Reflections on Fruits of the Spirit (2)

May 20, 2001

By Mark Mullins

THE PERILS OF A “DIFFERENT GOSPEL” (Gal. 1:1-10)

As Paul begins Galatians, we see right away that he is very frustrated with the Christians to whom he is writing.  He begins normally enough, by identifying himself and wishing grace and peace to his hearers (1:1-5).  But when we get to v. 6 we see that he has made a major omission.

After the greeting, all of Paul’s other letters contain a paragraph of thanksgiving and blessing--essentially a prayer to God on behalf of the hearers (see, for example, Rom. 1:8-15).  This was standard practice not only for a Christian, but for any letter-writer in the Roman world--even one who was not particularly religious.

But in Galatians, Paul skips the blessing and launches directly into a rebuke of the Christians of Galatia.  He is “astonished” that they are “turning to a different gospel” (1:6).   The word for “astonished” is found only here in the New Testament, and some scholars believe that it was a mild oath.  At the very least, it was not a genteel expression.

What is this “different gospel” that he’s so upset about?  This will be further developed throughout the letter; but if I had to put it in a nutshell, I would say that this false “gospel” is legalism--depending on one’s own actions for God’s approval, and binding those actions on others.  Legalism, as Paul hints in v. 10, is ultimately more about pleasing other people than pleasing God.

What does this have to do with the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5, which we’re studying right now?  This letter is written to a church that has apparently bought into a legalistic religious system lock, stock, and barrel.  The alternative to legalism is the Spirit of God, and the result (fruit) of having the Spirit in our lives is that we are better people.  This contrasts with the results of a fleshly lifestyle (which Paul equates with legalism), which are listed in 5:16-21.

Legalism is such a serious problem to Paul that it warrants radical action.  It has to be snuffed out, no matter whose feelings it hurts.  This

is because legalism is completely contrary to the truth of the gospel.  This will become more clear when we get to chapter 2.