(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: Galatians – addressed to the churches in the Roman province of Galatia
• Definition: A polemical and theological epistle in which Paul defends the Gospel of justification by faith against legalistic distortions and reaffirms Christian freedom through the Spirit

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Paul the apostle, writing with urgency and authority to the Galatian believers
• When: Likely written between AD 48 and 55, either shortly before or after the Jerusalem Council, depending on whether it was addressed to South or North Galatia
• Audience: Churches in Galatia, primarily composed of Gentile believers who were being influenced by Judaizers insisting on circumcision and law observance
• Purpose: To confront the distortion of the Gospel, defend Paul’s apostolic authority, and re-establish the centrality of grace, faith, and the Spirit in Christian life

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Highly rhetorical, employing rebuke, irony, contrast, allegory, and impassioned appeals; lacks the usual thanksgiving section found in Paul’s other letters
• Key Themes: Justification by faith, grace versus law, spiritual freedom, the role of the law, identity in Christ, and life in the Spirit
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ Christ redeems from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13) and brings adoption as sons (4:4–5)
○ His crucifixion is the believer’s source of new identity (2:20)
○ The cross is the only true basis for boasting and righteousness (6:14)
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ Abraham’s two sons represent two covenants (4:21–31)
○ The fruit of the Spirit contrasts the works of the flesh (5:19–23)
○ Clothing oneself with Christ (3:27) symbolises new creation identity

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Introduction (1:1–5), defence of Paul’s apostleship and Gospel (1:6–2:21), doctrinal exposition (3:1–4:31), ethical exhortation (5:1–6:10), final warnings and conclusion (6:11–18)
• Canonical Significance: A foundational letter in Protestant theology, especially regarding salvation by grace through faith; complements Romans and Hebrews in doctrinal emphasis
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Closely parallels Romans in doctrine; connects with Acts regarding Paul’s missionary journeys and the Jerusalem controversy
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Extensive use of Genesis and the Abrahamic covenant; contrasts law and promise using Torah narrative
○ Connections to the New Testament: Influences understanding of justification, Spirit-led life, and Christian liberty in Paul’s other epistles
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: Christ as the seed of Abraham (3:16), fulfilment of the law (5:14), and bringer of the promise
○ Connections with Judaism: Engages deeply with Jewish law, circumcision, and covenant theology; affirms the law’s pedagogical role but denies its salvific power
○ Connections with Islam: Shared reverence for Abraham; differs fundamentally on Christ’s role, justification, and the nature of divine promise
• Key Passages or Verses: Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ”
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me”
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”
Galatians 5:22–23 – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: Paul presents himself as a divinely appointed apostle defending the true Gospel against compromise and distortion
• Who are the Main Characters: Paul, Peter (Cephas), Barnabas, the Galatian believers, Judaizers, Abraham, Hagar and Sarah (used allegorically)

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Initiator of grace and promise, provider of the Spirit and adoption through Christ
○ The Son – Redeemer from the law, unifier of all believers, and object of faith who lives within His people
○ The Holy Spirit – Given by faith, produces moral transformation, opposes the flesh, and marks sonship
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Christ as the fulfilment of the roles of priest and king; Paul as prophetic voice against legalism
• Role of the Church: The true children of Abraham, marked by faith not ethnicity or circumcision; called to live in freedom and love
• Role of Men and Women: Full equality in Christ affirmed (3:28); women included in the allegory and ethical instructions

(3) Background

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: Galatia, a Roman province in Asia Minor with both Celtic and Hellenistic influences; churches possibly located in cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe
• Historical Context: Written amidst controversy over whether Gentile believers must follow the Mosaic law, especially circumcision
• Cultural Context: Judaizing missionaries likely promoted adherence to Torah observance as essential, creating division and confusion in the community

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: Conflict between Jewish religious identity and Gentile inclusion in early Christianity formed a critical background
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: Greco-Roman moral philosophy intersected with Jewish ethical traditions; Paul critiques reliance on law regardless of cultural background
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: Honour culture and ethnic pride contributed to factionalism and attempts at self-justification
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Circumcision and dietary observance were at the heart of controversy
   ○ Paul redefines spiritual identity apart from external rituals

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Connects Abrahamic promise with New Testament fulfilment; challenges legalistic religion in every age
2. Theological Significance: Articulates core doctrines of justification by faith, Christian liberty, spiritual fruit, and life in the Spirit
3. Spiritual Themes: Grace, identity, freedom, Spirit-empowerment, sonship, unity in Christ, cruciform living
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: Salvation is by grace through faith alone. Christian life is led by the Spirit, not by legalism. Believers are sons and heirs, not slaves
5. The Book in Christian Theology: A cornerstone of Protestant Reformation theology; deeply influential in doctrines of grace, faith, and ecclesial identity
6. Historical Reception: Revered by Church Fathers and Reformers; often cited in debates on legalism, liberty, and faith-based righteousness

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Builds a Christological interpretation of the Abrahamic covenant and Mosaic law
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Engages Jewish legal traditions from a Christian perspective; critiques law-dependence without denying its historical value
3. Connections with Islam: Abrahamic language offers dialogue potential, though Christ’s role and the means of justification diverge significantly
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Impacted political philosophy on freedom, civil rights movements, and moral autonomy grounded in divine calling
5. Scientific Perspectives: Studied in historical-critical method, epistolary genre analysis, and theological anthropology
6. Global Perspective: Central to teaching on grace, legalism, and freedom in diverse church contexts worldwide; resonates with persecuted and marginalised believers

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: Themes of inner transformation, union with Christ, and being led by the Spirit have influenced mystics and contemplative traditions
2. Comparative Mythology: Rejects mythic salvation through works or rituals; proclaims historic, grace-based redemption in Christ
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Emphasises moral transformation through the Spirit rather than imposed legal codes; redefines freedom as service through love
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ Walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh
   ○ Avoid legalistic judgement and spiritual pride
   ○ Serve one another in love
   ○ Bear one another’s burdens
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Informs conversations on religious legalism, identity politics, spiritual formation, and Christian liberty in pluralistic societies

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Understanding Paul’s use of allegory in chapter 4, his polemical tone, and his critique of the law’s role
2. Theological Debates: Justification versus sanctification, continuity of the law, Spirit versus tradition, and assurance of salvation
3. Key Questions Addressed: What is the basis of Christian identity? How are we justified before God? What is the role of the Spirit and the law? How do we live as free people in Christ?