Author
Paul, a Jewish apostle of Christ, established many New Testament churches and wrote 12 letters, including this one, which he autographed (Gal 1:1; 5:2).
Date
The exact date for Galatians is uncertain and is dependent on the location of the actual recipients of the letter as being in North or South Galatia. If written to churches founded on Paul’s first missionary journey to South Galatia, then the date would be AD 48 to 50 (see map, Paul’s First Missionary Journey). If written to churches founded on the second missionary journey to North Galatia, then AD 55 to 57 would be more accurate (see map, Paul’s Second Missionary Journey).
Background
Setting
The influence of Greek and Roman culture was confusing to new converts in young churches. Many members of a legalistic Jewish party (Judaizers) taught that salvation for Gentiles must include Jewish circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law.
Purpose
Paul presented a strong defense of his apostolic mission, emphasizing justification by faith alone and setting forth his instructions for Christian living.
Audience
The churches in the region of Galatia are the initial recipients of this letter, but its message is also for churches in every generation.
Literary Characteristics
This Pauline letter follows the typical format of a first century, Graeco-Roman letter. It is in the form of personal correspondence.
Themes
Within the letter are found these themes:
• Justification is by faith, not by keeping the law;
• Christian freedom, which is freedom from the law and freedom for service to God, is declared; and
• Guidelines for Christian living are given.
Outline
Introduction (1:1–24)
The greeting (1:1–5)
The message (1:6–9)
The testimony (1:10–17)
The followers (1:18–24)
I. The Presentation of the Gospel (2:1–21)
A. A defense of the gospel (2:1–10)
B. The rejection of justification by works (2:11–21)
II. The Reconciliation of Law and Grace (3:1–29)
A. The gift of grace (3:1–9)
B. The curse of the law (3:10–14)
C. The promises of God (3:15–18)
D. The purpose of the law (3:19–25)
E. The inheritance of the faith (3:26–29)
III. The Unfolding of God’s Plan (4:1–31)
A. From slavery to sonship (4:1–7)
B. Concerns for the church (4:8–20)
C. Covenant promises (4:21–31)
IV. The Challenge to Christian Living (5:1–26)
A. The experience of freedom (5:1–6)
B. The service in love (5:7–15)
C. The walk in the Spirit (5:16–26)
Conclusion (6:1–18)
Sharing one another’s burdens (6:1–5)
Doing good (6:6–10)
Boasting in the cross of Christ (6:11–15)
Bearing the marks of Jesus (6:16–18)