Lesson 321: "Galatians, The Book"
The Book of Galatians is highly esteemed as one of Paul’s greatest and most influential writings. It contains in summary form what the apostle taught. In particular it contains a clear statement of justification by faith and builds on that foundation a defense of Christian liberty against any form of legalism. The book emphasizes salvation by grace through faith alone and was used as the major theme of teaching among the Protestant Reformation. The profound influence of the book became known as “The Magna Charta of Christian Liberty”, proclaiming to modern generations that salvation from the penalty and power of sin comes not by works but by grace through faith in God’s provision.
The book was written and addressed to the churches in Galatia, but the question remains; where was Galatia and who were the Galatians. Galatia had two meanings when Paul was writing. It referred to the area in Asia Minor where the Gauls had settled after migrating from Western Europe; however in 25 B.C. this established kingdom was converted to a Roman province and northern territories were added to the southern territory. There is still controversy about whether Paul taught in northern or the southern Galatia or both. To me, where he taught is of less importance than what he taught which was a Christian should live by the power of the Holy Spirit and that when he does he manifests in his life not the works of the flesh but the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians was written to remedy a desperate situation, to call early Christians back from the Mosaic Law to grace, from legalism to faith. It is a statement of salvation by faith apart from works and is as relevant today as when it was written.
Paul’s apostolic credentials had been challenged and although not one of the original twelve, Paul claimed equality with them as an apostle. The word “apostolos” means a person with authority who has a right to speak for God as His representative or delegate. Paul admitted he was not appointed by any official body such as the leaders in Jerusalem or Antioch and neither did his apostleship originate with any one man. Paul made the bold claim that his call was of heavenly origin. Remember his conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9? God the Father and the risen Lord, Jesus Christ had called Paul in no uncertain terms!
Paul preached the work of Christ on the Cross and its delivering power. Christ’s death was voluntary and final! It satisfied God’s righteous demands against sinners, reconciled people to God and provided for human redemption. The purpose of Christ’s death then and the purpose of Christ’s death today was and is to rescue us from the present evil age. Some suggest that Paul was “hinting” that the Old Testament Law, so strongly promoted by the Galatians’ legalism, would lack the strength to accomplish such great things. Personally I do not find where the Apostle Paul “hinted” at anything but came right out and “told it like it was”! What he “told” was that the redemptive work Christ accomplished was the will of God. The Son’s obedience to the Father brought glory to God and in turn the redeemed saints additionally gave glory to God forever because of the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Paul had drawn the lines! He affirmed his apostleship and had declared that the basis of man’s salvation lies solely in the work of Christ and not in any human works.
A side note to explain that James was in no way contradicting Paul’s teachings on faith/works. “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions is dead” (James 2:17). Just as the law of love gives no excuse or room for respect of persons, so the possession of faith gives no license to not do good works. A believer must not only demonstrate his love by acceptance of others but he must also demonstrate his faith by responsible aid to others. James said; if a man CLAIMS to have faith putting the emphasis not on the true nature of faith but on the false claim of faith. It is a “false boast of faith” that James condemned. It is worthless because it is all talk and no walk. It is empty since merely claiming to have faith is not enough. Genuine faith is shown by works. Salvation does not MAKE you work but rather salvation through faith causes you to WANT to work and it will come naturally. I truly believe Paul and James agreed on this!