What does Paul mean by the phrase 'gave himself for our sins'?

When Paul speaks of Christ 'giving Himself for our sins' in Galatians 1:4, he underscores the profound truth that Jesus' death was a deliberate act of substitution for His people. This means that Christ bore the punishment for the sins of humanity, allowing believers to find redemption through His sacrifice. This idea correlates with the Old Testament concept of the suffering servant found in Isaiah 53, where it is stated that He was 'wounded for our transgressions.' This emphasizes not only the act of sacrifice but also the necessity of substitution as part of God's redemptive plan.