New Testament 101: Galatians

From the very beginning of this letter to the churches in the region of Galatia (in central Asia Minor), Paul makes two things clear to his readers: he is a true apostle, and his message is the only one true message (1:10).  These statements were very important because some people claimed that Paul was a false prophet apostle with a false message.

Paul was indeed a true apostle, and his mission to the Gentiles was given to him by the Lord and approved by the apostles in Jerusalem (1: 18-2:10).  Paul had even corrected the apostle Peter when he had stopped eating with Gentile followers who were not obeying the Law of Moses (2: 1-18).

Faith is the only way to be saved.  Paul insists that this was true already for Abraham, who had received God’s promise by faith.  And Paul leaves no doubt about what his own faith means to him:

          I have been nailed to the cross with Christ.  I have died, but Christ lives in me.
          And now I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.

A Quick Look at This Letter:

A True Apostle and the True Message (1: 1-10)
Good Chose Paul To Be an Apostle (1: 11-24)
Paul Defends His Message (2: 1-21)
Faith Is the Only Way to Be Saved (3: 1-4. 31)
Guided by the Spirit and Love (5: 1-6)
Final Warnings (6: 11-18)

Beryl

Galatia was located in modern-day Turkey.