Is the false teaching Paul dealt with still a problem today?
Yes. The false doctrine Paul refuted did not remain unique to his day; it has plagued Christianity through the centuries and remains just as relevant today. Believers still contend with the false teaching of legalism, which appears in many subtle shapes and forms.
Les explains that in Galatians Paul is not so much defending his person as his doctrine, and he is refuting false doctrine and false teaching that had crept into the Galatian churches and every church he founded. Les emphasizes that this was not unique to Paul's day: it has plagued Christianity up through the centuries and is just as apropos today as when Paul wrote it. The same battle continues because we are still constantly fighting the false teaching of legalism. Les notes that legalism is not merely temple worship and Judaism; it comes in all kinds of shapes and forms and is always subtle. He also stresses that doctrine—the teaching—is primary, and without it you have nothing, whereas experience alone does not set your feet in concrete.
More Questions
Has the false teaching Paul fought in Galatians continued through church history?
False teaching and legalism were not unique to Paul's day: they have plagued Christianity through the centuries, are just as apropos today as when Paul wrote, and are still being constantly fought.