The book of Galatians
The Book of Galations
What is the book of Galations about?
Following Paul's successful campaign in Galatia, Judaizers (Jewish Christians that believed ceremonial practicies of the Old Testament were still binding to the New Testament church) insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity abide by certain Old Testament rules, especially circumcision. The book of Galatians is Paul's letter to the regional churches affected by these Judaizers.
The Judaizers may have been motivated by a desire to save themselves by persecution from zealous Jews who objected to their fraternizing with Gentiles (see 6:12). The Judaizers argued that Paul was not an authentic apostle and that out of a desire to make the message more appealing to Gentiles he had removed from the gospel certain legal requirements.
Paul responds by clearly establishing his apostolic authority and thereby substantiating the gospel he preached. Galatians tells us of the essential New Testament truth that people are justified (saved) by faith in Jesus Christ, nothing less and nothing more. Christians are sanctified not by rules and rituals but by the obedience that comes from faith in God's work for them, in them, and through them by the grace and power of Christ and the Holy Spirit!
Who wrote the book of Galatians?
The author of the book of Galatians is the apostle Paul.
Who is the audience?
Churches in southern Galatia, and perhaps northern Galatia (modern day Turkey), both founded by Paul during his missionary journey.
Timeframe Galatians was written:
Written sometime around AD 48.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
The book of Galatians outlines Paul's letter to several regional churches stating Christians are free from restrictive Jewish laws.
Fun facts about Galatians/Did you know?
In 6:11 Paul says "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!" He may have closed this letter for emphasis. Some suggest that Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was poor eyesight. Likely dictated by a scribe up until the end, Paul may have took the pen into his own hands and finished with large letters so he could see what he was writing.
