Paul, writing to a group of churches in a few different cities in what is modern day Turkey. He had already made a missionary journey through this region at this point. Now somethings have reached his ears and his love and passion for these people ignites a powerful letter.

A group of “intruders” from Jerusalem most likely, came and began to spread a adjustment to the Gospel that Paul shared, in order to be part of the family, fully included in the salvation of Jesus, they must be circumcised and follow the customs of the Torah.

These intruders call into question Paul, they call him a man-pleaser, carrying a secondhand version of the Good news.