Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 1:1-5

"Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), and all the brethren that are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: to whom [be] the glory for ever and ever. Amen." — Galatians 1:1-5 (ASV)

St. Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ; he was expressly appointed by Him, and therefore by God the Father, who is one with Him in His divine nature and who appointed Christ as Mediator. Grace includes God's goodwill toward us and His good work upon us; and peace includes all the inward comfort or outward prosperity that is truly necessary for us. They come from God the Father, as the fountain, through Jesus Christ. But observe: first grace, and then peace. There can be no true peace without grace.

Christ gave Himself for our sins to make atonement for us: this the justice of God required, and to this He freely submitted. We should observe here the infinite greatness of the price bestowed, and then it will plainly appear that the power of sin is so great that it could by no means be put away unless the Son of God was given for it. Anyone who considers these things well understands that sin is the most horrible thing that can be expressed; this understanding ought to move us and make us afraid indeed.

Especially mark well the words, for our sins. For here our weak nature recoils and would first seek to be made worthy by its own works. It would bring him that is whole, and not him that has need of a physician. He gave Himself for our sins not only to redeem us from the wrath of God and the curse of the law, but also to recover us from wicked practices and customs to which we are naturally enslaved. But it is in vain for those who are not delivered from this present evil world by the sanctification of the Spirit, to expect that they are freed from its condemnation by the blood of Jesus.