Free In Christ: A 6-Day DevotionalSample

In Galatians 3, Paul is addressing Jewish Christians who have withdrawn fellowship from Gentile believers who are being pressured to get circumcised. Paul is concerned this conflict will undermine the health of Galatian churches. Anyone who has caused the conflict bears responsibility (see Paul’s words about Peter, “the other Jews,” and Barnabas in 2:11– 14). Every church member has a responsibility to act on Paul’s letter: “you” mostly refers to “you all” rather than “you as an individual.” We miss Paul’s meaning if we read, teach, or preach this letter as if it is addressed to individuals. Paul wants leaders to address the problem. He wants groups to address the problem. He wants every church member to address the problem.

The Galatians must continue as they began. They must not trust in doing the works of the law (such as circumcision) by means of the flesh (that is, by trusting in their activities, especially the fleshly activity of circumcision). Hearing and believing the gospel is the key to Christianity from beginning to end.

—Peter Adam