December 2, 2025
Finding the Family of Faith
Galatians 4-6
Rachel Butterfield
Big Book Idea
Through Christ, we have freedom from sin and a family of faith.
Key Verse | Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 4-6
Chapter 4
Sons and Heirs
1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, 1 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7 though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles 2 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9 of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Paul's Concern for the Galatians
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
12 Brothers, 3 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31 I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 4 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Example of Hagar and Sarah
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; 5 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,
“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than those of the one who has a husband.”
28 Now you, 6 4:28 Some manuscripts we brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Chapter 5
Christ Has Set Us Free
1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified 7 5:4 Or counted righteous by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, 8 5:11 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 13 still preach 9 5:11 Greek proclaim circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Keep in Step with the Spirit
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, 10 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do 11 5:21 Or make a practice of doing such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Chapter 6
Bear One Another's Burdens
1 Brothers, 12 6:1 Or Brothers and sisters; also verse 18 if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Final Warning and Benediction
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which 13 6:14 Or through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Footnotes
[1] 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7[2] 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9
[3] 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31
[4] 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you
[5] 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia
[6] 4:28 Some manuscripts we
[7] 5:4 Or counted righteous
[8] 5:11 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 13
[9] 5:11 Greek proclaim
[10] 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder
[11] 5:21 Or make a practice of doing
[12] 6:1 Or Brothers and sisters; also verse 18
[13] 6:14 Or through whom
Table of Contents
Introduction to Galatians
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
The apostle Paul wrote this letter about A.D. 48. The Galatians are probably believers in the churches of the southern region of the Roman province of Galatia. Paul is more critical of his audience here than in any of his other letters.
Theme
Christ’s death has brought in the age of the new covenant (3:23–26; 4:4–5, 24). People do not have to become Jews or follow the outward ceremonies of the Mosaic law in order to be Christians (2:3, 11–12, 14; 4:10). To require these things denies the heart of the gospel, which is justification by faith alone and not by keeping the “works of the law” (2:16). In this new age, Christians are to live in the guidance and power of the Spirit (chs. 5–6).
Purpose
False teachers have convinced the Galatians that they are required to be circumcised. The result is division within their church (5:15). Paul gives numerous reasons why they should return to the simple truth of the gospel.
Key Themes
- In his sin-bearing death, Christ is a substitute for all Christians. He brings them into a new realm of freedom and life (1:4; 2:20; 3:13).
- The gospel of Christ comes from God alone—not from any human source. Paul himself is a living example of this. His conversion to Christ and his apostleship were not through human means. They came through direct revelation from Christ (1:1, 11–12, 15–20).
- Salvation comes not by works of law but by faith, which leads to justification (2:16).
- To require circumcision and other Mosaic laws as a supplement to faith is to fall back from the realm of grace and freedom and to come under the whole law and its curse, since perfect observance of the law is impossible (2:12–14, 16; 3:10; 4:10; 5:3).
- Old Testament Scripture itself testifies to the truth of justification by faith (Gen. 15:6; Hab. 2:4).
- Believers have died with Christ to sin and therefore have renounced the flesh (Gal. 5:24; 6:14).
- The Spirit is the source of power and guidance in the Christian life. He produces love and faith in the believer (5:6, 16, 18, 25).
- The Christian life is one of pleasing Christ. This requires willingness to suffer persecution for the sake of his cross (1:10; 6:12, 14).
Outline
- Opening (1:1–9)
- Indirect Appeal: Paul’s Ministry and the Gospel (1:10–2:21)
- Direct Appeals to the Galatians (3:1–5:12)
- Life in the Spirit and Love (5:13–6:10)
- Final Warning (6:11–18)
The Setting of Galatians
c. A.D. 48
Paul’s letter to the Galatians was likely written to the churches he had established during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1–14:28). He probably wrote the letter from his home church in Antioch in Syria, sometime before the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:1–31).
Fact: Father
Jesus encourages his disciples to call God their Father (6:6, 9). This reminds believers that God has adopted them as his children because of Jesus (see Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). In Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, “Abba” was the word for father (see Mark 14:36).
Fact: The household of God
Paul often describes the church as the household of God (3:4–5, 12, 15; see Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19). This means that the church is God’s family, and its members are brothers and sisters. Also, just like a family, there are certain roles and responsibilities for its members.
The Authentication of Paul’s Letters
In 2:2 Paul warns against letters that claim to come from him but do not. In 11 places in his letters Paul either identifies himself or gives his signature. This supports the conclusion that all of the NT letters attributed to Paul are in fact authentic, rather than having been written by someone else in Paul’s name.
| 1 Cor. 16:21 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand |
| 2 Cor. 10:1 | I, Paul, myself entreat you |
| Gal. 5:2 | Look: I, Paul, say to you |
| Gal. 6:11 | See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand |
| Eph. 3:1 | I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus |
| Col. 1:23 | of which I, Paul, became a minister |
| Col. 4:18 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand |
| 1 Thess. 2:18 | we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again |
| 2 Thess. 2:2 | not to be . . . alarmed . . . by . . . a letter seeming to be from us |
| 2 Thess. 3:17 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write |
| Philem. 19 | I, Paul, write this with my own hand |
The Epistles
| Book | Author | Date | Recipients | Place of Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James | James | 40–45 | Jewish Christians in or near Palestine | Jerusalem? |
| Galatians | Paul | 48 | South Galatian churches | Syrian Antioch |
| 1 Thessalonians | Paul | 49–51 | Church in Thessalonica | Corinth |
| 2 Thessalonians | Paul | 49–51 | Church in Thessalonica | Corinth |
| 1 Corinthians | Paul | 53–55 | Church in Corinth | Ephesus |
| 2 Corinthians | Paul | 55–56 | Church in Corinth | Macedonia |
| Romans | Paul | 57 | Church in Rome | Corinth |
| Philippians | Paul | 62 | Church in Philippi | Rome |
| Colossians | Paul | 62 | Church in Colossae | Rome |
| Philemon | Paul | 62 | Philemon | Rome |
| Ephesians | Paul | 62 | Churches in Asia Minor (circular letter?) | Rome |
| 1 Timothy | Paul | 62–64 | Timothy | Macedonia? |
| Titus | Paul | 62–64 | Titus | Nicopolis |
| 1 Peter | Peter | 62–63 | Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor | Rome |
| 2 Peter | Peter | 64–67 | Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor? | Rome |
| 2 Timothy | Paul | 64–67 | Timothy | Rome |
| Jude | Jude | Mid–60s | Jewish Christians in Egypt? Asia Minor? Antioch? | Unknown |
| Hebrews | Unknown | 60–70 | Jewish Christians in Rome or in or near Palestine | Unknown |
| 1 John | John | 85–95 | Churches near Ephesus? | Ephesus |
| 2 John | John | 85–95 | Church or churches near Ephesus | Ephesus |
| 3 John | John | 85–95 | Gaius | Ephesus |
Gal. 4:1–3 When a son is too young to receive his inheritance, he has no more status than a slave. (On Roman slaves, or bondservants, see note on 1 Cor. 7:21.) This was the situation of Paul and his fellow Israelites under the old covenant.
Gal. 4:4 when the fullness of time had come. God sent his Son at the right moment in human history. God directed world events and prepared peoples and nations for Christ, and for the proclamation of the gospel.
Fact: Father
Jesus encourages his disciples to call God their Father (6:6, 9). This reminds believers that God has adopted them as his children because of Jesus (see Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). In Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, “Abba” was the word for father (see Mark 14:36).
Gal. 3:19–4:7 The law was never intended to last forever. Now that the promised Messiah has come, those who believe in him are sons of God.
Gal. 4:6–7 because you are sons. Because Christians are now sons, they may receive the inheritance. This begins with the promised Spirit of his Son. Abba is the Aramaic word for “father” (compare Rom. 8:14–17).
Gal. 4:8 those that by nature are not gods. Demonic spirits that controlled the Galatians’ former religion (compare 1 Cor. 10:20).
Gal. 4:10 Days and months and seasons and years were all part of the ceremonial laws of the Mosaic covenant (see Lev. 23:5, 16, 28; 25:4). To require Christians to follow such OT laws is to forfeit the gospel of justification by faith alone, in Christ alone.
Gal. 4:8–11 The Galatians are in danger of forfeiting sonship and abandoning the true God. They risk returning to false gods (v. 8) and to worldly ways of life (vv. 9–10).
Gal. 4:12 as I am. Paul is free from following Mosaic ceremonial regulations. He lives by faith in Christ. as you are. Paul had become like the Gentiles by not living under Jewish law when ministering to them.
Gal. 4:13 because of a bodily ailment . . . I preached the gospel to you. The exact nature of this illness is not known. “Because” apparently means that Paul had to stay in Galatia because of this illness. He took that opportunity to preach to them.
Gal. 4:17 The false teachers flatter the Galatians, but only to receive flattery from them in return. to shut you out. They want to form an exclusive club of people who observe Jewish ceremonial laws.
Gal. 4:12–20 As in 3:1–5, Paul reminds the Galatians of what happened when they heard the gospel. He also contrasts his own ministry with that of the false teachers.
Gal. 4:19–20 The Galatians, like little children, have not been growing. Paul’s deep concern for them is like the pain of childbirth.
Gal. 4:21 law . . . law. Paul plays on the different meanings of “law”: it can mean the commandments given by Moses (all of which the Galatians mistakenly want to obey), but it can also mean the first five books of the Bible as a whole.
Gal. 4:23 Ishmael was the son born when Abraham and Sarah tried to have a child through Hagar. The promise is the absolute opposite of the flesh. A promise is a word from God that will be fulfilled by God (see Rom. 4:18–21), just as Isaac was born by God’s miraculous work.
Gal. 4:26–27 All those who believe in Christ belong to the heavenly Jerusalem. They are the true Israel. As Isaiah prophesied (Isa. 54:1), God will bring about the birth of children where there are none, even among the Gentiles.
Gal. 4:30 Cast out the slave woman and her son implies also the casting out of all who seek justification through their own efforts instead of through faith.
Gal. 4:21–31 Paul again emphasizes the difference between being a free child of God and being a slave to the law, sin, and false gods. Abraham’s son Ishmael—technically the firstborn—represents the slave sons of Abraham and thus the enslaving Sinai covenant. Isaac represents the free sons of Abraham (see Genesis 16–17; 21; Gal. 3:7, 29).
The Authentication of Paul’s Letters
In 2:2 Paul warns against letters that claim to come from him but do not. In 11 places in his letters Paul either identifies himself or gives his signature. This supports the conclusion that all of the NT letters attributed to Paul are in fact authentic, rather than having been written by someone else in Paul’s name.
| 1 Cor. 16:21 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand |
| 2 Cor. 10:1 | I, Paul, myself entreat you |
| Gal. 5:2 | Look: I, Paul, say to you |
| Gal. 6:11 | See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand |
| Eph. 3:1 | I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus |
| Col. 1:23 | of which I, Paul, became a minister |
| Col. 4:18 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand |
| 1 Thess. 2:18 | we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again |
| 2 Thess. 2:2 | not to be . . . alarmed . . . by . . . a letter seeming to be from us |
| 2 Thess. 3:17 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write |
| Philem. 19 | I, Paul, write this with my own hand |
Gal. 5:5 we . . . wait for the hope of righteousness. Christians do not try to produce perfect righteousness in their lives by their own efforts. Instead, they wait for God to complete righteousness in them when they die (Heb. 12:23) or at Christ’s return (1 Cor. 15:49).
Gal. 5:11 If Paul still preached that people had to be circumcised, then the offense of the cross would be removed. Jesus’ work on the cross reminds people that their efforts to be right with God outside of Christ are useless.
Gal. 3:1–5:12 Direct Appeals to the Galatians. Paul gives several reasons why the Galatians should resist false teachers.
Gal. 5:1–12 Those who turn to the law for salvation cut themselves off from salvation.
Gal. 5:13 freedom. From Mosaic laws, as represented by circumcision. Opportunity for the flesh means “opportunity to follow your fallen, sinful desires and act contrary to God’s moral laws.”
Gal. 5:16 Having contrasted the flesh with love (vv. 13–14), Paul now contrasts the flesh with the Spirit. The only way to conquer the flesh is to yield to the Spirit. walk by the Spirit. Making decisions and choices according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and acting with the spiritual power that the Spirit supplies. the desires of the flesh. Bodily cravings and the desires of fallen human nature (see examples in vv. 19–21).
Gal. 5:18 led by the Spirit. The Greek verb implies an active, personal involvement by the Holy Spirit in guiding Christians. The present tense (“if you are being led . . . ”) indicates the Spirit’s ongoing activity. you are not under the law. The Spirit’s active presence in believers’ lives shows that they are no longer under the pre-Christian system (see 3:2, 5, 14; 4:6).
Gal. 5:19 works of the flesh. Without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, sinful humans follow wicked desires and actions.
Gal. 5:21 Drunkenness and orgies are examples of how people use God’s good gifts in destructive and sinful ways. In the OT, wine was associated with joy and celebration (e.g., Neh. 8:10; Ps. 104:15; see note on John 2:3). When abused, however, wine was seen as highly destructive (Prov. 20:1; 21:17; 23:29–35). Drunkenness is consistently condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., Eph. 5:18). Sex is a precious gift for husband and wife. When it is abused it also has highly destructive consequences (1 Cor. 6:18). those who do such things. Those who act in this way as a pattern of life. Their outward conduct indicates they are not born of God. They do not have the Holy Spirit within. They are not God’s true children.
Gal. 5:22–23 The Spirit defends against sin. He also produces in Christians the positive traits of godly character.
Gal. 5:24 Again, Christ and the Spirit (v. 25) come together in the believer’s life. Christians have crucified the flesh. They have died with Christ to sin (see 6:14; Rom. 6:4–6).
Gal. 5:16–26 Life under the law expresses itself in the works of the flesh, but those who live by the Spirit bear fruit pleasing to God.
Gal. 6:1 you who are spiritual. This does not refer to an elite class of Christians. It describes mature and experienced Christians. They are able to help their troubled brother or sister.
Gal. 6:2 and so fulfill the law of Christ. In a broad sense this means the entire body of ethical teaching that Jesus gave and endorsed (see note on 1 Cor. 9:21). In a specific sense it probably refers to the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Matt. 22:39; John 13:34).
Gal. 6:7–8 whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Paul’s reference to “reaping” has in view the blessings of eternal life that belong to the believer as the result of “sowing” his life to the Spirit.
Gal. 5:13–6:10 Life in the Spirit and Love. Freedom from the law does not lead to lawless behavior. By the power of the Spirit, believers live a new life characterized by love.
Gal. 6:1–10 Paul illustrates a life of love in the Spirit.
Gal. 6:10 While believers await their rewards (vv. 7–9) they should do good. The primary focus should be on serving other believers, but not to the exclusion of people outside the church.
Fact: The household of God
Paul often describes the church as the household of God (3:4–5, 12, 15; see Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19). This means that the church is God’s family, and its members are brothers and sisters. Also, just like a family, there are certain roles and responsibilities for its members.
Gal. 6:11 Paul probably has been dictating the letter to a scribe (compare Rom. 16:22). Now, however, he adds his “signature” (see 2 Thess. 3:17).
The Authentication of Paul’s Letters
In 2:2 Paul warns against letters that claim to come from him but do not. In 11 places in his letters Paul either identifies himself or gives his signature. This supports the conclusion that all of the NT letters attributed to Paul are in fact authentic, rather than having been written by someone else in Paul’s name.
| 1 Cor. 16:21 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand |
| 2 Cor. 10:1 | I, Paul, myself entreat you |
| Gal. 5:2 | Look: I, Paul, say to you |
| Gal. 6:11 | See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand |
| Eph. 3:1 | I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus |
| Col. 1:23 | of which I, Paul, became a minister |
| Col. 4:18 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand |
| 1 Thess. 2:18 | we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again |
| 2 Thess. 2:2 | not to be . . . alarmed . . . by . . . a letter seeming to be from us |
| 2 Thess. 3:17 | I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write |
| Philem. 19 | I, Paul, write this with my own hand |
Gal. 6:14 the world has been crucified to me. The world no longer attracts and influences Paul.
Gal. 6:15 On Christians as a new creation, see 2 Cor. 5:17.
Gal. 6:17 The false teachers, and perhaps some of the Galatian Christians, have been misrepresenting Paul. Paul insists on the respect that is due his ministry. He is a genuine minister of Christ and has the scars to prove it—what he calls the marks of Jesus that resulted from his being persecuted (see 2 Cor. 11:23–27).
Gal. 6:11–18 Final Warning. Paul summarizes the main themes of the letter and challenges the reader to stay true to the gospel. To require circumcision is to deny the cross and the new creation. Those who belong to the new creation are the true Israel.
Gal. 6:18 Paul’s final prayerful blessing shows that he has not given up on the Galatians. He still refers to them as brothers and calls on Christ and the Spirit to give them grace.
Introduction to Galatians
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
The apostle Paul wrote this letter about A.D. 48. The Galatians are probably believers in the churches of the southern region of the Roman province of Galatia. Paul is more critical of his audience here than in any of his other letters.
Theme
Christ’s death has brought in the age of the new covenant (3:23–26; 4:4–5, 24). People do not have to become Jews or follow the outward ceremonies of the Mosaic law in order to be Christians (2:3, 11–12, 14; 4:10). To require these things denies the heart of the gospel, which is justification by faith alone and not by keeping the “works of the law” (2:16). In this new age, Christians are to live in the guidance and power of the Spirit (chs. 5–6).
Purpose
False teachers have convinced the Galatians that they are required to be circumcised. The result is division within their church (5:15). Paul gives numerous reasons why they should return to the simple truth of the gospel.
Key Themes
- In his sin-bearing death, Christ is a substitute for all Christians. He brings them into a new realm of freedom and life (1:4; 2:20; 3:13).
- The gospel of Christ comes from God alone—not from any human source. Paul himself is a living example of this. His conversion to Christ and his apostleship were not through human means. They came through direct revelation from Christ (1:1, 11–12, 15–20).
- Salvation comes not by works of law but by faith, which leads to justification (2:16).
- To require circumcision and other Mosaic laws as a supplement to faith is to fall back from the realm of grace and freedom and to come under the whole law and its curse, since perfect observance of the law is impossible (2:12–14, 16; 3:10; 4:10; 5:3).
- Old Testament Scripture itself testifies to the truth of justification by faith (Gen. 15:6; Hab. 2:4).
- Believers have died with Christ to sin and therefore have renounced the flesh (Gal. 5:24; 6:14).
- The Spirit is the source of power and guidance in the Christian life. He produces love and faith in the believer (5:6, 16, 18, 25).
- The Christian life is one of pleasing Christ. This requires willingness to suffer persecution for the sake of his cross (1:10; 6:12, 14).
Outline
- Opening (1:1–9)
- Indirect Appeal: Paul’s Ministry and the Gospel (1:10–2:21)
- Direct Appeals to the Galatians (3:1–5:12)
- Life in the Spirit and Love (5:13–6:10)
- Final Warning (6:11–18)
The Setting of Galatians
c. A.D. 48
Paul’s letter to the Galatians was likely written to the churches he had established during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1–14:28). He probably wrote the letter from his home church in Antioch in Syria, sometime before the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:1–31).
S4:288 Galatians 4-6
Listen NowDive Deeper | Galatians 4-6
Take a moment and think back to who you were before you were met with the grace and love of Christ. What defined your life? After you chose to follow Jesus, what were those initial days, weeks, and months like? Were they full of zeal, enthusiasm, and sprinting forward as fast as you could? Were they still filled with trying to justify why Jesus saved you?
The church in Galatia found themselves in a similar position. They loved Jesus and were running hard after him, but they found themselves trapped again in sin. Because of false teachers, the Galatians believed that being circumcised and adhering to the Old Testament law were essential to receive salvation. Paul reminds them that through Christ's death on the cross and resurrection, he fulfilled the entire law. It is no longer by our works and adherence to the law that we are saved, but rather through our faith in him.
In the same way, we can easily find ourselves thinking that going to church, attending community group, serving, and reading the Bible are ways to justify our salvation. While these are good things, when we do them to try to earn God's love, we are minimizing the cross and saying that Jesus' sacrifice wasn't enough. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1 that "[f]or freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
How then do we live in this freedom? It sounds really hard. Thankfully, Jesus did not leave us to figure it out on our own! He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us. Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to lay down our sinful and fleshly desires. As he teaches us to walk in step with him instead of our sinful desires, we begin to experience and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. As we walk in freedom, we are then able to take our eyes off of ourselves and look to those around us to encourage, serve, and love them the way Christ first loved us.
This month's memory verse
"And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
– Revelation 21:5
Discussion Questions
1. What comes to mind when you hear that you have freedom in Christ? Is there any part of you that struggles to believe that?
2. In Galatians 5:7, Paul asks the Galatians who is hindering them "from obeying the truth." What or who is hindering you from obeying the truth? What is one step you can take today to surrender that to Jesus?
3. What is one way that you can serve or love the body of Christ today because of the freedom that you have in Christ?