The Galatians Episodes
1. Background of the Book
Throughout history, many Bible scholars have considered Galatians one of Paul's most important letters. It has been characterized as a “short Romans,” a concise summary of the key elements of the Gospel. Galatians, more than any other single book of the Bible, became the manifesto (the statement of key principles) for the Protestant Reformation.
2. The Cities of Galatia Province
Iconium is now known as Konya, and most of the ancient city has been lost beneath modern buildings. During the Roman period, Iconium had a theatre and probably a temple of Zeus, indicated by inscriptions and coins featuring Zeus that were found around this area. Other statues, altars, and inscriptions of various deities and Emperors have also been found over the years, some of which have made their way to the small museum in Konya. Although Paul and Barnabas fled Pisidian Antioch because of persecution, they soon experienced similar attacks in Iconium.
3. The Judaizers
The upstart churches in Galatia Province were comprised of both Jewish and Gentile converts. After Paul and his companions left, a group known as the “Judaizers” crept into power. These were Jews who insisted that Christians must also keep the Mosaic Law. Basically, they taught that Gentiles had to convert to Judaism before they could become Christians. When Paul heard about this, he wrote a letter back to the Galatians to set things straight.
4. The Fruit of the Spirit
The fact that we are justified by grace through faith means we have spiritual freedom. We are not subject to the rules and rituals of the Old Testament Law. According to Galatians 5:1, new believers must stand firm in their freedom and not be “entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” However, Christian freedom is not an excuse to follow our sin nature. Rather, our freedom is an opportunity to do good and love one another. In Galatians 5:13 and 14 Paul says, “But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
5. Paul's Writing Style & Methods
Paul usually dictated his letters to a secretary (scribe). However, in the case of Galatians, the above text tells us that Paul wrote the original letter with his own hand. What Paul is saying here is that the Galatians (and you and me) need to pay attention to what he is saying. It is important. Were Paul writing it today he might say, “See I put this in ALL CAPS for good reason!”
6. Paul's Answer to Jewish Legalism
Throughout history, many Bible scholars have considered Galatians one of Paul's most important letters. It has been characterized as a “short Romans,” a concise summary of the key elements of the Gospel. Galatians, more than any other single book of the Bible, became the manifesto (the statement of key principles) for the Protestant Reformation.
