New Testament Survey : Book of Galatians

1. New Testament Survey:Book of Galatians Street in the modern city of Damascus

2. The Author • Paul’s authorship of this book to the Galatian churches is certain • Salutation(1:1) • First two chapters are an autobiography of Paul’s life—from his conversion to the writing of the letter • 14 years between visits to Jerusalem; the first in Acts 9; 3 years in Arabia

3. Date of Writing • Paul was converted sometime between 31 and 36 AD • 17-year interval(2:1) • Subsequent to the Jerusalem meeting regarding the circumcision problem (Acts 15) • Followed Peter’s visit to Antioch(2:11-14) • Written between 55 and 57 AD

4. To Whom Written • Galatia was originally in the northeastern part of Asia Minor • Mixed population of Greeks, Romans, and Jewish people • Quick to give up and easily influenced • Paul visited the area twice:Acts 16:6; 18:23 • Letter written after 2nd visit(4:13-16)

6. To Whom Written • In 25 BC, the original Gaulic region was designated the new province of Galatia • Paul preached in south Galatia on his first tour—Pisidia, Lyconia, Phrygia • Paul preached in north Galatia on his second visit • Letter addressed to all the churches in the Roman Province of Galatia

7. Purpose of the Epistle • The churches had begun well; after Paul’s departure, they were drawn away(5:7) • Judaizing teachers caused problems over circumcision of Gentile converts • They had redemption in Christ, Judaizers sought to bind Moses’ Law on them • Justification determined by works of the Law

8. Purpose of the Epistle • No flesh can be justified by works of the Law • Parallels arguments in the book of Romans • Expressed with warmth and vehemence • Tactic of Judaizing teachers—attack Paul’s apostleship • Destroy confidence in Paul—convert the Galatians to their false teaching!

9. Contents and Character • First part mainly historic(chapters 1,2) • Charged Paul not one of the original 12 apostles—should not be accepted as an apostle • What he had learned about the gospel came from men—not God (false charge) • Arrayed Paul against Peter and other apostles regarding circumcision • This explains why Paul spent time discussing his own credentials

10. Contents and Character • Paul affirmed his work was not of men(1:1) • Did not receive the gospel from men(1:11,12) • After his conversion, Paul went to Arabia for three years(1:15-17) • Brief 15-day visit to Jerusalem seeing only Peter and James (1:20-24) • After 14 years, he went up to Jerusalem, by “revelation,” to confer about preaching to the Gentiles(2:1-10)

11. Contents and Character • No dependence on other apostles • Withstood Peter to face when his hypocrisy had caused a problem (2:11-14) • Letter’s second part argues that God makes men righteous by faith in Christ—not works of the Law! • Abraham was justified by faith before the Law(3:6-9,18) • The Law cannot justify sinners; it only condemns(3:10-12)

12. Contents and Character • In His own time, God sent His Son (4:4,5) • Paul warned of the danger in following the Old Law(4:6-11) • Paul knew of their love for him—how could he now be their enemy(4:14-16) • Warned them of the false teachers and their dishonest intentions (4:17-21) • The allegory—free woman and the bond woman(4:22-31)

13. Contents and Character • Requiring circumcision binds them to keep the whole law—and they are fallen from grace!(5:4) • Third part of letter is of practical character • Exhorts the Galatian Christians to use Christian liberty in a worthy manner—putting to death their fleshly lusts (5:17-21) • Must seek to bear one another burdens(6:1-5) • Duties they have as brethren (6:6-10)

14. Contents and Character • Hold steadfastly to the liberty that can be found only in Christ! • Reject being bound to the Law of Moses or to fleshly lusts—walk after the Spirit(5:1-26) • The basic theme is clearly summed up with this exhortation…(5:1) • Some have called the Galatian Epistle the“Magna Carta of Christian Liberty”