Galatians reads like a dramatic court trial. On one side of the courtroom stand Paul's accusers. Persuasive and pwerful, these "Judaizers" have followed Paul from town to town, spreading rumors and contradicting his version of the Christian faith.
On the other side sits the jury, the Galatian Christians. They have enjoyed warm friednship with Paul inthe past, but some of the charges against him are serious. Did he invent parts of the gospel that he preached to them? Has God really given hima special insight? Is it true that his message of "freedom" will lead him to a weak, immoral church? Should they turn their backs on their Jewish heritage?
Paul, acting in his own self-defense, paces the courtroom. He uses a variety of debating style: tight logic, historical reviews, and personal outrage. His integrity, and ultimately Jesus Christ's integrity, is at stake.
In topical content, Galatians covers much the same ground as Romans. But in style, it crackles with a fighting spirit. As you read it, try to visualize that courtroon scene, and judge for yourself Paul's effectiveness as a defendant.
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