Galatians 1:2
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὺν
which are with
G4862
σὺν
which are with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
3 of 10
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
ἀδελφοί
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 10
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
unto the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
unto the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
8 of 10
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.Philippians 4:21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.Acts 18:23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.Philippians 2:22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
Historical Context
The churches were likely established during Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13-14) in southern Galatian cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, or during his second journey in northern Galatia (Acts 16:6). These young churches with Gentile majorities quickly fell to false teachers following Paul's departure. Celtic Galatians were known for volatility and rapid opinion changes, explaining their quick desertion (1:6).
Questions for Reflection
- Can we balance local church autonomy with unity around one gospel and one body of Christ?
- When does pastoral care require confrontation rather than comfort, correction rather than affirmation?
- What role do ordinary believers play in defending gospel truth when false teaching threatens the church?
Analysis & Commentary
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Unlike other letters naming specific co-senders, Paul refers generally to "all the brethren" (hoi syn emoi pantes adelphoi, οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ πάντες ἀδελφοί), strengthening his message with unanimous support. The plural "churches" (ekklēsiais) indicates multiple congregations facing the same crisis.
Absence of the usual thanksgiving section (compare Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:4, Philippians 1:3) signals urgent, confrontational tone. Paul launches immediately into rebuke without pleasantries. The term ekklēsia ("called-out assembly") applies civic terminology to Christian communities called from the world to belong to Christ.
The greeting's brevity contrasts with Paul's normal warmth, revealing the severity of crisis. When the gospel itself is at stake, pastoral tenderness yields to prophetic confrontation.