The book of Galatians is a Pauline Epistle being a letter from the Apostle Paul, inspired by God and to form part of the canon of Holy Scripture. It was the first of Paul’s letters and he wrote it because of heresies coming into the young infant Church. It is therefore an apologetic defence of the Gospel (the Good News of Salvation in Jesus alone).
It was written by the Apostle Paul in 49 A.D. prior to the Jerusalem Council which had taken place in 50 A.D. The key personalities of this book are the Apostle Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Abraham, Titus, and false teachers. Paul writes this book to deal with the problem of circumcision, Jewish legalism toward Gentile believers and the Gnostics.
In chapters 1-2, Paul’s gives his testimony about how he had received the authentic God given Gospel message. He warns that if anyone presents another Gospel message other than the one, he was preaching, that person is “As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” Galatians 1:9. Paul was speaking of the one true Gospel that he had received. Cross reference – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Paul then declares that Messiah now lives within him, and directs, and empowers him to live as the Lord’s ambassador and instrument: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” Galatians 2:20.
In Chapters 3 to 5:12, Paul begins by declaring that salvation is through faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ “Alone”, and cannot be obtained through the keeping of the Law. “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:1-3.
The Law with its 10 Commandments is our tutor to lead us to salvation in Jesus Christ, “The Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith” Galatians 3:24. No one can fully obey or keep the 10 Commandments. It is impossible as every person has broken them in part or in whole. All have sinned and fallen short, therefore, we can only obtain salvation through trusting in our Saviour, Jesus Christ by confessing Him as Lord and following His commandments and example.
In Chapter 5:13 to Chapter 6, Paul teaches the Fruits of the Spirit and tells us to “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” Galatians 5:16. Good works do not save anyone, but a Christian believer and disciple must have the desire to produce good fruit, obey God’s Law and live a holy and righteous life in the eyes of God. Cross reference – James 2:18; 3:13.
In chapter 6 Paul teaches us to bear and share burdens, to be generous, to do good and finally to glory only in the work of the Cross. He finishes with a blessing and a plea.
Christians then, should live this redeemed life before family, friends, neighbours and those we meet in life. We are to be a holy people, called out and separate. We have the ministry of reconciliation as Paul teaches us in 2 Corinthians 5:18.