Tuesday 07 October 2008

Background

The overarching theme of Galatians is liberation from legalismand the freedom that comes with living in the power of the HolySpirit rather than under the rules of Mosaic (Jewish) Law. AndPaul's background as a Pharisee would certainly have given him aspecial insight into religious legalism and the repercussions of acommitment to rules rather than grace. Today's passage begins theautobiographical material of Paul's story of faith.

Earlier in the chapter Paul challenged the Galatians,saying they were adding unnecessary caveats to the gospel. Now hecharts his transformation, hoping to raise the Galatians' spiritualconsciousness by offering his life as a signpost to the gospelrather than simply dictating what they should do. This sounds a lotlike the 'friendship evangelism' or 'lifestyle evangelism' whichcame to the fore over a decade ago in the UK.

Paul underlines that his interactions with the original Apostleswere limited, he makes the point quite clearly that he was notCephas or James' messenger boy. And in doing so he rams home thepoint that the good news he preached to the Gentiles (non Jews) wasas a result of God's commission, not a borrowed or second-handgospel picked up from one of Jesus' original 12 disciples.

It isn't clear who was challenging Paul with what philosophy,although it's possible they were genuine in their criticism. Afterall, it may have seemed as though Paul was advocating disregardingcenturies of traditions. However, Paul appeals to the only thing hecan - hisrevelatory and transformational experience of Jesus. Paulcouldn't appeal to Christian Church practice and tradition, as itwas still only in its infancy.

While we may not come up against the same kind of challenge to ourfaith as Paul, there may still be relevance here for us. We aresteeped in Church traditions and practices, some valid, many banal,and appealing to these when challenged is something many of us, whocall ourselves people of faith, often do very well - "No, but wealways do..."

To Ponder

What 'truths' do we appeal to when faced withchallenges to our faith and how we practice it? What is ourinstinctive response?

Think over some of the practices and traditionsparticular to your church or denomination. Which breathe life intoyour faith and which constrict? Why?