What is the context?
Paul writes to the churches of Galatia with his authority and message already in view. He identifies himself as an apostle sent through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. The brothers with him are included in the greeting.
He asks for grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He then explains Christ’s self-giving: Jesus gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the Father’s will.
These opening words establish what matters in the dispute that follows. Paul’s message concerns God’s gracious action through Christ, and his commission comes from the same Lord. The greeting ends by giving God glory.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read the greeting as a summary of Paul’s commission and Christ’s saving self-giving. Wesley’s notes on verses 1–5 and the USCCB notes on verses 1–4 both connect the opening with the authority and message Paul will defend.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Ephesians 1:7–10 joins redemption and forgiveness through Christ with God’s purpose to bring things in heaven and on earth together in Him.
That gives the rescue named here a wider setting. Christ’s giving Himself for our sins belongs to the Father’s saving purpose, which reaches toward the fullness of all He will accomplish through His Son.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.