Final answer:
The letter to the Galatians was written by Paul as a response to controversy over the necessity of circumcision for Gentile Christians, emphasizing faith in Christ alone for salvation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The letter to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul as a controversy over circumcision. This controversy was a significant issue early in the history of the Christian church. As Christianity spread, there was a debate among believers about whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish customs, such as circumcision, to be true Christians.
Paul, a significant figure in the spread of Christianity, addressed several challenges and conflicts that arose from the cultural and religious diversity of the early Christian communities. His epistles to the churches, like Galatians, often dealt with these tensions and offered theological guidance and clarification.
The occasion for writing to the Galatians primarily stemmed from his concern about other teachers influencing the Galatians to adopt Jewish customs, which Paul argued were not necessary for salvation, as he emphasized faith in Jesus Christ alone.