How Galatians Provides Insights into Early Christian Communities
The Bible is a fascinating and complex collection of writings that provides us with glimpses into the beliefs, practices, and struggles of the early Christian communities. One such book that offers deep insights into the early Christian communities is the book of Galatians. Written by the apostle Paul, Galatians is a letter addressed to the churches in the territory known as Galatia. In this blog post, we will explore the historical context of Galatia, the establishment of the churches in the region, the major themes present in the book of Galatians, and the reasons that prompted Paul to write this important letter.
Where Was Galatia Located In The Ancient World
Galatia, located in present-day Turkey, was a region with a rich history. In ancient times, it was inhabited by the Celts, a people originating from Central Europe.
During the Hellenistic period, which began after the conquests of Alexander the Great, Galatia became a significant territorial entity.
The Roman Empire later incorporated it as part of its vast dominions. This historical background is crucial for understanding the cultural and religious setting in which the early Christian churches in Galatia were established.
Paul Established The Churches In Galatia (And Elsewhere)
The churches in Galatia were founded by the apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. These journeys took place between AD 46 and AD 58. It is believed that the churches in the region were established during his first two missionary journeys. Paul's visits to Galatia are mentioned in the book of Acts, particularly in Acts 13-14 and Acts 16. During his travels, Paul spread the message of Jesus Christ and established these churches, nurturing them with his teachings.
The Book Of Galatians Brief Overview
Now, let's delve into the major themes present in the book of Galatians. This letter has been classified as one of Paul's most passionate and personal writings. It addresses the issue of salvation by grace versus salvation by obeying the Jewish law, particularly the rite of circumcision. A group of Jewish Christians, commonly referred to as Judaizers, had infiltrated the Galatian churches, urging the new converts to embrace the Mosaic law as a requirement for their salvation.
Paul was firm in his vision of what we now call Christianity. As a former "thought leader" in Jewish society (a Pharisee), he was a authoritative and compelling speaker to now talk about Jesus and his ministry.
Paul's Directive To Preach The Christian Gospel - And His Knowledge About It Came Directly From Jesus
Jesus choose Paul as his messenger of the Gospel; particularly to the Gentiles. Jews in biblical times considered non-Jews as unclean; interactions between Jews and unclean Gentiles were to be avoided or minimized. It's important to also note that Paul - as a leader and teacher in Jewish society - made it his former mission in life to harass, persecute, jail and even kill Christians.
"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything." Acts 9: 1-9 NIV.
Jesus chose Paul as his messenger to the world. This is how that anointing was described in Acts: "This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9: 15-16 NIV.
One of the most important cities in Galatia (Asia Minor) was Antioch. Antioch, for a time, was the base of operations for Paul during his various travels around the area.
These are the remains of a theater that was built during the Hellenistic period. This would have been in existence when Paul visited the city. The theater had 26 rows of seats and would hold more than 12,000 people.
Image Credits: https://bramanswanderings.com/2016/09/25/a-quick-tour-of-antioch-of-pisidia/
The Famous "Incident At Antioch"
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, by El Greco. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Paul faced another challenge in his preaching to the Gentiles in Galicia: St. Peter. In addition to the Judaizers, the Apostle Peter was also preaching that - to become a follower of Jesus - a Gentile had to follow all the laws of Moses and submit to the ritual of circumcision. So Paul dealt with Peter directly.
When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group, The rest of the Jews joined in this charade and even Barnabas was drawn into the hypocrisy. –Galatians 2:11-13
There is no indication in scripture that these apostles ever settled their feud and reconciled.
The Galatian City Of Antioch Held Another Distinction.
"Antioch of Syria on the Orontes River was founded by Seleucus I Nicator in 300 B.C. Antioch became a Roman city in 64 B.C. and capital of the new province of Syria. It became the third largest city of the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. After Jerusalem, Antioch was the second great center of Christianity in New Testament times and where the disciples of Christ were first called Christians (Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; 14:26-28; 15:1-41; 18:22-23; Gal. 2). A church called the Cave Church of St. Peter honors Peter’s visit to the city (Gal. 2).. From here the great journeys of Paul began. This photo below shows part of the modern city from Mount Silpius."
The Importance of Galatia And Its Residents
The Book of Galatians is not an overly long epistle. It's pithy in places, but its point is clear. Jesus hand-picked Paul to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles of the world. Jesus imbrued Paul with the Gospel and charged him with turning his back on his Jewish heritage and going into the world or Gentiles.
It's fairly clear from the New Testament writings that Galatia (and the cities within that region) were pivotal to the growth of Christianity. Jesus knew the toll this mission would take on Paul; he foretold it all to him. Then sent him out to spread the good news to the different and strange world of the Gentiles.
As we look back at the growth of the Christian religion, it also seems clear that Jesus unerringly chose the right man for the job. Mankind is all the better thanks to his holy judgement.
Author's Note: Please understand I'm just another sinner saved by grace who is doing my best to follow Jesus and overcome the challenges in our wonderful world to fulfill any missions given to me by God. He has blessed me with with the ability to research and write and the gift of discernment. I pray these writings and images add enjoyment, depth, and understanding to your missions as you progress in the Christian faith.
The Blessing
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)