Paul starts off Galatians with an odd verse we often brush over as normal greeting banter, but I find it quite interesting. He writes in verse 2, “All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter”. Don’t we usually assume Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia is Paul’s letter? Not according to Paul and not according to verse 2. Paul makes a tiny little note that says, “Hey, this is from all of us to all of you.”
Wow! This is huge! Why? Because of what’s in the letter! This is not a small Paulmark Greeting card to the early church. This book is full of important facts, challenges, and even judgement against the church in Galatia. The Christian believers are standing in solidarity to tell the church in Galatia to get their act together. At least Paul was being nice, right? WRONG. Paul drops truth like it is. But I have to believe it’s done with a genuine heart and full of compassion. And let’s not forget it’s inspired by Holy Spirit.
So what do we do with this? Whip out our pens and start writing our own letters full of facts and corrections to churches we think need a spiritual boot print on the back of their designer jeans? No. Let’s start with the fact that the church was in unity. The church loved Paul and embraced his ministry. And they loved their brothers and sisters in Galatia enough to risk their relationship to say what God had laid on all their hearts. When we operate with God‘s unity, we can do powerful things. And the church’s letter to Galatia not only helped Galatia, it continues to help us today. Unity can affect positive change for generations to come.