THE PERSONALITY OF PAUL IN GALATIANS

INTRODUCTION

The personality of Paul assumes another qualities other than mostly found with the Thessalonians. Since the occasion and purpose of writing this letter was founded in warning and defending the faith, Paul writes to discredit the infiltrators who came with a contrary message. Their message started with questioning the authority of Paul as an apostle.

They also claimed that he was not preaching the true gospel because he did not insist on observance of Mosaic laws-circumcision and observing Jewish feasts and even weaken the requirements of the gospel because of Gentile converts. In this condition of his writing I would certain describe Paul with these qualities.

THE PERSONALITY OF PAUL IN GALATIANS

Paul exhibited a bold character. He is firm, sure of himself and does not vacillate in the message. He had the doctrine and was able to defend it. The brevity of Paul made him to oppose Peter in his face because his wrong approach to Christian living. (Gal. 2:11-14). This boldness made him to defend the authenticity of apostleship that it came from Jesus and not from man. Thus, he was sure that his message is truthful such that condemnation is reserved to any being that preached contrary. He was clear about his mission in this little auto-biography just like Isaiah in his call. He explains things clearly

Paul can be depicted as a strict and stern man when it involves defending the gospel. He would always to address the Galatians as “fools”. For Paul, they behaved as people without senses such that agitators were able dismantle all his teachings (Gal.3:1-3). He was so enthusiastic in defending the Church.

As the movement of epistle moved from more intense form to heart to heart admonitions, Paul once more exhibited passion in the tone of his explanation. The tone flowed into affection as found in chapter 4 of Galatian. The strict tone in chapter 3 suddenly mellowed down for he is now speaking heart to heart with logical explanations. The usage of illustrations and figure of motherhood clearly depict an outstanding tenderness. (mother in pains of childbirth Gal 4:19, 22-23)

Paul as the defender of powerless was evidently seen in Galatian letter. The Gentiles received equal treatment with the Jews. He does believe that all are one in Christ. He definitely stood for the gentiles in all manners especially in integrating them into the fold of Christ because they were created by God. He does not segregate among people for there is neither Jew or Greek (Gal. 3:28).

One of Paul’s quality in his message to the Galatian could be picked from his teaching on faith and freedom. He cherishes freedom. He is a man of freedom. His personality is sort of type that wishes freedom of speech, freedom of action, movement, writing and expressing oneself and freedom of relationship. This freedom for him is to be founded in Christ. This means that we are not slaves any more. In the expression of himself as a person, Paul regards his freedom and not to be restricted both spiritually, physically, emotionally and otherwise. He also sees law to be a chief source of chain which would breeds sin but faith brings freedom.

CONCLUSION

Paul’s identity was obviously humane. However boastful he tried to describe himself; his relationship with the gentiles affirms his humble nature. He only speak as an educator and as one who wished to fulfill the demands of his mission.