The Evangelist Galatians 1:2 And all the brothers which are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Our religion is not designed to terminate upon ourselves, but to benefit those with whom we associate. As the touched needle has the power to impart something of its own magnetic virtue to kindred substances brought into contact with it, so true grace is always communicative, and delights to diffuse the moral impressions which it has received. The early Churches set a noble pattern, in this respect, to the men of succeeding times. I. THEIR UNITY OF SENTIMENT in the fundamental doctrines of Christian faith. Paul blends the testimony of his brethren in the ministry with his own ("all the brethren") to show that he stood not alone in his views of Christian doctrine; and they delight to bear their concurrent attestation in favour of the truths he proclaimed, and against the errors he condemned. II. THEIR UNITY OF AFFECTION. "All the brethren that are with me, to the Churches of Galatia." Amidst some discrepancy of opinion, there was much love at heart, which yet did not prevent their bearing a faithful and energetic protest against the dangerous views newly entertained by their Galatian friends, upon the subject of the incorporation of the Jewish rites with the Christian faith. The truth of grace in others should be the most powerful loadstone to attract our regards towards them. For one man to love another, chiefly because he is of his own opinion and party, is little better than a refined species of selfishness, as he does but embrace his own shadow which he sees falling upon his brother's breast. III. Mark also THEIR UNITY IN PRAYER, for spiritual blessings to descend upon those to whom they wrote — "Grace be to you and peace, from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ." (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:WEB: and all the brothers who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: |
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