James A. Fowler

A Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians: the Gospel Versus Religion James A. Fowler

Sometime after Paul had departed from the cities of Galatia, some other teachers arrived with a modified belief-system that inculcated adherence to the Judaic Law of the old covenant. It is difficult to reconstruct the precise identity of these interlopers, but it is obvious that they were advocating the necessity of religious observances (4:10), as well as male circumcision (5:2; 6:12), and attempting to seduce these new Christians into legalistic old covenant concepts (3:2; 4:21). The author believes that ?Galatianism? is pervasive and prevalent in the churches today, as religious legalists have duped Christians with the didactic declarations of ?how-to? Christian religion in prescribed procedures, formulas, techniques and duties which allegedly determine the distinguishing marks of a true disciple. The Church today is in dire need of the message of ?grace and liberty.