Galatians was written by Paul the apostle to the churches he established during his first missionary journey in the Roman province of Galatia. Galatia includes the cities of Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Paul’s relationship with the Galatian churches is recorded primarily in Acts 13-14.

Purposes:

The purposes of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians are:

1. To establish Paul’s credibility as a true apostle (Galatians 1:13-2:21)
2. To defend the teaching of grace and salvation by faith alone apart from works.

Unique Teachings:

Teachings unique to Galatians are the purpose of the Law and the fruit of the spirit.

Outline:

1. PERSONAL – Grace and the Gospel (1-2)
   1. Grace declared in Paul’s message (Galatians 1:1-10)
   2. Grace demonstrated in Paul’s life (Galatians 1:11-24)
   3. Grace defended in Paul’s ministry (Galatians 2:1-21)
2. DOCTRINAL – Grace and the Law (3-4)
   1. Personal argument from experience (Galatians 3:1-5)
   2. Scriptural argument – Abraham’s faith (Galatians 3:6-14)
   3. Logical argument (Galatians 3:15-29)
   4. Dispensational argument (Galatians 4:1-11)
   5. Sentimental argument (Galatians 4:12-20)
   6. Allegorical argument (Galatians 4:21-31)
3. PRACTICAL – Grace and the Christian Life (5-6)
   1. Liberty, not bondage (Galatians 5:1-15)
   2. Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26)
   3. Others, not self (Galatians 6:1-10)
   4. God’s glory, not man’s approval (Galatians 6:11-18)