No Other Gospel
Galatians 1:1-10
Introduction:
• Author: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter about A.D. 48. The Galatians are believers in the churches of the southern region of the Roman province of Galatia. Paul is critical of his audience here.
• Theme: Christ’s death has brought in the age of the new covenant (3:23-26; 4:4-5, 24). People do not have to become Jews or follow the outward ceremonies of the Mosaic Law to be Christians (2:3, 11-12, 14; 4:10). To require these things denies the heart of the gospel, which is justification by faith alone and not keeping the “works of the law” (2:16). In this new age, Christians are to live in guidance and power of the Spirit (Ch’s. 5-6)
• Purpose: False Teachers have convinced the Galatians that they are required to be circumcised. The result is division within their church (5:15). Paul gives numerous reasons why they should return to the simple truth of the Gospel.