They were Celts, having migrated from Europe to a region of Rome that would become known as Galatia.
Paul journeyed there and preached the gospel. Many were converted. During this time, Paul became ill, yet the Galatians put that aside and took care of him. It is no wonder that he loved them.
In the years that followed, they wandered away from his teaching and embraced a perverted gospel, evidenced by the opening of chapter 3, You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?
Paul wrote to them, hoping to turn them toward repentance and restoration. His method was brilliant: he retraced his mission, their situation, and their resolve of faith. He built his case like a seasoned advocate, one step at a time.
It is still compelling.
Paul’s letter reminds us of the promise of Christ. Today. February 5th. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. . . . meaning one person, who is Christ. (Gal 3:16) To paraphrase, even though the law was given 430 years later, it does not set aside the covenant nor does it void the promise of God to Abraham and, eventually, to all who believe.
Before faith came, it continues, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian….. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal 3:17)
(The law) was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. . . . If a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. (Gal 3:19-22)
The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So, also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father”. (Gal 4:2-6)
What a promise! How wonderful to hold in my hand the Apostle Paul’s description of the process of our sonship, the breadth of our freedom, and the marvelous gift of our redemption.
Friends, we are no longer under a guardian or trustee. We are no longer awaiting a promise given. Our steps are ordered today, and He examines all of our paths. (Prov 5:21)
Let us walk in confidence today, remembering how His unwavering faithfulness has sustained us. Let us keep Paul’s words in our hearts, Now you, my brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. (Gal 4:28)
Janet Paschal 
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