Page "Epistle to the Galatians" Paragraph 6

The identity of these " opponents " is disputed.

We do not have a record of their activity, but are left to reconstruct it from Paul's response.

However, the majority of modern scholars view them as Jewish Christians, who taught that in order for pagans to belong to the people of God, they must be subject to some or all of the Jewish Law, ( i. e. Judaizers ).

The letter indicates controversy concerning circumcision, Sabbath observance, and the Mosaic Covenant.

It would appear, from Paul's response, that they cited the example of Abraham, who was circumcised as a mark of receiving the covenant blessings (), see also Abrahamic religion.

They certainly appear to have questioned Paul's authority as an apostle, perhaps appealing to the greater authority of the Jerusalem church governed by James the Just.