After Paul left Galatia, false teachers arrived who undermined his authority and the free gift of God’s grace. They tried to force these Gentile converts to be circumcised, and the new Christians fell for it! Paul was astonished. He reacted with the fieriest words he was ever inspired to write. Why would anyone trade freedom in Christ for bondage to the Law of Moses? Those clothed with Christ in baptism are free from the curse of the Law. We are free to serve, to love, and to give. We dare not turn from Christ to sin, fall from grace, and be lost.
As
you prepare for this study:
Read
Paul’s letter to the Galatians, and write down several of your observations.
Read
Acts 13 and 14, and use your Bible maps, to study and review the cities Paul
visited as part of his mission efforts in Galatia. List the events that took
place there.
Place: Event: Significance:
Read
Acts 15, and keep this “Jerusalem Conference” in mind as you read Galatians.
Read
all of Galatians at one sitting.
How does the
letter compare or contrast with Paul’s other letters – in its greeting, its
content, and its style?
What is the
tone of the letter? Positive? Disciplinary? Gentle? Firm?
What is
Paul’s state of mind? Is he happy? Fired up? Surprised?
What does
Paul say about himself in the letter?
In what ways,
and with what words, does Paul compliment
the Galatians?
In what ways,
and with what words, does Paul criticize
the Galatians?
What major
concerns and questions are addressed in the letter?
What false
teachings does this letter seek to correct?
What
doctrines and truths are taught?
What
leadership principles emerge? What leadership challenges?
What words
stand out as you read?
Words that are repeated:
Words that
express shock or dismay:
Words that
rebuke or correct:
Words that
commend:
Words that
condemn:
How
would you outline the letter?
What
title would you give the letter as a whole?
What
does Paul want the Galatians to do – or to stop doing – after reading the
letter?
If
you were to teach Galatians to someone else, how would
you go about it?