By Jack Wilkie
A couple of months ago, we looked at the book of Hebrews, which deals with a group of Christians who were returning to Judaism. The Hebrews writer showed them all the ways that Jesus is better than what came before. In Galatians, we have a similar situation that is slightly different. Instead of returning to the Old Law completely, the false teachers (Judaizers) hurt the churches of Galatia by teaching that certain portions of the Old Law (such as circumcision) were necessary for salvation. Naturally, this alienated the Gentile brethren, as the Jews looked down on them and tried to compel them to incorporate the Old Law. Paul wrote to set the record straight on the difference between the Law and the Gospel and the unity the Gospel brings to the church.
Background Information
Unlike most of the other epistles, which were addressed to the saints in one specific city, Galatians was written to the Christians in the region of Galatia. While there is some debate as to the specifics of the intended audience, most would agree that the recipients of this letter were the churches mentioned in Acts 13-14. This would put the date somewhere around 48-50 A.D., making it one of the earlier writings in the New Testament. Paul’s authorship, while challenged by some, really has no reason to be disputed. When looking at all of his writings, Galatians is at or near the top when it comes to the influence of Paul’s personality on the book, as he spends a great deal of time describing his own personal experiences and defending his ministry.
Key Themes
After his greeting, Paul immediately begins scolding the Galatians for turning away from the Gospel they had heard from him (1:6-9). This branches into the two main themes of the book. First, Paul was affirming his standing as an apostle who had received his teaching directly from Jesus Christ. Because of this, they had no reason to doubt the things he had taught them, no matter what anyone else said or did (even the other apostles, as we see in chapter two). However, it’s clear that some of them had already fallen victim to false teachings, listening to those who would compel them to incorporate the Old Law into their Christianity.
The discussion of the Law vs. the Gospel is the second major theme in this epistle. Paul ends the book (chapters 5-6) to discuss the necessity of living and walking by the Spirit instead of the Law.
Key Verses
As mentioned above, Paul’s opening remarks about a gospel which was contrary to what he taught give us a clear look into the things he intended to discuss, so 1:8-9 stand out as pretty important. 2:19-21 helps identify the problem that the new teaching was causing. If we try to implement the teachings of the Law, we make Christ’s death needless and we remove faith and grace from the equation. 3:26-29 is also essential to our understanding of this epistle and the Gospel in general, as it shows that baptism ends all fleshly differences such as nationality or social standing. Obedience to circumcision nor any other aspect of the Law makes anyone an heir. Only baptism can do that, and through that act we are all one.
Key Words
As the discussion of the book largely centers on the need to leave the Law behind, it naturally follows that law would be a keyword. Also, used in contrast to the Law, the word gospel can also be found frequently in Galatians. Spirit occurs quite a few times as well, especially in the second half of the epistle as Paul demonstrates the difference between living by a system of law and walking in the Spirit.
While much of this talk about the Law may seem irrelevant to those of us who don’t feel any pressure to return to the Mosaic Covenant, there is still a lot to learn from Paul’s epistle to the Galatians. We need to examine the things we are taught and make sure our beliefs and actions line up with what we find in the New Testament.  We also have to remember to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh.  We are subjects of our King whose will is on the pages of the New Testament,  not the commands of the Old Law. Keep this contrast in mind as you spend some time digging deep in Galatians!