Galatians

Lore & Background

Paul opens by asserting his apostolic authority comes directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1). He is shocked that the Galatians are so quickly deserting the one who called them for a different gospel (Galatians 1:6), and he insists his gospel is not of human origin (Galatians 1:11). He recounts that after his calling, he did not consult with others but later went to Jerusalem to present his gospel to the leaders, lest his work be in vain (Galatians 2:2). Paul describes how the gospel for the uncircumcised was entrusted to him, just as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (Galatians 2:7). He even confronts Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers out of fear of the circumcision party (Galatians 2:12).

Reader's Guide

The sampled passages portray Paul as a defender of a gospel that is not of human origin (Galatians 1:11) and that centers on faith in Christ rather than adherence to the law. He uses Abraham as an example: Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness (Galatians 3:6), and the promise to Abraham's seed—identified as Christ—is not through the law (Galatians 3:16, 3:21). Paul argues that believers are children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26) and are no longer servants but sons and heirs (Galatians 4:7). He warns against those who 'zealously affect' the Galatians for wrong motives (Galatians 4:17) and uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to contrast bondage and freedom (Galatians 4:22-27). The letter exhorts the Galatians to stand in the liberty Christ gives and not to be entangled again in a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). Paul emphasizes that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters, but faith working through love (Galatians 5:6), and he lists works of the flesh that exclude from God's kingdom (Galatians 5:21). He concludes with practical exhortations, including that each person will bear their own burden (Galatians 6:5).

Did You Know?

• Paul says his apostleship is 'not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ' (Galatians 1:1).
• Paul confronted Peter for separating from Gentile believers when certain men came from James (Galatians 2:12).
• Paul uses the example of Abraham's two sons to illustrate the difference between bondage and freedom (Galatians 4:22-27).
• Paul states that 'the just shall live by faith' (Galatians 3:11).