Summary of the Book of Galatians

The book of Galatians is a Pauline Epistle (letter from Paul).

It was written by the Apostle Paul about 49 A.D. prior to the Jerusalem Council which had taken place in 50 A.D.

This quite possibly could have been Paul’s first letter. 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 and Jewish legalism toward Gentile believers.

Chapters 1-2 – Paul gives his testimony about how he had received the authentic Gospel message. He said:

.”..If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (1:9).

Paul was speaking of the one true Gospel that he had received; Please read 1st Cor 15:1-4.

Paul then declares that Christ now lives within him, and directs, and empowers him to live as Christ’s ambassador and instrument:

“I am crucified with Christ: never the less I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (2:20).

Chapters 3-5:12 – Paul begins by declaring that salvation is through faith and trust in Jesus Christ “Alone”, and cannot be obtained through the keeping of the Law.

“O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (3:1-3).

The Law (the 10 Commandments) is our tutor to lead us to salvation in Jesus Christ:

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (3:24).

No one can obey the 10 Commandments. It is impossible. Every person has broken them; therefore, we can only attain salvation through trusting in our Savior Christ Jesus.

Chapters 5:13-6 – He teaches that we have to:

“…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. the Fruits of the Spirit and tells us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (5:16).

Good works does not save, but a Christian must have the desire to produce good fruit, obey God’s Law and live a holy and righteous life in the eyes of God. Christians should live this redeemed life.