The Book of Galatians

Purpose of The Book of Galatians:
Paul's letter to the church at Galatia served as a warning to that church, and serves today as a warning for us, not to lose the heart of the gospel.

Summary of The Book of Galatians:
The church at Galatia had been getting some bad teaching from Jewish Christians (Paul calls them Judaizers) who did not understand the concepts of grace and freedom. They were teaching that God still required everyone to observe certain rituals and statutes in order to be accepted by Him as a father. Paul reminds the Galatians that they were accepted by God in the beginning not through rituals or obedience to strict behavioral codes, but through faith in Him which is given by the Spirit. He then asks them why they think God would suddenly change the rules! The book serves as a wonderful reminder that God loves us because He chose to love us even when we were totally unlovable. This great news can give us rest and peace since we don’t need to worry about earning it or losing God’s love.

Author and Dates of The Book of Galatians:
This letter was probably written by Paul in 48 AD, when the questions about what would be required of Gentile believers to enter the community of God was hotly debated, but not yet settled at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).

Outline of The Book of Galatians:

1. Introduction (1:1-5).
2. Accusation (1:6-10).
3. Divine Nature of Paul's Gospel (1:11-2:5).
4. Authoritative Nature of Paul's Ministry (2:6-16).
5. God's Spirit is Received by Faith, not Ritual (2:17-4:8).
6. Ritual-Based Religion is contrary to God's Plan (4:9-5:12).
7. How to Live in God's Freedom (5:13-6:10).
8. Summary (6:11-18).

Themes of The Book of Galatians:
Christian Liberty: Paul vehemently defended the idea of salvation by faith. He refused to allow the Judaizers to convince the Galatians that God would not accept them or bless them unless they involved themselves in Jewish rituals, especially circumcision.
The Gospel: Paul takes great pains in this letter to show the Galatians that the gospel that he preached was not something he made up, nor was it something he heard from others, but something that God Himself taught him. Paul's gospel was God's gospel, and should not be warped or exchanged for any contradictory teaching.
Ethnic Diversity: Galatians, more than any other letter, stresses that Christian faith breaks the boundaries of ethnicity. There is no one cultural construct that is best fit for God's good news. Rather, the gospel can be accepted and applied in any cultural context, and this should not be done mechanically but with wisdom and sensitivity.