Paul (Defender of the Gospel)
Category: Endurance in truth & opposition
Could avoid: Compromise with Judaizers to avoid conflict.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Acts 5:29.
Chose: Confronted false teachers and even rebuked Peter.
“When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (Galatians 2:11)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 27:5–6; 1 Timothy 5:20.
Endured: Slander, persecution, opposition.
“Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?” (Galatians 5:11)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 11:23–27; Acts 13:45.
Why: To preserve the truth of the gospel.
“We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” (Galatians 2:5)
Cross-Refs: Jude 3; John 8:32.
Result: Gospel of grace upheld for Jews and Gentiles.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)
Cross-Refs: Romans 8:2; John 8:36.
The Galatian Believers
Category: Endurance in faith & resisting false teaching
Could avoid: Accept circumcision and law-keeping to avoid persecution.
“Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised.” (Galatians 6:12)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 3:2–3; Acts 15:1.
Chose: Live by faith in Christ alone.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Cross-Refs: Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:3–4.
Endured: Pressure from Judaizers, division, persecution.
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.” (Galatians 3:1)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 11:3–4; Hebrews 12:3.
Why: Called to freedom and to walk by the Spirit.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
Cross-Refs: Romans 8:1–4; Ephesians 5:18.
Result: Inheritance as children of God.
“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7)
Cross-Refs: Romans 8:17; Titus 3:7.
Abraham (as Example)
Category: Endurance in faith & promise
Could avoid: Doubt God’s covenant promises.
“So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” (Galatians 3:6)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:20–22.
Chose: Believed God’s promise despite delay.
“Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:7)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 6:15; James 2:23.
Endured: Waiting years for Isaac, living as a pilgrim.
“The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham.” (Galatians 3:8)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 12:3; Hebrews 11:8–10.
Why: Trusted God’s covenant oath.
“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:14)
Cross-Refs: Romans 9:8; Revelation 7:9.
Result: Became the father of all who believe.
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
Cross-Refs: Romans 4:16; Hebrews 6:17.
Christian Endurance (Theological Theme)
Category: Endurance in freedom & Spirit-led living
Could avoid: Return to slavery of law and flesh.
“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” (Galatians 4:8)
Cross-Refs: Romans 6:20–21; Colossians 2:20–21.
Chose: Stand firm in freedom through Christ.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 2:16; John 8:36.
Endured: Works of the flesh, spiritual conflict.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” (Galatians 5:17)
Cross-Refs: Romans 7:23; Ephesians 6:12.
Why: To produce fruit of the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
Cross-Refs: John 15:5; Colossians 3:12–14.
Result: Eternal life by sowing to the Spirit.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 12:1–2.