The Problem in the Churches of Galatia

In every gathering to which Paul preached, including synagogues, there were almost certainly people of different religious or no religious backgrounds. There would be Jews faithful to their God and devoted to his law. There would probably be Gentiles who had become converted to Judaism. Male Gentile converts would have been circumcised and therefore considered members of the Jewish race, as well as full participants in the Jewish religion.

Gentiles who reverenced God (see, e.g., Acts 13.16, 26) and were in the habit of attending synagogue worship might also be present. Males who refused to be circumcised would still be considered Gentiles with respect to race and religion. There were probably Gentiles who never became formally associated with the synagogue and sometimes came to worship with either Jewish or Gentile friends. Such Gentiles might be witnessing a different religious expression on the part of others for the first time. Or they might be seeking a more satisfying personal religious experience than that provided by some Greco-Roman cults to which they belonged.

In assemblies composed of such a diverse group of persons there would inevitably be discussions about Jewish laws. Gentiles might ask what lawmaker wrote them, what purpose they served, the rewards for obeying them, and the penalties for disobedience. Circumcision and dietary regulations would be a very touchy subject. One can imagine the various responses Jews might give to questions concerning such subjects.