The Background for Galatians 5: A Call to Walk in the Spirit

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

Galatians 5 is one of the most powerful calls in the New Testament for Christians to live by the Spirit of God. But to fully appreciate Paul’s message, we need to understand the historical and doctrinal background behind this chapter—and why Paul wrote such passionate words to the churches of Galatia.

False Teachers Were Distorting the Gospel

In the early church, Jewish Christians known as Judaizers were insisting that Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep parts of the Mosaic Law to be truly saved. They were adding requirements that Christ never gave. Paul condemned this teaching as a perversion of the gospel (Galatians 1:6–8). He made it clear: salvation comes through grace by faith in Christ—not through the Mosaic Law.

Paul’s Authority and the True Gospel

Paul defended his apostleship fiercely. He reminded the Galatians that his message wasn’t man-made—it came by direct revelation from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11–12). He even confronted Peter when Peter’s behavior suggested that Gentiles were second-class Christians (Galatians 2:11–14). Paul was committed to the truth: Justification comes by faith, not by works of the law (Galatians 2:16).

Perfection Is Found in Christ

In Galatians 3:26–27, Paul taught that all who have been baptized into Christ have “put on Christ.” In God's eyes, they are made perfect through their obedience to the Gospel of Christ. This perfection is granted through faith and obedience, not through the merit of keeping rules or rituals of the Mosaic Law. Paul warns that those who try to justify themselves through the law are “fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4).

Why the False Teaching Was So Appealing

Paul understood the allure of legalism:

• It appeals to pride — earning your salvation allows comparison and status.

• It gives a sense of control — man-made systems elevate human leaders who dictate the rules.

But the true gospel humbles us. It levels the playing field. It calls all to surrender to a Savior.

Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Rather than returning to law, Paul urges Christians to live by the Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” (Galatians 5:22)

These fruits prepare us for heaven—they are evidence that Christ lives in us now. They comfort us and testify to the world that even though we’re still in a physical body, we belong to a heavenly kingdom.

Final Thought

In Galatians 5, Paul shows us that the pursuit of perfection isn’t about flawless behavior—it’s about faithful living. By walking in the Spirit, we honor the perfection God sees in us through Christ. We show the world that salvation isn’t earned—it’s received.

Don’t fall for a man-made gospel. Cling to Christ. Let His word lead you. And remember, your perfection is secure—because the blood of Christ continually cleanses those who walk in the light.