Canonical Reading Plan for Dec 7, Gal 1-3

Today's readings are Gal 1-3.

Galatians is the earliest letter we have from Paul. It was written shortly after the book of James appeared. In Acts 15-16, we saw the beginning of doctrinal teaching in the new church. That teaching arose because some were trying to teach a false doctrine about the need for circumcision. Galatians also addresses false teaching. While the overall emphasis of Galatians is justification by faith, a radically new teaching in its day, we see Paul’s wisdom in laying it out concisely as a rebuttal to the false teaching that was beginning to permeate the church.

James, Acts 15-16, Galatians and the fact that they all appear early in the new church’s formation make it clear that the church struggled with two unceasing obstacles from its inception -- persecution and errant teaching. Paul makes the point, in his first epistle, that a focus on the gospel in its purest form is the remedy to the false teaching.

In Gal 1, along with the admonition to hold tight to the gospel as they learned it, Paul addresses the fact that even firm believers can be led astray and, at times, lose their focus (Gal 1:11-14).

From the tone of Gal 2-3, it seems the false gospel being taught is one of works. This is very similar to the problem James was addressing, the idea that there was something that a believer needs to do to achieve true salvation. Paul tells the Galatians that they are "justified," reconciled to God and declared righteous. This occurs by faith, not works (Gal 2:16).

Paul contends that works without faith are dead (Gal 2:16). They accomplish nothing. James says faith without works is dead (Jam 2:17). At a casual glance, Paul and James seem to be contradicting each other. But a closer examination reveals as astounding biblical principle.

Both are true.

Our works mean nothing without our faith (Paul). But, if we have faith, the evidence will show in our works (James). Our faith will manifest itself in how we interact with the world we live in. Our works become the tangible testimony of our faith. We shouldn’t have to conjure up good things to do. They should come flowing from us as the natural outcome of our transformation from people who were dead into those who are alive in Christ.