Book of Galatians

Galatians is Paul’s boldest and most urgent letter. It reads like a fire alarm—loud, direct, and impossible to ignore. Why? Because the very heart of the gospel was under attack.

False teachers had crept into the churches of Galatia, twisting the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ into a religion of rules, rituals, and human effort. Paul doesn’t respond with calm debate—he responds with holy urgency. In Galatians, we learn that adding to the gospel is actually abandoning it.

Author & Setting

Paul wrote Galatians to a group of churches in the Roman province of Galatia, likely around A.D. 48–50, making it one of his earliest letters. These were Gentile believers whom Paul had evangelized during his first missionary journey (Acts 13–14).

After Paul’s departure, Judaizers—Jewish-Christian teachers—began insisting that Gentile converts must follow Old Testament laws (like circumcision) to be fully accepted by God. Paul writes with passionate clarity: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—plus nothing.

Big Picture Theme

Galatians proclaims the true gospel of freedom in Christ: we are justified not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, who sets us free to live by the Spirit.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1

Key Verses

• Galatians 2:16

“A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.”

• Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

• Galatians 5:1

“For freedom Christ has set us free…”

Major Themes

1. Justification by Faith Alone
   Paul anchors the gospel in the doctrine of justification: we are declared righteous before God not by law-keeping but by faith in Christ, who fulfilled the law for us.
2. The Danger of Legalism
   Adding even one requirement to the gospel (like circumcision, ritual, or moral performance) nullifies grace. Salvation is not Jesus plus something—it’s Jesus only.
3. Gospel Freedom
   Freedom is not the right to do whatever we want, but the power to become what we were meant to be: children of God, led by the Spirit, bearing the fruit of Christlikeness.
4. Life in the Spirit
   Chapters 5–6 show that those justified by faith are also empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is not lived by the flesh or by legalism, but by walking in step with the Spirit.
5. The Unity of God’s People
   In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—we are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). The gospel creates a new community, not based on law but grace.

Galatians’ Structure

Galatians has a sharp, clear structure:

1. Ch. 1–2: Personal defense of Paul’s apostleship and message—he received the gospel from Christ, not man.
2. Ch. 3–4: Doctrinal defense of justification by faith using Abraham, the law, and adoption.
3. Ch. 5–6: Practical application—walking in freedom, love, and life by the Spirit.

Paul moves from personal testimony → theological argument → practical transformation—showing that the gospel changes everything.

Why Galatians Matters Today

Legalism didn’t die in the first century. It just takes different forms today.

Whether it's “do more, try harder” religion, performance-based Christianity, or cultural Christianity that adds human tradition to the gospel—Galatians calls us back to Christ alone.

• Are you exhausted from trying to earn God’s approval?
• Are you afraid you're not doing enough?
• Are you slipping into judgmentalism or pride?

Galatians is your letter. It offers rest from performance, security in Christ, and joy in the Spirit.

How Galatians Points Us to Jesus

Jesus is not just the giver of the gospel—He is the gospel.

• He was “born of a woman, born under the law” to redeem those under the law (Gal. 4:4–5).
• He was publicly portrayed as crucified for our sins (Gal. 3:1).
• He took the curse we deserved so we could receive blessing (Gal. 3:13–14).
• He rose again to send the Spirit and make us sons and daughters of God (Gal. 4:6–7).

To trust Jesus is to be crucified with Him, raised with Him, and free in Him.

Reflection Question

Is your confidence in Christ—or in your performance?
Galatians invites you to lay down your burdens, turn from self-reliance, and rest in the finished work of Jesus. Where are you tempted to add to the gospel?

Up Next in the Bible Series

Next, we’ll dive into Ephesians, a sweeping vision of God’s eternal plan of redemption—and our new identity in Christ.