Galatians Bible Study – Introduction

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Introduction to the Book of Galatians

Paul wrote to the church in Galatia because they were deserting the grace of God and returning to Moses’ law. They were also questioning Paul’s apostleship and so he spent the first two chapters defending his authority as an apostle of Christ.

Next, Paul defends the gospel and reminds them that they are saved by faith alone, in Christ alone and that no works of the law would earn them favor with God. He wanted them to experience freedom from legalism, sin and the law and to live their life of faith, led by the Holy Spirit.

He closes with a list of the works of the flesh and then a contrasting list of the fruit of the Spirit. He reminds them of the principle of reaping and sowing, and how if they sow to the flesh, they will reap corruption but if they sow to the Spirit, they will reap eternal life. Paul opens the book with grace and closes the book with grace and emphasizes grace—all the way through. We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone and because of Christ’s work on the cross, we have been set free.

The Purpose: The purpose of this Galatian letter is that salvation only comes through faith alone, in Christ alone. The Galatians were replacing the grace of God with Moses’ Law and so Paul wrote to correct their errors and affirm them in their faith.

The Author: The Apostle Paul.

Time Period: Between A.D. 49 and 55
During Paul’s first and second missionary journeys he visited South Galatia (Acts 13 &15), so this letter was written to the churches he visited there. This is most likely the first New Testament book written.

The Purpose: The purpose of this Galatian letter is that salvation only comes through faith alone, in Christ alone. The Galatians were replacing the grace of God with Moses’ Law and so Paul wrote to correct their errors and affirm them in their faith.

The Author: The Apostle Paul.

Time Period: Between A.D. 49 and 55
During Paul’s first and second missionary journeys he visited South Galatia (Acts 13 &15), so this letter was written to the churches he visited there. This is most likely the first New Testament book written.

Key Verse: Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The Outline:

1. Introduction (1:1-5)
2. The Problem (1:6-9)
3. Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship (1:10-2:14)
4. Paul’s Defense of the Gospel and Grace by Faith (3:1-4:31)
5. Freedom Found in Christ (5:1-6:10)
6. Conclusion and Final Rebuke (6:11-18)