Was there any difference between Paul's background in Judaism and the Galatians' pagan background?
No, in the final analysis there was no difference. Paul came out of Judaism, while the Galatians came out of paganism, yet both were equally sinners saved by grace. As Romans 3 says, all are without God, all are on their own way, and the fear of God was with none.
Les teaches that although the Galatians had come out of paganism, Paul had come out of Judaism, yet in the final analysis there was no difference between them. He explains that both stood as sinners saved by grace, not above the ordinary believer. Paul says, “Be as I am, for I am as you are,” and points to Romans 3: all are without God, all are on their own way, and none had the fear of God. Les also notes that Paul told his churches to follow his example because he followed the ascended Christ.