others surrounding him was beneficial to his work. Most people who are advantaged in the ministry and other works have people in the background who have elevated their accomplishments, and Paul was no less helped by the people who were in the ministry with him. He knew the importance of their efforts, and he takes measures to mention them in his opening statements.

These people could have been those Paul mentions in other letters he wrote such as: Dr. Luke, Demas, Timothy, Epaphrus, Marcus, Aristarchus, and more, or it could have been just the folks he was surrounded with in his ministry at that time. Nonetheless, the importance of Paul's team was noted as a concurring group who were also behind the instruction he was about to write.

Finally we note to whom this book is written: “unto the churches of Galatia”. Let's first note that it is to “churches” plural. There was no particular church that Paul had in mind at this time as it appears that the doctrine he is addressing is to all the churches of Galatia. No doubt Paul felt it necessary to include the entire group of churches in his teaching as false doctrine tends to spread like wildfire once it is introduced. We too should give careful consideration to Paul's words and in a sense put our own names within the address of these teachings. We must remember that God has inspired these words of Paul, and if they were important enough to share with the churches of Galatia, they are important enough for us as well.

As we considered today's verse, who are those individuals who come alongside us in our work or ministry? Are they important enough that we note them when others are addressed by us? Do we share collectively in our successes or are we inclined to keep all the glory for ourselves? Perhaps as we meditate upon Paul's words we will realize that God has given us a group of individuals whose combined efforts have made whatever accomplishments we enjoy come to be.

Next time we will look at what are known as the “Siamese Twins” of the attributes in Paul's letters , so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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