Reflect

1. What claim is at the heart of Paul’s message in his letter to the Galatians?
2. Name three reasons why Paul does not command non-Jewish Christians to observe the Law.
3. How will non-Jewish Christians learn what matters to God without the Law?

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Paul challenges the Galatian Christians to look beyond the letter of the law.

The church in Galatia was divided over issues of Torah observance. Many leaders were requiring non-Jewish Christians to live by Jewish laws, missing the point of the Gospel message. Jesus fulfilled the law and reconciled all who believe in him. When people trust in Jesus as the Messiah, his life, death, and resurrection become theirs. They are new creations, free from the laws and the old covenant.

Justified through Faith

The book of Galatians reminds Jesus’ followers to embrace the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah, that justifies all people through faith and empowers them to live like Jesus did.