48. Galatians (Bible Summary)

Introduction (1:1–10)

Greetings (1:1–5)

Paul’s Salutation: Paul introduces himself as an apostle, not from men or by man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. He addresses the churches in Galatia, offering grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.

Denunciation (1:6–10)

Astonishment and Rebuke: Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly deserting the gospel of Christ for a different gospel. He condemns anyone, even an angel from heaven, who preaches a gospel contrary to the one he preached. Paul affirms that his goal is to please God, not man, and that his message is not of human origin but received through revelation from Jesus Christ.

Personal: Authentication of the Apostle of Liberty and Faith (1:11—2:21)

Paul’s Gospel Was Received by Special Revelation (1:11–12)

Divine Origin of the Gospel: Paul asserts that the gospel he preached is not of human origin, but was revealed to him directly by Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that he did not receive his teachings from other apostles or from any human source.

Paul’s Gospel Was Independent of the Jerusalem Apostles and the Judean Churches (1:13—2:21)

Evidenced by His Early Activities as a Christian (1:13–17): Paul recounts his former life in Judaism, how he persecuted the church of God, and how God called him by grace, revealing His Son to him. Paul emphasizes that he did not consult with anyone or go to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion but went to Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Evidenced by His First Post-Christian Visit to Jerusalem (1:18–24): Paul recounts his first visit to Jerusalem, where he met only Peter and James, the Lord’s brother. He emphasizes that the churches in Judea did not know him personally but only heard about his transformation and praised God because of him.
Evidenced by His Second Post-Christian Visit to Jerusalem (2:1–10): Paul recounts his second visit to Jerusalem, 14 years after his conversion, where he met with the apostles to ensure that he was not running in vain. He presents his gospel to the apostles, who affirm that he is preaching the true gospel. Paul emphasizes that the apostles recognized his calling to preach to the Gentiles and extended the right hand of fellowship to him.
Evidenced by His Rebuke of Peter at Antioch (2:11–21): Paul recounts how he publicly rebuked Peter in Antioch for withdrawing from eating with Gentiles out of fear of those who belonged to the circumcision group. Paul emphasizes that justification comes by faith in Christ, not by observing the law, and that anyone seeking justification through the law is alienated from Christ.

Doctrinal: Justification of the Doctrine of Liberty and Faith (chs. 3–4)

The Galatians’ Experience of the Gospel (3:1–5)

Foolishness of Turning to the Law: Paul rebukes the Galatians for their foolishness in turning to the law after receiving the Spirit through faith. He reminds them of the power of the Spirit and the miracles they experienced, which were not the result of observing the law but of hearing and believing the gospel.

The Experience of Abraham (3:6–9)

Abraham’s Example of Faith: Paul argues that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, and that those who have faith are children of Abraham. He highlights that the scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announces the good news in advance to Abraham, stating that all nations will be blessed through him.

The Curse of the Law (3:10–14)

The Law Brings a Curse: Paul explains that those who rely on observing the law are under a curse, because no one can perfectly keep the law. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, and through Him, the blessing given to Abraham comes to the Gentiles by faith.

The Priority of the Promise (3:15–18)

The Promise Supersedes the Law: Paul clarifies that the promise God made to Abraham came before the law and cannot be annulled by it. The law, which was given 430 years later, does not nullify the promise. The inheritance comes by promise, not by the law.

The Purpose of the Law (3:19–25)

The Law Was a Guardian: Paul explains that the law was added because of transgressions until the coming of Christ, and its purpose was to lead us to Christ. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Sons, Not Slaves (3:26—4:7)

Adoption as Sons: Paul affirms that through faith in Christ, believers are all sons of God, and that they have been adopted into God’s family. As sons, they are heirs according to God’s promise and are no longer slaves.

The Danger of Turning Back (4:8–11)

Returning to Slavery: Paul warns the Galatians not to turn back to their former ways of observing weak and worthless principles of the world. He expresses concern that his labor among them may have been in vain if they return to the law.

Appeal to Embrace the Freedom of God’s Children (4:12–20)

Paul’s Past Ministry to the Galatians: Paul appeals to the Galatians, reminding them of the personal affection they had for him and how they received him even though he came to them in weakness. He urges them to return to the joy and freedom they once had in Christ.

God’s Children Are Children of the Free Woman (4:21–31)

Allegory of Sarah and Hagar: Paul uses the allegory of Sarah and Hagar to show that believers are children of the free woman (Sarah), not of the slave woman (Hagar). The children of the free woman are born by the promise, while the children of the slave woman are born according to the flesh. Believers are heirs of the promise, and should not live under the bondage of the law.

Practical: Practice of the Life of Liberty and Faith (5:1—6:10)

Exhortation to Freedom (5:1–12)

Stand Firm in Freedom: Paul exhorts the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given them and not to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (the law). He warns them that if they accept circumcision, they are cutting themselves off from Christ and will be obligated to keep the whole law. He urges them to remain in the grace of Christ.

Life by the Spirit, Not by the Flesh (5:13–26)

Walking in the Spirit: Paul encourages the Galatians to live by the Spirit and not by the desires of the flesh. The works of the flesh lead to destruction, but the fruit of the Spirit brings life and peace. He lists the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Crucifying the Flesh: Paul reminds them that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, and are called to live in the Spirit, keeping in step with the Spirit.

Call for Mutual Help (6:1–10)

Restoring Those Who Fall: Paul calls on the Galatians to restore anyone who is caught in sin gently, being careful not to fall into temptation themselves. He encourages them to carry each other’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ.
Sowing and Reaping: Paul teaches that a person reaps what they sow. Those who sow to please the Spirit will reap eternal life, and those who sow to please the flesh will reap destruction. He urges the Galatians to do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Conclusion and Benediction (6:11–18)

Final Remarks: Paul concludes by writing with his own hand, emphasizing that the false teachers who promote circumcision are only concerned with outward appearances and do not keep the law themselves. He asserts that for believers, the only thing that counts is being a new creation in Christ.
Benediction: Paul ends with a blessing of peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, the Israel of God. He gives his final greetings and prays that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with their spirits.