Galatians
Audience
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Key References
Explore the Structure
Explore the structure of each book.
| Section | Focus | Connection to the whole |
|---|---|---|
| The gospel and Paul's commission Galatians 1:1–2:21 Interpretation | Authority, fellowship, and justification | Paul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ. |
| Promise and the law Galatians 3:1–4:31 Interpretation | Abraham, sonship, and freedom | Paul reasons from Scripture and the readers' experience, explaining the relation of promise, law, and their identity in Christ. |
| Freedom lived through the Spirit Galatians 5:1–6:18 Interpretation | Love, holiness, and mutual responsibility | The practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good. |
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.