I love reading the letters of Paul. I think I can relate to him. He tends to have a lot to say, and sometimes has a hard time closing off his thoughts. He is really bold, expressive in his writing, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. I can relate to this style of letter writing.
The story of Paul is fascinating to me. He is this devote Jewish man ready to arrest and even condemn to death the followers of Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth. Then he has this radical encounter with Yeshua (Jesus). As he is traveling with some companions Yeshua appears as a bright light and literally blinds Paul. He then introduces Himself to Paul and tells him to go to a man who will heal him and tell him what to do next. According to Paul, (Gal. 1:18), He spent three years learning from the Messiah, Yeshua, the true Gospel.
I have heard people say, I was radically saved,” or “his conversion was instant.” I think if I were Paul and I saw that bright light and her the voice of Yeshua from Heaven say, ” “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” I would definitely be convinced. But, being “saved” and being discipled are two very different things. Paul spent THREE years being discipled. This is actually longer that those who followed Christ in his year and half ministry. Paul had been taught in school, he was well educated in the ways of Jews and Romans. This is fascinating to me, because I find often the things I think I know, are the things I need to be re-educated in.
So, as I begin this study of the letter that Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, I am in awe of how God works in the lives of His children, and prepares them for the work He has for them to do.
An interesting fact I learned a couple years ago was that the people of Galatia were primarily Celtic in the time of Yeshua and Paul. But, Rome annexed Galatia after taking power. I thought this interesting because my ancestry includes Irish and Scottish heritage.
Galatia was a region that is now in Turkey. Paul and Barnabas traveled to Galatia on his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). Galatians is thought to be the first of many letters Paul wrote to the churches he planted as he traveled spreading the Gospel message given to him by Yeshua (Jesus) after His resurrection.
I am excited to dive into this study of the letter Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia.
If you want to study Galatians, I recommend starting with some research on Paul, Galatia, and reading the book of Acts before you begin reading Galatians.
Secondly, I recommend reading the letter called Galatians through completely several times before studying it deeper.
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