What is Paul defending in Galatians?
In Galatians, Paul defends his doctrine rather than his person. He refutes false teaching and legalism that had entered the Galatian churches and every church he founded. Doctrine—the teaching—is primary, for without it believers have nothing, and experience alone cannot provide a firm foundation.
Les explains that in I and II Corinthians Paul constantly defended his apostleship against attacks that he was an imposter, a fake, and lacked authority from Peter, James, and John. In Galatians, however, the emphasis shifts: Paul is not so much defending his person as his doctrine. Doctrine means teaching, and it is primary; without doctrine you have nothing. Paul refutes false doctrine and false teaching that had crept into the Galatian churches and every church he founded. Les notes this false teaching is legalism, which is not limited to temple worship or Judaism but comes in many subtle shapes and forms. It has plagued Christianity through the centuries and is just as relevant today.
More Questions
What was Paul defending in 1 and 2 Corinthians?
In I and II Corinthians Paul was constantly defending his apostleship against attacks that he was an imposter and a fake who had drummed up his message on his own and lacked the authority of Peter, James, and John.