Step By Step Through the New Testament(Part II)

Rev. Christopher J. RespassAntioch Bible Institute

Spring 2014

Lesson 12: Galatians: Prolegomena & Overview

Prolegomena--AudienceThe Epistle of Galatians is addressed “to the

churches of Galatia” (Gal 1:2). “Galatia” was used in two different ways during the NT Period. As an “ethnic” term, it referred to an area in central Asia Minor where people from a Celtic background from Gaul came to live. As a “political” term, Galatia meant the original territory combined with new territories annexed by the Romans in 25 BC. This “political” Galatia includes cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.

Date of Galatians The dating of Galatians depends on to whom Paul was writing the letter.

A. Ethnic Galatia (“North”): 55-57 AD

B. Political Galatia (“South”): 49-50 AD

The arguments for the Southern Theory are more compelling.

Occasion for Galatians

The Apostle Paul wrote Galatians to refute the false teachings of the Judaizers. The “Judaizers” were those who taught that new, Gentile believers had to be circumcised in order to be saved (see, Acts 15:1). Essentially, they required adherence to the Law and to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the

custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." Acts 15:1

Theme of Galatians

Theme: Paul’s Defense of the Gospel of Grace

I. Paul’s Personal Argument for Grace (1:1-2:14)

II. Paul’s Theological Argument for Grace (2:15-4:31)

III. Paul’s Practical Argument for Grace (5:1-6:18)

Key Teachings

I. Reject those who tamper with the truth (Gal. 1:6-10).

A. There is only one Gospel.

B. That Gospel has been passed down by the Apostles.

C. That Gospel has been passed down by Paul himself—which he received directly from God (see, Gal 1:11-24).

Key Teachings

II. All are justified by Faith, not by works of the Law (Gal. 2:15-21).

A. Justification is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

B. No one will be justified by works of the Law.

C. The life we now live, we live by faith in Jesus Christ.

Key TeachingsIII. True Believers walk in the Spirit and not

the flesh (Gal. 5:16-25).A. If you live by the Spirit you will not

gratify the desires of the flesh.

B. The works of the flesh are evident (v.19-21).

C. The Fruit of the Spirit are evident also (v.22-23).

D. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh.

Questions