Galatians 1-3

Galatians 1

from: https://www.jesuswalk.com/galatians/0_introduction.htm

Paulwrote Galatians to the churches in Galatia (modern-day central Turkey) in AD 48-55. Some say that this was his earliest letter (so possibly AD 48-49)

There are two main views:

1. South Galatia View (most common)
   • Churches such as Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
   • Founded during Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13–14).
2. North Galatia View
   • Written to ethnic Galatians farther north.

Paul’s Greeting

• Paul emphasizes that his apostleship came directly from Jesus Christ
  • not given by human leaders

No Other Gospel

• Paul is astonished that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel
  • False teachers are troubling the churches
  • Even an angel from heaven is cursed if he preaches another gospel
• Paul seeks God’s approval, not man’s

The Gospel Revealed by Christ

• Paul’s gospel was not learned from human teachers
• He formerly persecuted the church
  • But God called him by grace before he was born
• Christ personally revealed the gospel to him

Paul’s Early Ministry

• Paul briefly visited Peter (Cephas) and James
• He was unknown to the churches in Judea
• Believers glorified God because of his change in heart towards Christians. 

Galatians 2

The Gospel Confirmed in Jerusalem

• Paul meets with the leaders in Jerusalem (because God told him to in a revelation)
• Titus, a Gentile believer, is not forced to be circumcised
  • False brothers come in and said that it was necessary for him to
  • Paul does not submit to them
• The apostles recognize Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles
  • Peter’s was to the Jews

Paul Confronts Peter

• Peter freely eats with Gentile believers
  • But he withdraws from them when certain Jewish believers arrive
  • His actions influenced Barnabas
• Paul publicly rebukes Peter for living in the law 

Justification by Faith Alone

• No one is justified by works of the Law
  • People are justified through faith in Jesus Christ
• Believers have died to the Law through Christ
  • Christ now lives in those who trust Him
• If righteousness came through the Law, Christ died for no purpose

Galatians 3

Paul rebukes the Galatians for turning from the gospel

• They received the Holy Spirit through faith, not works

Abraham’s Example

• Abraham believed God and was counted righteous
• Those who have faith are Abraham’s true children
• God planned to bless all nations through faith

 Christ Redeems from the Curse

• Everyone who relies on Law-keeping remains under a curse
  • “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” See Deuteronomy 27:26
  • “The one who does them shall live by them.” See Leviticus 8:5
• The righteous live by faith as Christ became a curse for us on the cross
  • “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” see Deuteronomy 21:23
• Through Christ, Gentiles receive Abraham’s blessing

 God’s Promise Cannot Be Changed

• It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
• God’s covenant promise to Abraham came before the Law
  • The Law cannot cancel God’s promise
• Inheritance comes through God’s promise, not Law-keeping

The Purpose of the Law

• The Law was added because of transgressions
  • Appointed by angels (served as mediator)
• It served as temporary until Christ came
• The Law shows our sin but cannot provide salvation- only Jesus can
  • But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

 Sons and Heirs Through Faith

• The Law acted as a guardian until Christ
• Through faith, believers become children of God
• All believers are together in Christ
  • There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring and heirs

Application

We must always remember that the gospel comes from God alone, not by works. We should remind ourselves of the gospel daily so that we do not slip into the bondages of the Law.  Whoever believes in Christ is part of His family, Jew and Gentile alike.