Galatians

Paul's letter was composed from either Antioch in about 49 AD or Ephesus in about 55 AD. Paul made three visits to Jerusalem, one of which he references in the 2nd chapter of Galatians. the confusion on the dating of the book lies in knowing which of the three trips to Jerusalem had occurred at this time. It is clear from the letter that Paul had stayed in Galatia for some time (having been delayed by illness which will be revealed in tomorrow's reading) and established many churches while there. In his absence however, teachers of the Jewish law had come behind Paul and taught salvation by works, in particular the necessity of keeping the covenant of circumcision. These false teachers had also challenged Paul's authority as an apostle and undermined everything he had taught them about the grace of the gospel message. The central theme of the letter was freedom from the bondage of the law. Paul even called Peter to task for his half-hearted embracing of this freedom when in the presence of the Jews. The saying "old habits die hard" doesn't do justice to how difficult it must have been for devout Jews to shun their reliance on the law.

Tomorrow's reading: Gal. 3:24-6:18; Acts 15:1-21