Chapter 36—Apostasy in Galatia
This chapter is based on the
Epistle to the Galatians
.
While tarrying at Corinth, Paul had cause for serious apprehen-
sion concerning some of the churches already established. Through
the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers
in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining
ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers were
mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. Ignoring
the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, they urged upon the
Gentile converts the observance of the ceremonial law.
The situation was critical. The evils that had been introduced
threatened speedily to destroy the Galatian churches.
Paul was cut to the heart, and his soul was stirred by this open
apostasy on the part of those to whom he had faithfully taught the
principles of the gospel. He immediately wrote to the deluded be-
lievers, exposing the false theories that they had accepted and with
great severity rebuking those who were departing from the faith. After
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saluting the Galatians in the words, “Grace be to you and peace from
God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,” he addressed to them
these words of sharp reproof:
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you
into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another;
but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of
Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other
gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be
accursed.” Paul’s teachings had been in harmony with the Scriptures,
and the Holy Spirit had witnessed to his labors; therefore he warned
his brethren not to listen to anything that contradicted the truths he had
taught them.
The apostle bade the Galatian believers consider carefully their first
experience in the Christian life. “O foolish Galatians,” he exclaimed,
“who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before
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