Why the Heart of the Gospel Still Matters in a World of Confusion
Introduction: The Challenge in Galatia—and for Us
Imagine getting a letter from a trusted leader, someone who cares deeply for your well-being, and finding these words at the top: “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” That’s how Paul opens Galatians chapter 3, verse 1. His words might sound harsh, but they’re filled with urgency and love. Paul isn’t just frustrated—he’s worried that believers are drifting from the very heart of the Christian faith.
Today, we face similar challenges: competing messages, “new” versions of the gospel that twist what Jesus taught, and the temptation to mix our faith with political or cultural agendas. What would Paul say to us? Let’s walk through his message to the Galatians and see what we can learn for our own time.
Historical Background: The Galatian Church and Paul’s Concern
The churches in Galatia were made up of mostly non-Jewish believers. After hearing Paul’s message about Jesus, they started following Him with joy and freedom. But soon, a group known as “Judaizers” arrived. They insisted that faith in Jesus wasn’t enough—that believers also had to follow Jewish laws (like circumcision and dietary rules) to really be saved.
Paul writes Galatians to confront this teaching head-on. He’s not upset because people are trying to be “good.” He’s distressed because they’re adding requirements to the simple gospel of grace. For Paul, salvation isn’t about checking religious boxes—it’s about trusting what Jesus has already done.
Meaning of “Bewitched”: A Biblical and Cultural Analysis
The word “bewitched” might make you think of magic spells or fairy tales, but Paul uses it as a sharp metaphor. In the ancient world, “bewitching” meant being led astray, fooled, or put under a kind of spell that clouds your judgment.
Paul is saying, “How could you lose sight of what’s true? It’s like someone has put a spell on you!” The Galatians hadn’t literally been hypnotized, but their thinking had become confused. They were acting as if Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough, and that’s a dangerous kind of spiritual confusion.
Faith vs. Works: Paul’s Argument for Grace and Faith
At the core of Paul’s message is this: We are made right with God through faith, not by working our way into His favor. The Galatians began their spiritual journey by trusting Jesus, but now they were trying to earn God’s acceptance through religious rules.
Paul reminds them (and us) that adding anything to faith in Christ—whether it’s rituals, traditions, or our own efforts—misses the point. The gospel isn’t “Jesus plus something else.” It’s all about what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Grace means it’s a gift, not a paycheck we’ve earned.
Spiritual Gifts and Evidence: The Role of Experience
Paul points to the Galatians’ own experience as proof. He asks, “Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” (paraphrased from Galatians 3:2).
When the Galatians first believed, they experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence—joy, love, a new sense of purpose—not because they followed rules, but because they trusted Jesus. Paul is saying: real spiritual transformation comes from faith, not from trying harder. The Spirit’s work in our lives is evidence that God’s grace is enough.
Imagery and Language: The Clarity of the Gospel Message
Paul doesn’t mince words. His language in Galatians is vivid and direct because he knows what’s at stake. He talks about being “bewitched,” about “foolishness,” and about “crucifying Christ all over again” if we abandon the gospel.
Why so strong? Because the gospel is like a clear, refreshing stream. When we mix in other things—legalism, politics, traditions—it becomes muddy and dangerous. Paul wants the Galatians (and us) to see the beauty and simplicity of God’s good news: we are loved, forgiven, and accepted because of Jesus, not because of what we do.
Reflection: Lessons for Modern Readers
Fast-forward to today. We hear lots of “gospel”—messages that promise hope, identity, or salvation if we just join the right group, vote a certain way, or prove ourselves through good works. Sometimes, Christian nationalism (confusing faith with political identity) or other “false gospels” creep in, telling us that Jesus’ work needs our help.
Paul’s question echoes: “Who has bewitched you?” Are we trusting in Jesus alone, or are we adding extra requirements? Are we letting culture or politics shape our faith, or are we letting the simple, freeing message of grace lead us?
Conclusion: Hold Fast to the True Gospel
If Paul wrote to us today, his message would be the same: Hold fast to the gospel. Don’t be fooled by messages that add to or subtract from Jesus’ finished work. Remember how you first encountered God’s love—not through your own efforts, but through faith.
Let’s clear away the confusion and return to the heart of our faith: God’s grace is enough. The gospel is good news for all people, in every culture, for every generation. Let’s hold fast to its truth—and live in the freedom Christ has given.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 