Galatians- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Paul
• Audience: Believers in Galatia
• Original Greek Name: Γαλάτες
• Translated Hebrew Name: גאלים
• Common English Name: Galatians
• Transliteration: Galates
• Meaning: Galatians
• Date Created: c 49 CE
• Content Reference Time: c 48-49 CE
• Key Individuals:
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Barnabas
  • Titus
  • Abraham
  • False teachers
• Key Themes:
  • The authenticity and authority of the gospel (Galatians 1:1-2:21)
  • The superiority and sufficiency of the gospel (Galatians 3:1-4:31)
  • The freedom and reconciliation found in the gospel (Galatians 5:1-6:18)
• Date Canonized: c 108-117 CE
• Abstract:

  The "book" of Galatians is Paul's letter to a group of believing communities in the Roman Empire's region of Galatia.  Paul writes to counter the error of legalism that had crept into these groups.  Even into the 21st century, legalism incorrectly teaches that a person must do something to enter into G-d's kingdom.  In Paul's day, legalism focused on the Law of Moses and the Abrahamic covenant, which required a man to be circumcised to be in the kingdom.  Paul first validates his authority as coming from Messiah and then affirms that salvation is by faith in Messiah alone.  He declares that the Law is not contrary to the promises G-d made to Abraham and that the purpose of the Law is not to bring about salvation.  Instead, the Law is the standard to which G-d's Spirit will sanctify those whom He has already saved and brought into His Kingdom.

• Location Created: Antioch
• Content Location: Galatia, Jerusalem
• Teaches:
  • Salvation is G-d's work alone.
  • Our works/deeds do not (and cannot) save us.
  • We enter into salvation by faith, and works cannot add to that salvation.
  • G-d's Holy Spirit is the One who works in us to save us.
• Chapters: 6
• Verses: 149