Galatians

The book of Galatians, written by the Apostle Paul around 50 AD, is a defense of himself and the gospel he previously provided the church of Galatia. Paul confronts false teachers who insisted that Gentile believers must follow Jewish laws, particularly circumcision, to be saved. He emphasized salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law. Paul recounted his own conversion and ministry to affirm his apostolic authority. Paul explained the purpose of the law before Christ came. Paul retold the story of the Abraham and the Torah to show how it has been pointing towards faith, not works, all along.

Chapter 1

Paul introduced himself as an apostle sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father to emphasize his divine commission. He extended grace and peace to the churches in Galatia by acknowledging Christ’s sacrificial death, which rescued humanity from the present evil age according to God’s will.

No Other Gospel

Paul was astonished at how quickly the Galatians turned to a distorted gospel. He warned against false teachings that pervert the true gospel of Christ, declaring that anyone, whether human or angel, preaching a different gospel was under God’s curse. Paul emphasized his loyalty to Christ and did not seek human approval.

Paul Called By God

Paul testified that his gospel came directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ. He restated his past as a zealous persecutor of the church and his transformation through God’s grace, which set him apart to preach to the Gentiles. Paul began his ministry in Arabia and Damascus, later meeting Cephas and James in Jerusalem. The Judean churches praised God for his transformation and recognized that the former persecutor (Paul) was now preaching the faith he once sought to destroy.

Paul Accepted By The Apostles - Chapter 2

Paul returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus fourteen years after his first visit. He shared his gospel with the leaders (the apostles James, Cephas (Peter), and John) to ensure his ministry among the Gentiles aligned with God’s will. Despite pressure from false believers advocating circumcision, Titus, a Greek, was not compelled to comply and preserved the gospel's truth. The apostles recognized God’s grace in Paul’s mission and affirmed his role to the Gentiles. They extended fellowship to Paul and Barnabas as long as they continued aiding the poor—a commitment Paul already upheld.

Paul Opposes Cephas

Paul confronted Cephas (Peter) in Antioch for hypocrisy. Paul originally ate with Gentiles but stopped after receiving pressure from Jewish Christians, which influenced others, including Barnabas. Paul rebuked Peter publicly, asserting that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not the law. He emphasized that believers die to the law through faith and live for God. Paul declared he was crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God, who loved him and sacrificed Himself. Lastly, Paul stated, "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" - Galatians 2:21.

Faith Or Works Of The Law - Chapter 3

Paul rebuked the Galatians for turning from the theology of faith to relying on the works of the law. He reminded them they received the Spirit by believing, not through works. Paul cites Genesis 15:6 to show that Abraham was called righteous because of his faith. Paul explained that relying on the law places one under a curse, as it demands perfect adherence. Christ redeemed believers from this curse by becoming a curse Himself to allow Gentiles to receive Abraham’s blessing and the Spirit through faith. Jesus's "becoming a curse" means he took on the curse of the law, God's judgment for sin, when he was crucified.

The Law And The Promise

Paul explained that the law, introduced centuries after God’s promise to Abraham, did not nullify the promise. The inheritance of righteousness is by faith, not the law. The law was given to highlight sin until Christ, the promised Seed, arrived.

Children Of God

Before Christ, the law acted as a guardian, but faith in Jesus freed believers. Through faith, all are made children of God. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3:28-29.

Children Of God (cont.) - Chapter 4

Paul explained that an heir under guardianship is like a slave until the appointed time. Similarly, humanity was enslaved under worldly spiritual forces until God sent His Son to redeem those under the law. Through the Spirit, believers call God “Abba, Father.” They are no longer slaves but heirs of God’s promises, fully adopted into His family.

Paul's Concern For The Galatians

Paul expressed concern over the Galatians’ return to observing religious rituals. He reminded them of their initial joy in receiving the gospel and their kindness to him during illness. He warned of false teachers seeking to mislead them and urged them to remain steadfast in Christ.

Hagar And Sarah

Paul used Hagar and Sarah to illustrate two covenants. Hagar, the slave woman, represented the old covenant of the law, leading to slavery. Sarah, the free woman, symbolized the new covenant of grace, granting freedom through God’s promise. Believers, like Isaac, are children of promise, heirs of freedom, and not bound to the law, represented by Hagar’s lineage.

Freedom In Christ - Chapter 5

Paul explained that Christ set believers free from the law and warned that seeking justification through circumcision sets oneself apart from grace and obligates adherence to the entire law. He explained that "the thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." - Galatians 5:6. Paul questioned the members of the Galatian church for not obeying the truth and compared their influence to yeast corrupting dough. He rejected legalism, emphasizing that the cross alone brings salvation.

Life By The Spirit

Paul called believers to use their freedom to serve others in love. 'For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”' - Galatians 5:14. He warned against indulging the flesh, listing its destructive works, while encouraging walking by the Spirit, producing virtues like love, joy, and peace, which reflect Christ’s character.

Doing Good To All - Chapter 6

Paul urged Spirit-led believers to restore sinners gently while guarding against temptation. He encouraged carrying another’s burdens to fulfill Christ’s law of love. Paul taught them to evaluate their actions honestly and avoid self-deception or harmful comparisons. Believers should support their spiritual teachers. He explained that actions have consequences - "Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." - Galatians 6:8. Paul encouraged persistence in doing good works while prioritizing fellow believers.

Not Circumcision But The New Creation

Paul emphasized boasting only in the cross of Christ, rejecting outward rituals like circumcision. True transformation comes from being a new creation in Christ. He blessed those who followed this principle with peace and mercy. Paul closed with a personal reminder of his commitment and Christ’s grace.