Galatians - Paul's Defense of the Law of Moses

The Book of Galatians:

Conflict of the 2 Torahs

Sha'ul's Defense of the Written Torah

and His Attack on Man-Made Law (the Oral Torah)

The Book of Galatians has scandalously been used by Christian ministers to teach their congregations that the Law of the Old Testament has been done away with. Paul the apostle, whose real given Hebrew name is Sha'ul, is the author of the letter to the Galatians. Many of Sha'ul's statements in this book, as they are translated (interpreted) by English scholars, give the impression that anyone who endeavors to obey the Law as given by Moses (Hebrew "Mosheh") has "fallen from grace," and has rejected Messiah. Moreover, they say, whoever pursues the Law to live by its instructions is implying that Messiah died for nothing!

This is due to the unfortunate misunderstanding of Sha'ul's life and upbringing, his times and his ongoing battle against human traditions. When we read the letter to the Galatians through Sha'ul's eyes, that is, from the perspective of this 1st century scholar who was trained in the traditions, customs and instructions of the Pharisees, what will emerge from Sha'ul's letter is quite the opposite of the traditional interpretation. Paul is actually teaching that the written Torah (Law) of Mosheh remains authoritative for followers of Messiah, but that man-made (oral) law made up of customs and traditions, such as the Pharisees taught, are of no value at all. In the end, Sha'ul affirms the validity of written Torah as the proper "walk of faith" for all who cling to Messiah as Lord and Savior, while certifying that all man-made customs, practices, traditions, ordinances, teachings, rules and laws, especially emphasizing the Oral Law of the Pharisees, are of no value at all. Such laws of men lead those who follow them away from the intended lifestyle and walk which Elohim has instructed, ultimately leading to rejection of Messiah and forfeiture of eternal life.

This commentary on the Book of Galatians will explore the life background and training of Sha'ul to show that his religion as a Pharisee was in stark contrast with the walk of faithfulness to the written Instructions of Scripture which Yahuwah has given. We will endeavor to suggest the proper interpretation of Galatians from a 1st century Hebraic mindset and context to show that Sha'ul does not at any point contradict the teaching of the Tanach, and particularly the Instructions in the books of Mosheh. At the end of the study, it will be clear that Paul is teaching the Galatians not to be absorbed into the teachings and lifestyles of the Pharisees (which Messiah warned his disciples to beware of!), but to walk and live in obedience to the commands of Elohim as given by Messiah at Mt. Sinai. (Remember that it was Messiah who was the Rock that accompanied them! - cf. 1 Corinthians 10:1-6).

(Note: my thanks to Avi ben Mordechai, whose research and understanding and clear explanation of the meaning of the book of Galatians has made possible the following synopsis of Galatians. He has cleared up the confusion about Sha'ul's criticism of law, explaining that Sha'ul is actually describing 2 different laws. Avi's commentary on Galatians, Galatians: A Torah-Based Commentary in First-Century Hebraic Context, is a brilliant expose of the thinking of the Pharisees and modern day Orthodox Rabbis, and clarifies Sha'ul's defense of the written Torah. One can purchase this book from Avi's website, www.m7000.com ).

Outline of the Book of Galatians

Introductory Remarks: 1:1-5

The Authority of Sha'ul

The Message of a Shaliach

What is the Assembly?

Galatia

The Blessing

A Different Gospel?: 1:6-12

The True Gospel

Warnings Against False Prophets

The Source of Sha'ul's Gospel

Sha'ul's Training in Judaism: 1:13-24