Short introduction/synopsis to the New Testament Book of Galatians and an outline to the book. A good bible study.
The book of Galatians was written by Paul in the year 49 or 55. The churches in Galatia were fashioned to a certain extent of converted Jews and Gentiles. The Apostle Paul emphasizes his apostolic personality as well as the doctrines that he was teaching. He did this in hopes that he would sanction the Galatian churches in the faith of Jesus Christ. It is believed this letter was written during the third missionary trip and that the church was founded during the second missionary trip.
The subject of Galatians seems to be parallel to that of Romans in the aspect of justification by faith alone. Paul directs special attention to the fact that men are justified by faith not by the Law of Moses. This of course was something quite different for the Jews to hear. The Jewish people had after all been brought out of the wilderness by Moses; now Christ is becoming the authority for people to stand on.
The concept of Galatians is one that deals with how people can come to God being of a sinful nature while God is of a holy nature. How does a sinful person stand in the presence of a Holy God? Paul gives the answer to this problem by saying there is one way only, through the salvation of God's grace which comes from the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. In other words, Paul says that one must receive Jesus Christ as savior to come before God. Paul says no longer do we need to pay attention to the "good point or good works" salvation of Moses law, but instead we simply need to follow the salvation plan of God through His Son Christ Jesus. The main theme of Galatians is justification by faith. This concept is explained, defended and applied. Paul also talks of his three years in Arabia, the fruits of the Spirit and his correction of Peter.
An Outline to the book of Galatians:
Introduction to the book 1:1-10
A. Paul talks about his apostleship and states it did not come from man, but instead was ordained by Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ appointed Paul as an Apostle
B. Paul tells the people they were falling away from God
C. Paul talks about the grace of Jesus Christ and His Gospel
D. Paul says he is a bond-servant of Christ
Faith and Justification 1:11-2:21
A. Paul says that the Gospel he preaches comes from the anointing of God not man
B. Paul is defending his authority as an apostle
C. Paul says that he is an apostle just as John, Peter and James
D. Paul says also that the church in Jerusalem approves him
E. Paul rebukes Peter
Paul explains Justification by faith 3:1- 4:31
A. Faith and works and the argument for and against
B. Abraham's stand
C. The point of Law
D. Paul shows the law as bringing a curse and states the righteous man shall live by faith
E. Paul speaks of the baptism into Christ, not by water but instead by the Spirit of Christ
F. Paul speaks from personal testimony
G. Paul gives an allegory of Ishmael and Isaac (Genesis 16:15; 21:3)
The application of faith by justification 5:1-6:10
A. Grace and law do not mix
B. If we walk in Christ we will not walk desiring fleshly things
C. We should desire to assist all people and to give of self
Paul's concluding words 6:11-18
A. A solemn blessing given from Paul
B. Paul asks the people to walk by the rule he has given
Resources:
KJV Holy Bible
NIV Holy Bible
Sermon notes by Pastor Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
