There is a problem in the Galatian churches. Paul senses that they are being swayed away from the truth of the gospel by those who would have them accept circumcision in order to be thought of as the people of God. For Paul, this is a concession that nullifies the cross of Christ, and threatens the Galatians with condemnation. Rather, Paul sees the gospel as something that is done fully by God for us: the good news is God’s wholly, and while it is given to us, it is not accomplished by us. In this brief introduction, Paul notes three things that are wholly a work of God: the message of the gospel, the merit of the gospel and the meaning of the gospel.
