1:1–5 Paul begins the letter by asserting his apostolic authority. False teachers were undermining Paul’s authority by claiming that he was self-appointed, lacking the endorsement of the Jerusalem apostles. Paul refutes this charge by pointing out that his appointment is from the risen Lord Jesus (v. 1). The introduction to Galatians does not include the normal Pauline prayer of thanksgiving. This omission may point to the severity of the issues in Galatia. Paul does, however,