Today, we’re starting a new series in the book of Galatians. Though it is a short book, it has profound truths that remain relevant today.

Who Wrote This Letter?

Paul wrote this letter. We first meet Paul in Acts 7:58 at the stoning of Stephen. He was known as Saul and was a devout Pharisee who persecuted Christians. However, his life changed dramatically when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Instead of persecuting the church, Paul became one of its greatest defenders.

Who Were the Galatians?

The Galatians were the people of churches that Paul had planted during his missionary journeys. We read about these churches in Acts 13-14. Paul and Barnabas traveled through various cities in Galatia, preaching the gospel:

• Antioch: Paul preached in the synagogue, explaining that Jesus offers forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:38-39). Many Gentiles accepted the gospel, but some Jews opposed it.
• Iconium: Paul and Barnabas continued preaching, but again faced opposition. Eventually, they had to flee for their lives.
• Lystra: Paul healed a man, leading people to think he was a god. However, when Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived, they convinced the crowd to stone him.
• Derbe: Many disciples were made, and Paul and Barnabas revisited the churches to encourage them (Acts 14:21-23).

Now, Paul writes to these churches out of love, concern, and frustration.

Why Was This Letter Written?

Unlike Paul’s other letters, which begin with a greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer, Galatians starts with a strong rebuke:

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7).

False teachers had infiltrated these churches, distorting the gospel. These people, known as the Judaizers, taught that in order to be fully accepted by God, Gentiles had to follow Jewish laws and customs, particularly circumcision. They did not outright reject Jesus but added requirements to faith in Him.

Paul’s response is severe:

Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8).

Paul is clear—there is only one gospel. Any alteration results in a false gospel that leads people away from God.

The Danger of Adding to the Gospel

The issue the Galatians faced is still relevant today. Many groups claim that Jesus is good, but we also need additional works to be saved. This could be following certain rituals, adhering to strict rules, or even believing that our own goodness contributes to our salvation. But Paul’s message is clear:

Grace + Works = Separation from God
Grace + Nothing = Acceptance by God

The gospel is that Jesus Christ alone is enough. His sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to restore our relationship with God. When we try to add anything to the gospel, we distort it.

Living in the Truth of the Gospel

Paul wrote Galatians to help believers understand the true gospel and live according to it. Over the coming weeks, we will explore:

• What the gospel is and is not.
• How legalism distorts the gospel.
• What it means to live in the freedom of Christ.

As we begin this journey through Galatians, take time to read or listen to the entire book in one sitting. Let’s ask God to help us grasp the beauty of the gospel and live in the freedom it brings.

The Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age. That is the good news!