A study of the book of

May 26–August 4

Context

c. AD 33

c. AD 46–47

c. AD 48

Paul's Conversion

Paul's ministry in Southern Galatia

Paul writes Galatians

Galatia was a large region in north-central Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Paul and Barnabas established churches in southern Galatia during Paul's first missionary journey (c. AD 46-47; Acts 13:13-14:23).

Though scholars debate the issue, Paul probably wrote Galatians in AD 48, perhaps from Antioch. He wrote because he had learned that false teachers (Gal. 1:6-7) had misled the churches. These people taught that non-Jews must adopt Jewish practices (4:10; 5:4) to have a right standing with God (3:2, 5).

The phrase "works of the law" was especially important to these teachers, and Paul mentions it six times (2:16 [3x); 3:2, 5, 10). Since the false teachers emphasized circumcision (5:2-3) and religious festivals (4:10), the phrase probably refers mainly to Moses' commandments that deal with these practices (Gen. 17:1-14; Leviticus 23). These observances distinguished Jews from non-Jews. The false teachers were saying that the non-Jewish Christians in Galatia needed to "live like Jews" (Gal. 2:14) in order to be part of God's people.

Paul broadens the concept of "works of the law" to include the law's moral demands (2:15, 17; 5:3; 6:13). But Paul stresses that all people—both Jews and Gentiles—are sinners and can receive a right standing with God only by believing in Christ Jesus (2:15-16).

Setting

In Paul's time, a Roman governor ruled Galatia. Galatia had an agrarian economy based on grain, grapes, and sheep. Paul probably wrote this letter to all the churches in the southern part of Galatia. The first recipients would have read it and then sent it on (or made copies to send) to other churches.

Galatians: Summary

Paul opens the letter by emphasizing his authority, as an apostle, to define "the gospel" (1:1-5).

He expresses astonishment that the churches are abandoning that gospel (1:6-2:14). He then explains the essence of the gospel (2:15-21). He calls them back to their original faith (3:1-6), explaining that it is like Abraham's faith. Their faith makes them children of Abraham and members of God's people. They do not need to observe the Mosaic law (vv. 7-14) to have that standing. Doing "works of the law" now would be like turning the clock of history back to when Israel lived under the law's curse because they had disobeyed it (3:15-5:1). The Galatians should instead turn back to the good news that God puts people right with himself through faith in Christ alone. They should live in a way that pleases God (5:2-6:18).

Reading Guide

Sunday, May 26th Part 1: Am I Grounded Enough?
Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9

Sunday, June 2nd Part 2: The Gospel of Grace
Scripture: Galatians 1:10-24

Sunday, June 9th Part 3: The Unity of the Gospel
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

Sunday, June 16th Part 4: A Clear and Compelling Gospel
Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

Sunday, June 23rd Part 5: Being Set Free from Spiritual Dullness
Scripture: Galatians 3:1-14

Sunday, June 30th Part 6: The Law and Life in the Gospel
Scripture: Galatians 3:15-29

Sunday, July 7th Part 7: Heart for God, Heart for People
Scripture: Galatians 4:1-20

Sunday, July 14th Part 8: By the Flesh or By the Spirit
Scripture: Galatians 4:21-31

Sunday, July 21st Part 9: Guarding the Gift of God’s Grace
Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Sunday, July 28th Part 10: Walking in the Spirit
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Sunday, August 4th Part 11: A New Dimension of Power and Love
Scripture: Galatians 6

Ready to go deeper? We use Discovery Bible Study, a method of study that encourages the reading of scripture within community to address some of our biggest questions, overcome hurdles, and encourage obedience to the Word of God. The model is always the same and it builds on itself each week, no matter what your community is reading.

Discovery Bible Study Questions

First, Recap…

  • Retell the narrative from last week’s passage in your own words, with others filling in the details as needed.

  • How did you respond to the passage, or who did you share it with?

Then, Study…

  • Read this week’s passage aloud. Retell it in your own words.

  • Have someone else read the passage again. What does this passage teach us about God, Jesus, or His plan?

  • Have someone else read the passsage a third time. What does this passage teach us about humanity, sin, and our needs?

Now, Respond.

  • If this is God’s will for my life, how will I respond to it and obey in light of it?

  • Who else am I going to tell about this passage?

  • Pray together: ask God for opportunities to respond to His word and share it with others.

Recommended Resources

ESV Scripture Journal: Galatians

$4.79

ESV Scripture Journals pair the entirety of individual books of the Bible with lightly lined blank pages opposite each page of Bible text, allowing readers to take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture.

Galatians For You
by Tim Keller

$11.99

Combining close attention to the text with Keller's trademark gift for clear explanation and compelling insights, Galatians for You is a uniquely flexible resource. It can simply be read as a book or used as a daily devotional, complete with reflection questions

OneBook.
Galatians

$12.95

What is the Christian’s relationship to the Old Testament? How does Christ fit in to the larger story of salvation reaching as far back as Abraham? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life? Answer these and more with Seedbed’s OneBook for Galatians.

Exalting Jesus in Galatians
by David Platt

$12.69

Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, the authors have crafted chapters that explain and apply key passages in their assigned Bible books. Readers will learn to see Christ in all aspects of Scripture, and they will be encouraged by the devotional nature of each exposition.