(WE ARE NOW BEGINNING A STUDY IN THE BOOK OF GALATIANS)
THE BOOK OF GALATIANS INTRODUCTION
This is probably the very first of Paul’s letters that have survived to become part of the New Testament. It may have been written as early as AD 48.
Paul first stayed in Galatia because he was ill (4:13–15). The people were very kind to him, and received the gospel willingly. But now they have been visited by Jewish teachers with a different message. These teachers distort the gospel by insisting that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and keep the Jewish law.
Paul quickly sees the danger. If this teaching catches on, it will destroy the gospel. The Jews are adding an extra requirement to simple faith in Christ. They want the Galatians to show their Christian difference in the same ways that Jews have shown their Jewish difference—by circumcision, sabbath-keeping and food laws.
Paul argues that faith in Jesus and his death on the cross is all that is needed for salvation. It was faith, not circumcision, which put Abraham right with God. Being circumcised, keeping the sabbath and eating Jewish food can’t possibly add to what Jesus has already done!
Paul says that we are saved from sin and death and judgment by God’s grace. Abraham was the first person to trust God’s promises—promises which the whole human race is invited to share. Those who have the same faith as Abraham are his true descendants. Race, sex and status don’t matter. God doesn’t see Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slaves and those who are free. He sees faith. He sees those who belong to Jesus. He sees his children.
WE HOPE YOU FOUND THIS INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF GALATIANS TO BE INTERESTING. WE INVITE YOU TO STAY WITH US AS WE BEGIN OUR STUDY OF GALATIANS.
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PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM