The Messenger, Message, and Motive of the Book of Galatians | Galatians 1:1-5 | Richard Caldwell

Scripture

• Galatians 1:1–5

About this sermon

Introduction: Never was there a more meaningful and power-packed introduction than the introduction that Paul penned to the churches in Galatia. In just five verses he sums up what this entire letter is meant to defend and accomplish. This morning, we saw that there were three attacks from false teachers that Paul was forced to answer. (1) An attack on the messenger (chapters 1-2) (2) An attack on the message (chapters 3-4) (3) An attack on the effects of the message (chapters 5-6) Well, what Paul is going to take three chapters to answer in a detailed way, he begins to address in the first five verses. He speaks to his authority and right to correct them. He speaks to the question of what the genuine gospel is. He speaks about what his motive is, and that addresses the question of the effects of the message. I. THE MESSENGER (vs.1-2) He begins, in the very first verse, with a declaration concerning his unique authority. “Paul an apostle.” As you know that word “apostle” is used in more than one way in the New Testament. It is used in a restricted and specialized sense, and it is used in a general sense. A. AN APOSTLE IN THE SPECIAL SENSE OF THE WORD An apostle in the special sense of the word referred to a definite and limited number of men who were personally chosen by Christ to serve as the foundation for His church. Through these men God would give the doctrine that would serve as the foundation for the church and would serve as the authority and final standard for His church for all time. The office of apostle was the highest office in the church. NAS 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. NAS Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, There was a time when God gave apostles to the church, and prophets, but they served a specific role and function until their age was completed. The New Testament was completed; the infant church was established. And when its doctrine was set forth in a final way, those offices ceased. When the apostles died, they had no successors. This is why you will find ongoing qualifications given for elders in the pastoral epistles but don’t find qualification by which we may appoint apostles or prophets or evangelists. 1. THE APOSTLES AS THE FOUNDATION NAS Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. 2. THE APOSTLES SPECIALLY QUALIFIED You see the restricted nature of both their number and their qualifications when Matthias was appointed to take the place of Judas. NAU Acts 1:16 "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 "For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry." 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT'; and, 'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.' 21 "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.