Paul starts out the letter with a statement of his authority as an apostle. He is not speaking for himself. He was not sent by other men. He is speaking on behalf of Jesus Christ and God the Father, who appointed him for this work. From this opening, you get a hint that a rebuke is coming.
But Paul also expresses his desire for the churches in Galatia: he wishes them grace and peace from God. And he reminds them that the Lord Jesus "gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age". This desire that the saints know the grace and peace of God and live in the shadow of the cross goes hand in hand with the coming rebuke. Paul does not rebuke them because they are simpletons who have been "thrown into confusion". He does not rebuke them for "turning to a different gospel" as a form of arguing details. He does not rebuke them for "deserting the one who called you" because he worked hard in those churches and doesn't want to see his work go for naught. No, he rebukes them because the *only way* to live in the grace and peace of God is to accept the truth of the gospel, the gospel that he preached to them, and to live out our lives as servants of the Lord Jesus.
How often I need this rebuke myself. How often I turn to something other than my Lord Jesus to seek fulfillment. How often I desert the gospel of grace for the gospel of works. How often I try to please men instead of being a servant of Christ. Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself to rescue me from my sins. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for walking each day with me. Please renew me and draw me closer. And show me the work that you have for me today.
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