A Simple Explanation of Paul’s Message to the Galatians
Have you ever wondered why someone would suddenly change their mind about something they once believed strongly? That’s exactly what happened to the Galatians, a group of early Christians, and it’s why Paul the Apostle wrote them such a strong letter.
What’s Happening in Galatians?
Paul had visited people in Galatia and shared the message of Jesus with them. His message was clear: you can’t earn God’s love by following a bunch of rules or rituals; rather, faith in Jesus is what saves you and brings you into a relationship with God. At first, the Galatians were thrilled with this idea—they believed, welcomed the Holy Spirit, and lived with real joy and freedom.
But then, things changed. Some people came along and convinced the Galatians that believing in Jesus wasn’t enough. They said, “If you really want to be right with God, you have to follow all the laws of Moses, like getting circumcised and observing special rules.” This teaching was called “legalism”—the idea that you earn God’s approval by doing certain religious works.
Paul’s Shock and Strong Words
In Galatians 3:1, Paul writes, “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?” He’s not just a little upset—he’s bewildered and frustrated. The word “bewitched” here doesn’t mean actual magic. Instead, Paul is saying, “How could you be so easily tricked or misled? It’s like someone cast a spell on you!” He’s using strong language to show how serious and strange it is that they’ve abandoned the simple message of faith for complicated rules.
“Bewitched” and the Evil Eye
Back then, people believed in something called the evil eye—the idea that someone could harm you or “put a spell” on you just by looking at you wrong. Paul seems to be drawing on this idea, asking, “Who has cast this spell over you?” He wants them to realize that they’ve been duped, not just by clever arguments, but almost as if by some kind of charm or misleading influence.
What Did Paul Want Them to Remember?
Paul reminds the Galatians that when he first preached to them, he put Jesus right at the center of everything—like hanging up a big, bold sign that says, “Jesus Christ died for you!” He didn’t focus on religious rituals, but on Jesus himself, especially his death on the cross. Paul’s point is that Christianity isn’t about following a list of rules; it’s about trusting a person: Jesus.
He asks them to think back: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit because you did everything right, or was it simply by believing?” The answer is simple: it was by faith, not by works.
Why Does This Matter?
Paul is warning that by turning away from faith in Christ and chasing after rule-keeping, the Galatians are losing the freedom, joy, and spiritual life they first experienced. He’s deeply concerned—not only are they missing out, but they’re also turning their backs on the very heart of the message he gave them.
Paul’s fiery language—“Who has bewitched you?”—is meant to wake them up. He wants them to see that they’re being led astray, just like someone under a spell, and encourages them to return to the simple, life-giving truth of trusting Jesus alone.
The Bottom Line
In everyday terms, Galatians 3:1 is Paul’s way of saying, “You knew the truth—don’t let anyone trick you into thinking you need to earn God’s love by following a bunch of rules. Remember what you first believed: Jesus’ sacrifice is enough. Don’t let anyone confuse you or pull you away from the freedom and grace you have in him.”
So, for anyone who feels weighed down by religious expectations or who’s confused by conflicting messages, Paul’s words are a reminder: faith in Jesus is what matters most. Don’t let anyone “bewitch” you into thinking otherwise.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 