Galatians 1:2 Meaning

“and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:”

Galatians 1:2, ESV

“And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:”

Galatians 1:2, KJV

1. Galatians 1:2 Meaning – And all the brethren which are with me
2. Galatians 1:2 Meaning – unto the churches of Galatia

Galatians 1:2 Meaning – And all the brethren which are with me

How does it happen, that, contrary to his usual practice of giving his own name only, or that of two or three of the brethren, he here mentions the whole number, and no one individually by name?

They made the slanderous charge that he was singular in his preaching, and desired to introduce novelty in Christian teaching.

Wishing therefore to remove their suspicion, and to shew he had many to support him in his doctrine, he has associated with himself the brethren, to shew that they agreed with what he wrote.

Chrysostom, John – Commentary on the epistle to the Galatians (407)

Galatians 1:2 Meaning – unto the churches of Galatia

Thus it appears, that the flame of error had reached not one or two cities merely, but the whole Galatian people.

Consider too the grave indignation contained in the phrase, unto the Churches of Galatia: he does not say to the beloved or to the saints, and this omission of all names of affection or respect, and this speaking of them as a society merely, without the addition Churches of God, for it is simply Churches of Galatia, is strongly expressive of deep concern and sorrow.

Here at the outset, as well as elsewhere, he attacks their irregularities, and therefore gives them the name of Churches, in order to impress them, and reduce them to unity.

For persons split into many parties cannot properly claim this appellation, for the name of “Church” is a name of harmony and concord.

Chrysostom, John – Commentary on the epistle to the Galatians (407)