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Introduction to Galatians
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Galatians
- Paul declares his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ; he says that he is surprised by the false teachings that the Christians in Galatia have accepted from other people (1:1-10).
- Paul says that people are saved by trusting in Christ alone, not by keeping the law (1:11-2:21).
- God puts people right with himself only when they trust in Christ; the example of Abraham; the curse which the law brings (and not a means of salvation); slavery and freedom compared and illustrated by Hagar and Sarah (3:1-4:31).
- When people are joined to Christ, they become free from having to keep the law of Moses. They are also free to live as the Holy Spirit guides them. They are free to refuse the demands of sin. They are free to bear each other's burdens (5:1-6:10).
- Paul warns the Christians not to trust in being circumcised and in keeping the law of Moses. Instead, they must trust in Christ (6:11-18).
What is the Book of Galatians about?
Paul wrote this letter to both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians in the region of Galatia. He wanted to write against the false teaching that said that Christians need to follow the law of Moses. Paul defended the gospel by explaining that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a result of the kindness of God and not a result of people doing good works. Any attempt to please God by obeying the law of Moses will bring condemnation by God. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/goodnews, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith, rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/works)
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Galatians," or "Paul's Letter to the Church in Galatia." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What does it mean to "live like Jews" (2:14)?
To "live like Jews" means to follow the law of Moses, even though one trusts in Christ. The people among the early Christians who taught that this was necessary were called "Judaizers."
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
How does Paul use the terms "law" and "grace" in the Book of Galatians?
These terms are used in a relatively unique way in Galatians. There is an important teaching in Galatians about Christian living. Under the law of Moses, righteous or holy living required a person to follow a set of rules and regulations. As Christians, holy living is now motivated by grace. This means that Christians have freedom in Christ and are not required to follow a specific set of rules. Instead, Christians are to live a holy life out of thankfulness for the grace God has shown. This is called "the law of Christ." (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy)
What does Paul mean by the expression "in Christ," "in the Lord," etc.?
This kind of expression occurs in 1:22; 2:4, 17; 3:14, 26, 28; 5:6, 10. Paul means in general to express the idea of very close union with Christ and the believers. At the same time, he often intends to signal other kinds of relationships. See, for example, "when we seek for God to justify us in Christ" (2:17), where Paul speaks of justification by means of Christ.
Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.
What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Galatians?
The following passage is the most significant textual issue in the Book of Galatians:
- "Foolish Galatians, whose evil eye has harmed you? Was not Jesus Christ depicted as crucified before your eyes?" (3:1) The ULB, UDB, and the other modern versions have this reading. However, the King James version adds, "[so] that ye should not obey the truth." Translators are advised not to include this expression, because it was probably not original to the Book of Galatians.