So what is the final verdict on Paulās approach to teaching?
This letter to the churches of Galatia has its appropriate approaches to issues and its inappropriate approaches to issues.Ā
The way PaulĀ begins the letter can come off a little hostile as he confronts the Galatians for not believing in the gospel of Christ. Itās understandable that he is upset that missionaries have perverted the gospel of Christ but it is not the fault of the Galatians. Maybe this isnāt the most appropriate way to address the issue but Paul was in a rush to get the message across that his teachings were important.Ā
When it comes to explaining how to be justified in the eyes of God, Paul does a great job at explaining this. The way he brings in the example that Christ died so that those who have faith in Christ and in God can be justified through this faith alone and not in the works of the law. This was an appropriate way of explaining why Galatians donāt need to show that they observe the law; since Jesus observes the Law for His people, having faith in Jesus alone is enough to be justified.Ā
The following explanation of why circumcision doesnāt show justification is appropriate as well. However, Paulās passion towards his teachings can sometimes lead to certain elements of the letter being a touch hostile. Like in Galatians 5:12 where Paul threatens to castrate the missionaries who place doubt in the minds of the Galatians. Itās moments like this where his approach to issues and teaching is a little inappropriate. Though it shows his love for the gospel of Christ, it may be too harsh and perhaps even a tad hypocritical. He says that he wishes he could castrate those who unsettle the Galatians but then goes on to say that the most important commandment is that ofĀ āYou shall love your neighbor as yourselfā (Leviticus 19:18). So through this example, he should not wish ill against the missionaries for they are his neighbors, though they may not believe in what he believes. Taking vengeance on his neighbors is against the codes put forth in Leviticus.Ā
Galatians ends with almost a threat to those who deny the teachings of Paul.Ā āFrom now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my bodyā (Galatians 6:17). This seems kind of like a jab at the missionaries and at those who believe in the doubt the missionaries have put forth in them.Ā
Needless to say, Paul is certainly passionate about what he teaches, but sometimes his approach to teaching can come a bit out of left field. Though the importance of what he is trying to teach the Galatians through his letter is there, some of the added harshnesses, likeĀ āYou foolish Galatians!ā (Galatians 3:1), isnāt exactly necessary or helpful to his cause. There is probably a way he couldāve accentuated the importance of his message without expressing the anger he feels towards the missionaries.Ā
āMay the grace of our LordĀ Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sistersā (Galatians 6:18).Ā
