The Book of GALATIANS
Galatia is not a city but a ‘PROVINCE’ or ‘area’. The area was a quiet, backwoods, provincial, sort of place where nothing much changed. Compared to very 'liberal' Corinth, Galatia was CONSERVATIVE. Mainly farmers, retired soldiers and pheasants in small villages. The churches in the area had experienced the GRACE and FREEDOM of Jesus through Paul's preaching, but things had changed! Now, they were being influenced by a group of Jews know as the JUDIAZERS. This group questioned Paul's credentials and message-- encouraging all to adhere to Jewish laws and customs (circumcision, Jewish festival, food regulations, etc.) as a necessary part of their Christianity. The Letter of GALATIA is a response and a rebuttal to their error. Paul knew firsthand the emptiness of legalism-- and he encouraged his young churches NOT to turn back to their futile way of life. We mustn't either!!
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