Although Paul’s epistles were written to different congregations in various places and addressed a variety of issues, they have certain things in common.
In most of his letters, he not only identifies himself by name but also refers to himself as an apostle. Additionally, Paul’s letters normally include a salutation that mentions both grace and peace.
What you might not realize, however, is that all the letters containing Paul’s name refer to God as either “the Father” or as “our Father.”
Paul Refers to God as “Father”
An example of this is found near the beginning of his letter to the churches of Galatia. Paul wrote:
“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Galatians 1:3-4).
This greeting is typical of the way Paul referred to God. He is our Father, and the relationship we enjoy with Him should neither be diminished nor neglected. Because of who He is, God is worthy of our praise.
Other Biblical Examples Referring to God as “Father”
Paul is not the only biblical author to describe God as our Father. Before Solomon was anointed king, David said:
“Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all” (1 Chronicles 29:10-11).
By describing God in this way, David acknowledged both His authority and the special relationship He enjoyed with Israel.
In the New Testament, James and Peter also refer to God in this manner. James did so when he rebuked individuals who use their tongues to “bless our God and Father” and “curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God” (James 3:9). Peter did so by encouraging individuals who “call on the Father” to “conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17).
Both men described God as Father to emphasize the bond His people enjoy with Him.
Jesus and the Father
Of the passages that reference God as Father, the most familiar come from Jesus. He is the Father to whom Jesus prayed (John 11:41).
But despite the close relationship between God and Jesus, the Father willingly sent His Son to die in our place (John 3:16). Because of Jesus’s death, we can become children of God (Galatians 3:26-27).
Consequently, God is the Father to whom we pray (Matthew 6:9).
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
