Galatians 1-3: Day 148: Journey Through the Bible in a Year

May 29, 2022

Galatians 1-3
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Day 148: Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Focus Verses for Today: Galatians 1:11-21

Ask God for His understanding of Galatians 1-3. Read Galatians 1-3. Let’s journey!

Commentary: This letter was written with urgency, evident by Paul skipping his usual greeting, thanks, and prayers. He immediately begins with a defense of his apostleship before warning against false teachers who proclaim a salvation of works, instead of salvation by grace.

In Galatia, the Jewish and Gentile Christians confronted this question as it related to Jewish ceremonial laws. The simplest example, and the one mentioned by the Apostle Paul, is circumcision. Do Gentiles need to be circumcised to be saved? No! Do Jews need to be circumcised to be saved? No! Are the Jewish customary laws part of the Ten Commandments given by God? No! Paul’s knowledge came through diligent and prolonged study. Further, Paul was supported by Peter in his teachings. Salvation cannot be earned through works, as no one, except Jesus Christ, is without sin. God’s covenant with Abraham was also based on grace. The law was given as a reminder to the Israelites as to how they were to conduct themselves.

Focus Verses: Galatians 1:11-21 – Why is it important to know that Paul spent three years training, studying, and learning God’s word? Who else spent three years training, studying, and learning before going out on their own? What are we to learn from these examples?

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