Day 119, Galatians 1
We pause again in our journey through the history of the early church to read a letter from one of the apostles. We saw Jacob (James) writing to the scattered Jewish believers to encourage them during persecution. Now we see Paul’s first letter, written in about 48AD to those who are facing religious opposition from those who say that circumcision is essential for salvation.
We have a Jewish apostle, who was formerly a religious persecutor, writing to a church (or group of churches) founded in Asia Minor, likely during his first missionary journey, when he was taken ill and the locals welcomed him and nursed him back to health (see chapter 4).
The reason for his letter is to contradict the Jewish traditionalists by explaining the grace of God clearly and boldly.
In Chapter 1, Paul recounts his testimony of salvation and transformation, and clearly denounces the “circumcision is essential” message as a false gospel.
Notice how God uses our past errors to help others, when we have fully submitted to Him (as Paul describes from his own story).
Notice too that religious tradition is no guarantee of godliness (although some tradition educates us when it is rooted only in the truthful revelation of Jesus).
So the lesson for you and me is to stay in the flow of God’s instruction: “my supreme passion is to please God” (v10).
Have a great day!
Mark