Paul had led the Galatians to Christ. They had made a good start in the Christian life and were doing well spiritually. Later, some Jewish teachers (called Judaizers) taught the Galatians that to be saved one must not only believe in Christ, but must also obey the Mosaic Law, the sign of which is circumcision. In preaching this heresy, they also attacked Paul’s apostleship and gospel. Their false teachings begin to hinder the Galatian’s obedience to the LORD GOD, and they were starting to observe some parts of the law, as well as considering a complete acceptance of the law.
Paul writes his epistle to expose the error of the Judaizers’ gospel and their impure motives. His ultimate goal is to prevent the readers from embracing a false gospel and to encourage them to retain their spiritual freedom in Christ. Paul’s focus is the justification by God’s grace through faith, the true message of salvation received directly from Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1
1:1-5 Greeting
1:6-10 There is no other gospel
1:11-24 Paul’s ministry of the true gospel
Galatians 2
2:1-10 Paul’s ministry of the true gospel (continued)
2:11-14 Paul rebukes Peter at Antioch
2:15-21 Justification is not of the law
Galatians 3
3:1-5 Freedom from the law
3:6-18 God’s covenant with Abraham
3:19-29 Purpose of the law
Galatians 4
4:1-7 Purpose of the law (continued)
4:8-20 Faith and the law
4:21-31 The allegory of Hagar and Sarah
Galatians 5
5:1-15 Living by faith
5:16-26 Walking in the Spirit
Galatians 6
6:1-10 Applications of new principles
6:11-18 Paul glories in the cross
