Galatians: Strong Words to those Straying to a False Gospel

Originally the journey was to be Barnabas and Paul but Barnabas' young relative was later added.  This would play an influential part in the missionary journey later on.

Behind the writing of the Letter to the Galatians was a crisis that was unfolding in Galatia.  This situation was the main purpose of this letter being drafted.

Paul begins the letter with several statements of authority and warms-up them to the hammer that is about to unleash a blow.

The nice words are absent and Paul makes several statements to jolt them to the reality of their situation.

Paul defends himself and the gospel he preaches with a history of his testimony and his interaction with the other Apostles.

Paul continues to defend himself while rising to the occasion to address the issue of circumcision.

Paul makes the statement that he is no way less than the other apostles, the gospel is what matters.  In this section he tells them what transpired in his relationship with the other apostles. 

Rebuke!  Men had come from James so that Peter and others were led astray.  Paul does not consider himself inferior to the apostles but actually rebukes them when the gospel is getting compromised.  

The Jews know more than anyone that salvation isn't through following the Law.  Paul says he no longer lives, but Christ lives through him.

A pause to review chapters 1 and 2 as the text begins to shift in chapter 3.

A jolting text  happens again as again Paul addresses the Galatians with forceful words.

Paul directs them to look at the life of Abraham, the Father of the faith, and how his righteousness was based on faith.

The following of the law leads to curses but Christ took the curse for humanity to set them free.

Paul uses the illustration of a human covenant to show that the promise to Abraham was forever.

Paul anticipates their question, "What, then, was the purpose of the Law?"  He answers that question for them and again returns to the language of covenant.

Paul shows how that mankind is a prisoner of sin and how Christ sets men free through faith.  And no that faith has come those who have faith are no longer under the supervision of the law.

An internal review is given of chapter 3 as it sets the foundation of Paul's declaration that there are none superior or inferior to others in the faith.

Paul uses two images:  a Father/Son image and the law/slavery image to show how Christ's coming was the appointed time set by the Father, to bring the children into Sonship.

Paul really cuts them to the heart with his strong language.  He asks himself if he has wasted his efforts on them because they are returning to principles, just under a new name.

Paul is open with his frustration and perplexity at their behavior.  He calls on them to make a bridge of communication.  

Paul uses Hagar and Sarah as an allegory of those who are slave children and those who are free children.  He shows how the people of God are free children as those born under the promise similar to Sarah.

Paul makes a declaration of freedom, as well as warns them that to add to the gospel through circumcision would be the equivalent of rejecting Christ.

Paul unleashes his frustration on those who are causing problems, saying that a little yeast works through the whole dough.  

Paul teaches on the life in the Spirit and leaving the life of the sinful nature.

Paul addresses a variety of issues concerning and exhorts them to live in righteousness towards one another.

Paul concludes his letter by offering a summation of all that he has written and shared.

How are the Scriptures applied today?  Especially when circumcision isn't such a hot button issue as it was during the time of Galatians.

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