Letters to the Church

The Letter to the Galatians is Paul’s response to a controversy that had developed among the congregations of Galatia. At issue was the status of Gentile believers. Must they conform to Jewish practices and submit to the regulations of the Mosaic Law to become members of the covenant community, especially the rite of circumcision ?

La Bonne Nouvelle annoncée par Jésus apporte le salut et la vie aux hommes et aux femmes de toutes les nations et de tous les peuples . Après sa résurrection, Jésus a déclaré: “ Tout pouvoir m'a été donné au ciel et sur la terre, allez donc faire des disciples de toutes les nations! ” Ainsi, il envoya ses disciples annoncer sa seigneurie et son salut jusqu'aux “ extrémités de la Terre .” La Mort et la Résurrection du Christ sont le fondement de la “ Bonne Nouvelle ” du royaume de Dieu et du salut gracieux, et ce message vivifiant doit être annoncé à tous les hommes et à toutes les nations sous le ciel.

The Good News announced by Jesus of Nazareth provides salvation and life for men and women of every nation and people . After his resurrection, Jesus declared: “ All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations !” Thus, he sent his disciples to announce his lordship and salvation to the “ ends of the Earth .” Christ’s Death and Resurrection are the foundation of the “ Good News ” of God’s kingdom and gracious salvation, and this  life-giving  message must be announced to all men and in every nation under heaven.

The jurisdiction of the Mosaic regulations over the covenant community reached its limit with the arrival of Jesus, the Seed of Abraham . In responding to claims that Gentiles must be circumcised, Paul appealed to the common experience of the Spirit received by the Galatians.  Did they receive the Gift through a “ hearing of faith ” or “ from the works of the Law ?”  Having begun in the Spirit, why did they seek the “ completion ” of their faith based on “ flesh ” by submitting to circumcision?

The power and wisdom of God are revealed in the proclamation of the Messiah who was crucified by the Roman Empire . Jesus of Nazareth performed miracles, exorcised demons, and taught with great authority, and for a time, he attracted large crowds. Nevertheless, his contemporaries failed to recognize who he was despite his displays of supernatural power. Only the Roman centurion on duty at Golgotha perceived that he was the “ Son of God ” when Christ breathed his last.