Greeks and Barbarians
In New Testament times the Roman province of Galatia was bordered on the south-east by the province of Cilicia where Paul was born in Tarsus. All in modern day Turkey.
The northern extent of Galatia was the original kingdom of Galatia before the Romans expanded it to include areas to the south where Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel as described in Acts 13-14.
Ethnic Galatians were Celts who lived predominately in the north and spoke their own language. But the term would probably have also been used for all those resident in the Roman province.
Long-term influence of Greek culture and language, as well as Roman dominance in more recent times, characterised the whole region. Including the influence of the Jewish diaspora based in the synagogues. Greek would have been the dominant language, though various local languages and dialects were still spoken.
Into this mix the gospel came with powerful effect. With the result that local groups of believers were established in a number of places in spite of the opposition encountered. And it is likely that the good news spread beyond the centres of population mentioned in the biblical record.
Later, Paul needed to send a letter to the churches in Galatia relevant to the difficulties they were experiencing. It included a personal statement, a detail that the recipients were well aware of: "You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first ... (Galatians 4:13 ESV)." Whatever the condition and its cause may have been, it did not prevent him from evangelising. In fact, it providentially precipitated his reaching the people in that province for Christ, however difficult the circumstances were.
And amazingly, if that initial mission among the Galatians corresponds with the narrative in Acts 13-14, Paul's physical weakness did not hinder God from performing miracles of healing through him and his colleague Barnabas. Miracles that confirmed the grace of God that they were proclaiming.
This gospel is not earmarked for only one people group or one type of person. It is God's desire that all have the opportunity to hear it. That's why Paul was willing to shoulder his part of the responsibility to bring the good news "to Greeks and to barbarians" (Romans 1:14-17) - an expression that in his day embraced those that considered themselves cultured (greek-speaking) and all those who spoke another language. The gospel is for Jew and Gentile, young and old, male and female, slave and free. For everyone.
"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15 ESV).
Thank you for this Pastor Phil. What stood out to me most was that though Paul had an ailment, God still used him to heal others. It seems contradictory but speaks volumes of God's grace and love for those He has called and loves. Thus, this is a demonstration that God can use broken vessels (seen and unseen brokenness) for His glory. There are so many ways we can do what God has called us to do despite our perceived limitations.
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