The Galatians knew of the governing body’s decision that circumcision is not required for Christians. (Acts 15:22-29) But Judaizers were seeking to bring them into bondage by insisting that they get circumcised. So Paul stressed Christian freedom in the letter he wrote to the Galatians from Corinth or Syrian Antioch about 50-52 C.E. For instance, he said: “For . . . freedom Christ set us free. Therefore stand fast, and do not let yourselves be confined again in a yoke of slavery.”​—Galatians 5:1.

Stand Fast!

By his death, Christ ‘released those under law.’ But his followers must stand fast in Christian freedom. (4:1–6:18) So the Galatians needed to resist anyone trying to induce them to accept a yoke of slavery. Moreover, they were not to abuse their freedom but were to shun “works of the flesh” and display the fruitage of God’s spirit. Those seeking to bring them into bondage to the Law wanted to “make a pleasing appearance in the flesh,” avoid persecution, and have a cause for boasting. However, Paul showed that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything. Rather, “a new creation is something.” He prayed for peace and mercy to be upon spiritual Israel, those of that new creation.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians helped them to resist those seeking to enslave them spiritually.