Shofar Stellenbosch | Galatians And PhilippiansSample

We have learned at least four things from chapters 1 and 2 that we need to keep in mind as we begin the main body of the letter. 

1. There are false teachers in the Galatian churches preaching what Paul calls a different gospel (1:6), which is no gospel at all. 


2. The opponents of Paul are discrediting his message by denying Paul's authority as an apostle. They say he has his gospel and apostleship second-hand and that the real authorities are the Jerusalem apostles. 


3. Paul establishes by historical reports that his gospel and authority are not from any mere man, but came by revelation of Jesus Christ, and not only that, there is a deep unity of theology and faith between Paul and the Jerusalem apostles in spite of their independence. 


4. The way Paul has defended his authority and his gospel show the kind of false teaching that is threatening the churches of Galatia. It appears that a Jewish group of professing Christians who claim to have James on their side (2:12) are teaching that it is not enough to trust Christ for righteousness. If you rely on faith alone, you become a "Gentile sinner" and make Christ the agent of sin (2:17)—they said. 

Read the scripture and then answer the following questions. 

Reflective questions: 

1. Why would Paul say to the Galatians that their actions are foolish?


2. What is the relationship between becoming a Christian and receiving the Spirit?


3. What is the evidence that the Spirit is present in your life?