men (v. 1) — including the 12, the Jerusalem Council or anyone else
nor through (v. 1) — not with the process or medium of men or of any one man, contrasted with “but through Jesus Christ” — by His authority and by the authority of the Father — Jesus Christ and the Father acting in unity. Not even from God through men, but directly from God. Not,as Elisha was commissioned by Elijah (1 Kings 19:16), with God’s authority, but directly by God.
but (v.1) — in Greek, a strong contrast.
The Judaizers were belittling Paul, so he opens with a statement of his authority from God.
brethren (v. 2) — fellow workers, travel companions, all of whom agree with what Paul is about to say. But it was Paul’s apostleship that had been called into doubt, so he speaks in the singular.
churches (v.2) — plural, the only letter to a group of churches.
Paul’s lack of commendation for the faith of the Galatians is notable. He was perplexed by their actions (4:20). This is the only letter in which Paul doesn’t express thankfulness or ask for prayer. (He even does so to the Corinthians.) Paul doesn’t address the Galatians as saints.
The Father and Jesus Christ are the joint source of grace and peace (v.3).
Grace — common Greek salutation. Peace — common Hebrew salutation.
for (v.4) = substitution.
sins (v.4) — a missing of the mark
deliver us (v.4) = rescue us from danger from evil influences and tendencies; deliver us from bondage
present evil age (v.4) — as contrasted with a future age when Christ will reign. Age = period of time.
Evil — stronger of two Greek words, corrupt and corrupting others, pernicious — as the Judaizers were.
Father (v.4) — only to those who had been born anew.
To Whom (v.5) — the Father
glory — an acknowledging of who God is, not adding anything to Him.
forever and ever (v.5) = unto the ages of the ages, an idiom that means infinite endlessness
