Paul’s language in the letter to the Galatian churches can get pretty intense at times. When the letter begins, he is “astonished”, downright angry even you might say. He wasn’t just being alarmist; it really matters so much that we understand the gospel message and don’t dilute it, confuse it or add to it in any way. The “Judaizers” were bringing confusion into the gentile churches by teaching a legalistic message that demanded obedience to certain Jewish customs (typified by circumcision). Paul saw this as a direct attack on the meaning of Christ’s death and the essence of the gospel.
Paul’s own deep understanding of the Law and his background in intense religious practices gave him a unique perspective – one in which he realised that the only way to get right with God (“righteous”) was through faith in Jesus and trusting in the power of His cross. We can’t do anything of ourselves to attain righteousness. It’s all because of Jesus! This is the only gospel that brings freedom in Christ.
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