One of the most obvious and overlooked facts about the historical context of Galatians is that Paul is writing to believers, who have deserted the message of the true gospel, for one that has mixed in performance-driven acceptance based on obedience to Mosaic Law.
Galatians is not only Bible evidence that legalism is possible in believers, it is evidence that it is common in believers.
Through our fleshly desire to be our own savior, and the hero of our own story we are primed to accept teaching that says, “God is pleased with you when you...”
“People who live in certain ways have a special anointing... or more power...”
We love these mystical messages that give us the ability to be higher than others, and worthy of salvation.
But these are fables that contain parts of the gospel, but ultimately have perverted the relationship with God that the gospel delivers to us.