King James Version

What Does Galatians 1:3 Mean?

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,”

Context

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.

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Topics in This Verse

Grace Peace

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Grace . . . and peace.**—See Note on Romans 1:7. **God the Father.**—We may see by this verse how the title “Father,” originally used in the present formula to distinguish between the Divine Persons, came gradually to contract a wider signification. God is, through Christ, the Father of all who by their relation to Christ are admitted into the position of “sons” (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:5-7). Hence, where no special limitation is imposed by the context, this secondary sense may be taken as included. **And from our Lord Jesus Christ.**—Strictly, it would be more in accordance with the theology of St. Paul to say that grace and peace were given *from* the Father, *by,* or *through,* the Son. Here the one preposition *from* is used to cover both cases, just as *by* had been used in Galatians 1:1. It is equally correct to use the word “from” with reference to a mediate and to the ultimate stage in the act of procession. Water may be drawn not only from the fountain-head, but also from the running stream.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 1:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.