As Christ multiplied the number of believers who then spread the gospel over much of the Roman Empire, ungodly forces engaged in a fierce-though unachievable-attempt to destroy the fledgling, first-century church. In Galatia, for instance, where Paul had started a number of churches on his first missions trip, Jewish teachers of a false gospel appeared, probably from Jerusalem. By adding to the gospel, they were denying that justification is by faith alone. This contradicted God's word.
It is uncertain when Galations was written, but this controversy might have occurred soon after Paul returned to Antioch in Syria following his first missions trip. Troubled when he received word of it, Paul wrote to the young churches in Galatia, warning them against false teachers and their heresy. He forcefully announces these Judaizers, asserting that they should be condemned for preaching a different gospel, which he declares "no gospel at all."
Scriptures: Galatians
Bible Truth: Paul warns the churches in Galatia to resist false teachers who insist salvation comes by faith in Christ plus obeying the law. Paul says believers are to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit rather than behave according to sinful desires.
Memory Work: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
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