The customary salutation in nearly all of Paul’s epistles (see on Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3). However Paul may feel about the defection of the Galatians, he does not love them less. His sincere desire for them is that they may receive the grace that comes to man from God as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s burden in this letter is to impress again upon them the great truth that righteousness comes from God as a favor (see p. 933). It can never be earned by works, but comes only through belief in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Received by the sinner, this grace brings peace (see on Rom. 5:1; cf. Phil. 4:7).