6 October 2022

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?

From Galatians 3: 1-5, NRSV

There is no mistaking the fact that Paul is now very angry with the Galatians. Up to this point, he has tried several times to explain to them that observance of the Jewish law is no longer necessary since the death and resurrection of Jesus. The practice of circumcision as required by the Jewish law was still seen as paramount by many of these early Christians. Many good things were happening amongst the community but instead of seeing these good things happening because of faith in Christ, the people often attributed these good acts to the fact of circumcision. The strong language and insults that Paul uses must have caught the attention of the Galatians and perhaps some were persuaded by his words to change their practices. However, as subsequent chapters of the letter reveal, Paul still had work to do to convince all of them.

• • Is Paul’s anger and his use of insults justifiable?
  • Is it still possible for us to get caught up in observance of religious laws or rules at the expense of seeing where the Spirit is at work?

Is there a situation in your local church that makes you feel exasperated or even angry? Pray for discernment about how you might best help to improve that situation.