Galatians is Paul’s bold and urgent letter defending the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The churches in Galatia were being influenced by false teachers who insisted that believers must follow the law of Moses to be saved. Paul writes with passion to correct this error, emphasizing freedom in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the righteousness that comes through faith alone.
Background
Author: Paul
Audience: Churches in the region of Galatia
Date: AD 48–55
Location Written: Possibly Antioch or Corinth
Context: False teachers known as Judaizers were demanding that Gentile believers adopt Jewish customs, especially circumcision, as a requirement for salvation. Paul confronts this distortion directly, arguing that adding anything to the gospel undermines Christ’s work. Galatians highlights justification by faith, the role of the law, the power of the Spirit, and the freedom believers have in Christ.
Characters
- Paul — author defending the true gospel of grace
- Galatian Believers — Christians confused by false teaching
- Judaizers — teachers insisting on obedience to the law for salvation
- Peter (Cephas) — apostle corrected by Paul for withdrawing from Gentile believer
- Abraham — example of righteousness by faith
- The Holy Spirit — source of Christian freedom and transformation
Major Events
- Paul defends his apostleship and calling (Chapters 1–2)
- Confrontation of Peter’s hypocrisy (Chapter 2)
- Explanation of justification by faith apart from works of the law (Chapters 2–3)
- Abraham presented as an example of faith righteousness (Chapter 3)
- Purpose of the law and its relationship to the promise (Chapter 3)
- Believers adopted as children of God through Christ (Chapter 4)
- Warning against returning to slavery under the law (Chapter 4–5)
- Life in the Spirit contrasted with works of the flesh (Chapter 5)
- Instruction on restoring others and bearing one another’s burdens (Chapter 6)
- Final plea to hold fast to the gospel of the cross (Chapter 6)
Application & Life Lessons
- Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone
- Adding requirements to the gospel leads to bondage
- True freedom is found in walking by the Spirit
- Religious performance cannot produce righteousness
- Faith expresses itself through love and service
- The fruit of the Spirit reveals genuine transformation
- The church must restore one another gently and humbly
- Boasting should be only in the cross of Christ
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Galatians
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Galatians
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