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Deep Dive into Galatians by Douglas Moo - Introduction

Paul wrote his letter to the churches in Galatia primarily to confront false teachers, or "agitators," who were promoting "another gospel". These agitators, likely Christian-Jewish missionaries, were telling Gentile believers that their faith in Christ needed to be supplemented by circumcision and observance of the Mosaic law to be fully accepted as Abraham's heirs and ensure future salvation.

Paul vehemently opposed this teaching, viewing it as a fundamental perversion of the gospel of Christ. His central argument is that right standing with God, or justification, is received exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law.

Paul's logic rests on several points:

1. Salvation history: The Mosaic law was a temporary arrangement that ended with the coming of Christ, who inaugurated a new era.
2. Human inability: Sinful humans are incapable of perfectly obeying the law, which brings them under a curse. Relying on human "doing" is inadequate for achieving righteousness.
3. God's grace: Salvation is an unconditioned gift of grace, received by faith, which cannot be combined with human achievement or works.

Paul defends his own independent apostleship to show his gospel is valid. He argues that the true Christian life is not lived under the law but is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, received through faith, leading to love and obedience. The letter is a passionate call for the Galatians to reject legalism and stand firm in the freedom and ultimate vindication received solely by faith in Christ.

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