Galatians Chapter 1: The False Doctrine of the Judaizers of Galatia

Key Verses:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all…. As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Gal. 1:6–9)

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it” (Gal. 1:13).

Daily Message:

The opening chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians takes on a much different tone than many of his other letters. He is much harsher because he is rightfully concerned that the Good News — the Gospel of Jesus Christ — is being subverted by those who presumably are Christians but come to the Galatians with a false doctrine. And he expresses astonishment that the Galatians are buying it and “deserting” his teachings.

The Judaizers of Galatia were claiming to be Christians but also insisting that salvation came from adherence to Mosaic Law. They believed they were saved through such adherence and good works. In essence, they were missing the most important Gospel message by requiring that Christians continue to live as Jews.

To enhance his own credibility, Paul reminds them of his own epiphany and transformation. He once lived by the old law and even “intensely persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.” But that was before his road to Damascus encounter with Christ, after which his understanding of the New Covenant and his message came directly through revelations from Jesus.

A Moment to Reflect:

If you are like me, you often wonder how seemingly minor Christian doctrinal differences have triggered massacres and wars during many periods of our history. As we read Paul’s words in Galatians, it is easy to mistakenly believe that Paul himself would have been equally outraged over minor differences. He might have even been capable of causing such disturbances and conflicts.

However, keep in mind that Paul’s concern and astonishment during the early formation of Christianity were not over minor doctrinal differences. What the Judaizers of the time were espousing was in direct conflict to the most fundamental precepts of Christianity: that salvation came through faith in Jesus Christ and through God’s unmerited grace, as opposed to adherence to Mosaic Law.

Do you believe Paul appropriately took a stand on this issue? In your view, are there doctrinal disagreements today of similar importance that should be unacceptable to Christians? If so, what are they?