Introducing Galatians: The Power of Grace
Author: Chris Castaldo, PhD
July 31, 2025
What makes a single book of Scripture so powerful that it can ignite revival and change the course of church history? As we begin our journey through Paul’s letter to the Galatians, let me share a story that demonstrates this power.
In 18th-century Oxford, a group of earnest young men gathered for prayer and Bible study. Known as the “Holy Club,” this society included future church leaders like John Wesley, Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, and a lesser-known member named William Holland. Despite their religious fervor and moral commitment, they were spiritual prisoners—trapped in the exhausting cycle of trying to achieve righteousness through their effort.
Holland embodied this struggle. After hearing friends describe their personal relationship with Christ, he realized something was missing from his own spiritual experience. Their joy and confidence exposed the emptiness of his rule-following religion. Disturbed by this revelation, Holland began searching theological works to find peace that seemed to elude him.
His search led him to Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians—a work that had already shaken the foundations of Christendom centuries earlier. The reformer’s insights into Paul’s message of justification by faith alone would soon work their transformative power once again.
During a visit with Charles Wesley, Holland listened as his friend read aloud from Luther’s preface. The words cut straight to his heart: salvation comes through accepting Christ alone, not through moral achievements. Luther emphasized that humanity’s only role is to receive what God freely offers through Jesus Christ.
As these truths penetrated Holland’s understanding, the Holy Spirit worked powerfully in his life. Years of spiritual burden lifted instantly. Peace flooded his soul, followed by overwhelming love and gratitude. The reality of Christ’s presence seemed almost tangible. Holland later described feeling as though his feet barely touched the ground as he walked through Oxford’s streets that evening.
This encounter with grace through Galatians created a ripple effect that would reshape Christian history. Holland’s transformation likely influenced John Wesley’s own famous Aldersgate Street experience, where Wesley felt his heart “strangely warmed” while hearing Luther’s writings. The Wesley brothers went on to lead the Methodist revival, touching millions of lives across Britain and America.
While most Christians have never heard of William Holland, his encounter with Galatians helped launch one of history’s most extraordinary spiritual awakenings. This demonstrates something profound about Paul’s letter—when its message of grace penetrates human hearts, the results can be world-changing.
The same gospel that liberated Holland from religious bondage and launched the Wesleys into transformative ministry is the message we’ll explore together in the coming weeks. Paul’s passionate defense of salvation by grace through faith continues to shatter the chains of bondage and introduce believers to the freedom found in Christ.
As we dive into Galatians, prepare your heart for transformation. This isn’t merely an academic study—it’s an encounter with the life-changing power of grace that has been setting captives free for two thousand years. The same Spirit who opened Holland’s eyes continues working today, ready to reveal fresh dimensions of Christ’s love and liberation.
Welcome to our journey through Galatians, where religious striving ends and true freedom begins.
Chris Castaldo, PhD., is Lead Pastor of New Covenant Church of Naperville.
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