Why Did Paul Write the Letter to the Galatians?

Early in the letter, Paul expresses his amazement at how quickly the churches in Galatia were turning to a different message (Galatians 1:6):

I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.

This concern that the Galatians are turning from the true gospel to a different gospel is the central focus of the entire letter.

The Concern

Paul begins by reminding the Galatians that Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins. He then addresses his main concern: they are turning away from the true gospel. Certain individuals had come among them and were distorting the message of Christ. Specifically, they were teaching that faith in Jesus was not enough and that believers must also follow the law, including circumcision, to be fully accepted by God.

The Source of Paul's Gospel

To explain why this is wrong, Paul reminds them of his own story. He had once persecuted the church and was deeply committed to Judaism, but God called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul points out that the message he preached did not come from any human source. He received it directly from Jesus Christ.

Paul's Gospel Confirmed

Later, Paul visited Jerusalem and met with Peter and James. They recognized his mission to the Gentiles as equal to Peter’s mission to the Jews. They did not require Titus, a Gentile, to be circumcised. Paul also describes how he confronted Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers when other Jews arrived. Paul’s point is that even Jewish apostles had stopped relying on the law once they fully understood the gospel. They did not expect Gentile believers to follow Jewish customs. As Paul explains, “If righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.”

The Gospel Applied

Paul then turns back to the Galatians and questions why they would start by faith and then try to continue by following the law. He reminds them that Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith, not because of his actions. Abraham had also received the promise that “All nations will be blessed through you,” a promise that extends to those who believe. Paul warns that those who rely on the law are under a curse, while those who belong to Christ are the true children of Abraham. He expresses concern that the Galatians are exchanging faith for a system that was never meant to bring salvation.

Paul closes the letter by urging the Galatians to use their freedom in Christ wisely. They were not set free to indulge selfish desires but to love and serve one another. He encourages them to walk by the Spirit rather than follow their old nature. When they live this way, their lives will produce the fruit of the Spirit and reflect the new life they have in Christ.

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