Galatians
One of Paul’s harshest letters, Galatians was written as a loving rebuke. Addressed to the churches in Galatia (modern-day Turkey), the letter responds to a crisis: namely that the gospel was being twisted. In fact, Paul himself had come under fire and was being slandered.But Paul’s letter isn’t a defense of himself; he’s writing to defend the truth and clarify for these early believers that faith in Christ alone saves. It challenges both legalism and syncretism and illuminates what an identity in Christ truly means.
Galatians is without question Paul’s harshest letter. It’s unique, however, in that it’s less a moral reproach and more a lesson in theology. Paul is not only providing an apologetic for the gospel, but he’s also defending himself and pointing out that he was not qualified by any earthly authority.
Paul provides his personal background and testimony as he mounts a defense against the false gospel that has been deceiving these early Gentile converts. His former life as a Pharisee provides a depth of understanding that illuminates many difficult theological concepts.
Macedonia
/ Mac·e·do·nia / geographical location
The region of southern Europe in the Balkan Peninsula in northeastern Greece, the former Yugoslav section of North Macedonia, and southwestern Bulgaria including territory of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia.
Asia Minor
geographical location
A geographic region located in the south-western part of Asia comprising most of present-day Turkey.
Legalism
/ le·gal·ism / noun
Requirements that go beyond the commands of Scripture; or, the unbiblical belief that works are the means of becoming right with God.
Epistle
/ epis·tle / noun
Essentially synonymous with "letter."
Galatians
N.T. Wright
Faith and Freedom in Galatia and Senegal: The Apostle Paul, Colonists and Sending Gods
Aliou Cisse Niang
Archeology and the New Testament
Richard Bauckham