Introduction to Galatians

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul discusses what it means to be God’s people. Although many groups have special conditions for membership, the family of God is open to everyone. As Paul explains, there is incredible freedom in Christ—yet, at the same, His followers are called to live like Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has set us free, and we are to use our freedom to love others (Gal 5:1).

Background

The opening verses of Galatians identify Paul and several of his traveling companions as the authors of the letter, although Paul was probably the main writer (1:1–2). The letter’s recipients are described as the churches of Galatia—which were planted by Paul during his missionary journeys—but these churches’ locations are debated.

Galatia was a region in central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). According to one theory, the Galatians Paul addressed were in the southern part of Galatia, primarily in the cities Acts 13–14 records him visiting: Antioch in Pisidia, Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe (Acts 13–14). Paul would have written to these churches during ad 48–51—either before or shortly after the Jerusalem Council, held circa ad 49 (or 51).

Another theory places the Galatian churches in the northern part of the region, corresponding to the mentions of Paul visiting Galatia in Acts 16:6 and 18:23. In this case, Paul’s letter would have been written during his second or third missionary journeys (circa ad 49–57), but likely before he wrote Romans (mid-50s ad).

Regardless of their location, the Galatian churches consisted mostly of non-Jewish (Gentile) believers. Paul taught them that they were free in Christ and that they did not need to start following Jewish law once they became Christians. However, after Paul left the area, some outsiders arrived and disputed his teaching (Gal 1:6–7). According to them, it simply wasn’t possible to be God’s people without observing the Jewish laws. Much of Galatians is Paul’s response to this claim.

The debate about the letter’s recipients and date arises partly because of a connection to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). At this critical meeting, church leaders settled the issue that dominates Galatians: deciding that non-Jewish Christians should not be required to keep Old Testament laws and regulations (outside of a few; Acts 15:22–29). In Galatians, Paul may be articulating the council’s decision. Paul could also be offering the same viewpoint, prior to the council; this would mean that Paul’s description of his time in Jerusalem and Antioch in Galatians 2:1–14 likely correlates with Paul’s time in Antioch (Acts 11:19–30), but not the events of Acts 15. (If this is the case, Paul visited Jerusalem an additional time not recorded in Acts.)

Structure

After a customary greeting (Gal 1:1–5), Paul challenges the Galatians’ movement away from the gospel he preached (1:6–10), and he defends his apostleship (1:11–2:21). Paul argues that those in favor of non-Jewish people practicing Jewish law have a flawed understanding of the gospel.

In the next major section (3:1–5:12), Paul aims to correct the misunderstanding by contrasting his gospel and the false teaching. Relying on the law to secure a place among God’s people is foolish, he says; that approach leads only to slavery. In the final part of the letter (5:13–6:18), Paul outlines the practical implications of his gospel. Believers are to live by the Spirit in freedom. If they do this, then sin and divisions will cease.

Outline

• Paul’s defense of his apostleship (1:1–2:21)

• Paul’s defense of his gospel (3:1–5:12)

• Application of his viewpoint (5:13–6:18)

Themes

In Galatians, Paul explains what holds the Church together as God’s people: accepting God’s grace and living in step with His Spirit. The good news Paul preaches is that Christ Jesus has reconciled us to God and thus freed us from having to keep Old Testament law (2:19–21).

Paul says that Christians have to choose between the law and faith (3:10–14). A person who relies on keeping the law has thrown away the need for Jesus. Being right with God doesn’t have anything to do with our own actions; salvation is all about Jesus—His sacrificial death for our sins and new life taking hold in us (2:19–21; 5:16–24).

The law did have a purpose, though. It guarded God’s people until faith was revealed in Christ (3:24–25). But now, God’s people have the Spirit. We are full heirs of the promise of salvation and true children of God, having inherited what was promised to Abraham (3:23–29; Gen 12:1–3). Now, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be there for one another and to do good for others (Gal 5:25–6:10).

Further Reading

Paul the Apostle CLBD

Galatia CLBD