
Galatians Introduction
The book of Galatians, authored by the Apostle Paul, is a profound letter addressed to the churches in Galatia. It's a passionate defense of the gospel of grace and a call to maintain the freedom Christ has provided, distinct from the Jewish law. The Jewish law, often called the Mosaic Law or Torah, encompasses the commandments given through Moses and includes the moral law (such as the Ten Commandments, which govern behavior towards God and others), the ceremonial law (which includes rituals, sacrifices, holy days, dietary restrictions, and circumcision), and the civil law (which governs justice, property rights, and social conduct for Israel as a nation). Paul wrote this epistle to counter the teachings of Judaizers who argued that Gentile converts must obey the Jewish law, particularly the ceremonial aspects like circumcision and festival observance, in order to be saved. Galatians underscores the themes of justification by faith, the role of the Holy Spirit, and Christian liberty, presenting a clear argument that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by adherence to the works of the law. While the moral law remains relevant as a reflection of God’s principles, Paul emphasizes that Christian obedience flows from the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live out God's moral standards through love, fulfilling the law's true intent.
Chapter 1
Paul begins with a greeting and quickly addresses his concern about the Galatians turning to a different gospel, which is really no gospel at all. He expresses astonishment that they are so quickly deserting Christ for a different teaching brought by some who are distorting the gospel of Christ. Paul defends his apostolic authority, recounting his past as a persecutor of the church and his dramatic conversion experience. He emphasizes that his gospel came directly from Jesus Christ, not from human teaching.
Chapter 2
Paul describes a trip to Jerusalem where he met with the pillars of the church to ensure his gospel to the Gentiles was correct. A key focus is on his confrontation with Peter in Antioch, where Paul criticized Peter for not eating with Gentile believers, demonstrating hypocrisy and inconsistency with the gospel of freedom. This chapter underscores the truth that justification is by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, a point Paul robustly defends against any who would suggest otherwise.
Chapter 3
In this chapter, Paul uses the experience of the Galatians and the example of Abraham to argue that believers are justified by faith, not by the law. He questions the Galatians about receiving the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith, emphasizing that just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness," so too are Christians justified. Paul explains that the law was a tutor to lead us to Christ, but now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Chapter 4
Paul illustrates the believers' transformation from slaves under the law to adopted sons of God through Christ. He uses the allegory of Sarah and Hagar to differentiate between the covenant of slavery (law) and the covenant of freedom (promise). Paul expresses his personal concern for the Galatians, reminiscing about their earlier kindness and his fear that his efforts have been wasted. He urges them to remain in the freedom Christ provided and not to revert to the enslavement of legalism.
Chapter 5
This chapter emphasizes living by the Spirit and the stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul exhorts the Galatians to stand firm in their freedom and not submit again to the yoke of slavery (the law). He lists the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, making clear that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The chapter concludes with a call to live in the Spirit, letting the Spirit guide their lives.
Chapter 6
Paul concludes the epistle with practical advice on Christian living. He encourages the Galatians to bear one another's burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ. He discusses the principle of sowing and reaping, urging them to do good to all, especially to those in the household of faith. Paul emphasizes his own handwriting as a mark of the letter's authenticity and reiterates the centrality of the cross of Christ, dismissing the importance of circumcision. The letter ends with a benediction, wishing grace upon all who follow this rule of new creation.