Introduction to the Book of Galatians (Part 1)
Why study the Book of Galatians?
- To get to know the apostle Paul (who wrote almost half of the books of the New Testament.
- To see some of the struggles faced by the early church during this transitional period from the Law to the gospel.
- To see from church history how important controversies were resolved.
- To clearly understand the correct theology of justification by faith alone.
Where is Galatia?
When was the gospel preached in Galatia?
- Paul's first missionary journey took him to the region of southern Galatia.
- Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:1-52)
- Preaching in Iconium (Acts 14:1-5)
- Preaching in the region of Lyconium: Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:6-21)
Who were these believers and what was their background?
- Paul preached in Jewish synagogues to an audience of Jews, proselytes, and "God fearers"
(Acts 13:5, 14, 43; and 14:1).
- Paul preached to an entire whole city. He was rejected by the Jews and turned to the Gentiles
(Acts 13:44, 46-49).
- Paul preached to pagan Gentiles who worshipped false gods using elaborate rituals
(Acts 14:11-13).