The Truth of the Gospel

In two parts of Galatians the phrase "the truth of the gospel" appears, both in chapter 2. Here is: "To whom ("false brethren introduced by stealth") we did not for a moment consent to submit, that the truth of the gospel might remain with us" (2:5). "But when I saw that they did not walk according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before all..." (2:14).

The epistle to the Galatians is a confrontational epistle, a vehement reaction of the Spirit to a perverted form of the gospel (1:7). The apostle's imperative is to affirm the truth of the gospel, that gospel which he learned not from man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (1:12).

In the present day, when the Judaizers do not seem to be a threat to the faith, it is difficult for us to understand Paul's zeal. In fact, it will seem an exaggeration, unless we see that the doctrine of the Judaizers is also present today, although less openly. Like yesterday, today "the truth of the gospel" is also under attack, and not by external enemies, but by ourselves, who have subtly slipped into the spirit of the Judaizers. Not necessarily towards the works of the law of Moses, but towards the works of the flesh, a gentile expression of that.

The Galatians had come to the conclusion that they had to perfect themselves by their own means. They had already received the grace of God to be saved, now they had to "keep the days and the months and the times and the years" (4:10). Also today it is thought that the doctrine of grace is only for the beginning of the Christian life, and not for the whole Christian life. It is even looked upon with disdain when someone emphasizes this teaching, as if it were only for the "new ones", and then it is no longer needed. The danger is that those who take it for granted may be the ones who understand and live it the least. In the attempt to advance towards the depths and mysteries of the faith, they neglect the "ABC" of it.

There are several facts of the epistle that account for the seriousness of the matter. One is Paul's rebuke of Peter, which must have been terrible at the time. Another, the strong appeal of "foolish Galatians" (3:1), "fools" (3:3), Paul's fear that all his work among them had been in vain (4:11). Also the bitter conclusion of the epistle: "Henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus" (6:17).

All this should make us reflect seriously on the situation in which we find ourselves today. Let us examine our ways, because perhaps more than one trait of legalism is hidden in them, and may cause us more than a few pains in the future.

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