Title and Author: The book of Galatians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. The title "Galatians" refers to the recipients of the letter, the churches in the region of Galatia. Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, is known for his missionary journeys and epistles, which form a significant portion of the New Testament.

Historical Context: Galatians was likely written around A.D. 48-55. The letter addresses the early Christian communities in the Roman province of Galatia, which is in modern-day Turkey. During this time, the early church was grappling with the integration of Gentile converts and the role of Jewish law in Christianity.

Audience: The primary audience of Galatians was the Gentile Christians in Galatia. These believers were being influenced by Judaizers, who taught that adherence to Jewish law, including circumcision, was necessary for salvation.

Purpose: Paul wrote Galatians to counter the false teachings of the Judaizers and to reaffirm the doctrine of justification by faith alone. He sought to defend his apostolic authority and to clarify the true gospel of grace.

Genre and Style: Galatians is an epistle, characterized by its argumentative and polemical style. Paul uses rhetorical questions, personal testimony, and scriptural references to make his case.1. Paul (Galatians 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the letter to the Galatians. He identifies himself as an apostle "sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father." He writes to address issues in the Galatian church and to defend the gospel of grace.

2. Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:1)
- Jesus Christ is central to Paul's message. He is the Son of God who was raised from the dead and through whom believers receive grace and peace. Paul emphasizes the significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

3. God the Father (Galatians 1:1)
- God the Father is mentioned as the one who raised Jesus from the dead. He is part of the divine authority behind Paul's apostleship and the source of grace and peace to believers.

4. James (Galatians 1:19)
- James is referred to as "the Lord's brother" and is a leader in the Jerusalem church. Paul mentions meeting him during his visit to Jerusalem, highlighting James's importance in the early Christian community.

5. Cephas (Peter) (Galatians 1:18)
- Cephas, also known as Peter, is one of the original apostles. Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem where he stayed with Peter for fifteen days, indicating Peter's role as a key figure in the early church.

6. Barnabas (Galatians 2:1)
- Barnabas is a fellow worker and companion of Paul. He accompanied Paul to Jerusalem to discuss the gospel they preached among the Gentiles, showing his involvement in missionary work and church leadership.

7. Titus (Galatians 2:1)
- Titus is a Greek believer who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. His presence is significant in the discussion about whether Gentile converts should be circumcised, as he was not compelled to undergo the procedure.

8. Abraham (Galatians 3:6)
- Abraham is used as an example of faith. Paul refers to him to illustrate that righteousness comes by faith, not by the law, as Abraham "believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

9. Isaac (Galatians 4:28)
- Isaac is mentioned in the allegory of Sarah and Hagar. He represents the children of promise, born through the Spirit, contrasting with those born according to the flesh.

10. Hagar (Galatians 4:24)
- Hagar is used in an allegory to represent the old covenant from Mount Sinai, which bears children into slavery. She is the mother of Ishmael, contrasting with Sarah, the mother of Isaac.

11. Sarah (Galatians 4:22)
- Sarah is the free woman in Paul's allegory, representing the new covenant. She is the mother of Isaac, symbolizing the promise and freedom found in Christ.

12. Ishmael (Galatians 4:22)
- Ishmael is the son of Hagar and represents those born according to the flesh. He is used in the allegory to contrast with Isaac, the child of promise.1. Galatia (Galatians 1:2)
- Galatia was a region in central Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Paul addresses his letter to the churches in this area, which he had visited during his missionary journeys. The Galatians were primarily Gentiles, and Paul writes to them to address issues related to the Judaizers who were influencing them.

2. Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17)
- Jerusalem is the city where the early Christian church was centered and where the apostles were based. Paul mentions not going to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion, highlighting his independence from the original apostles in his understanding of the Gospel.

3. Damascus (Galatians 1:17)
- Damascus is the city where Paul went after his conversion on the road to Damascus. It is significant as the place where Paul began his new life as a follower of Christ and started preaching the Gospel.

4. Arabia (Galatians 1:17)
- Arabia refers to the region where Paul spent time after his conversion. This period is somewhat mysterious, but it is believed to be a time of reflection and preparation for his ministry.

5. Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:21)
- These regions are mentioned as places where Paul traveled after his initial visit to Jerusalem. Cilicia is particularly significant as it includes Tarsus, Paul's hometown. This indicates Paul's early missionary activities before his more extensive journeys.

6. Antioch (Galatians 2:11)
- Antioch was a major center of early Christianity and the location of a significant incident involving Paul and Peter. Paul recounts confronting Peter in Antioch over the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church, emphasizing the theme of justification by faith.1. Paul's Greeting and Introduction (Galatians 1:1-5)
- Paul opens the letter with a greeting, establishing his apostleship as not from men but through Jesus Christ and God the Father. He extends grace and peace to the churches in Galatia.

2. Paul's Astonishment at the Galatians' Desertion (Galatians 1:6-10)
- Paul expresses his surprise that the Galatians are quickly turning to a different gospel, which is not really another gospel. He warns against those who are distorting the gospel of Christ.

3. Paul's Defense of His Apostleship (Galatians 1:11-24)
- Paul defends the divine origin of his gospel, explaining that he received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. He recounts his past in Judaism and his conversion, emphasizing that he did not consult with anyone immediately after his conversion.

4. Paul's Visit to Jerusalem and Meeting with the Apostles (Galatians 2:1-10)
- Fourteen years later, Paul visits Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. He meets with the apostles to ensure that his preaching to the Gentiles is not in vain. The apostles recognize his mission and extend the right hand of fellowship.

5. Paul Confronts Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14)
- Paul recounts an incident in Antioch where he opposed Peter to his face because Peter was acting hypocritically by withdrawing from Gentile believers due to pressure from certain Jewish Christians.

6. Justification by Faith, Not by Works of the Law (Galatians 2:15-21)
- Paul emphasizes that a person is justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law. He explains that if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

7. Receiving the Spirit by Faith (Galatians 3:1-5)
- Paul questions the Galatians about how they received the Spirit, highlighting that it was by believing what they heard, not by observing the law.

8. The Example of Abraham (Galatians 3:6-9)
- Paul uses Abraham as an example of faith, explaining that those who have faith are children of Abraham and are blessed along with him.

9. The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-25)
- Paul explains that the law was added because of transgressions until the coming of the promised Seed, Jesus Christ. The law was a guardian until Christ came so that we might be justified by faith.

10. Sons and Heirs through Faith (Galatians 3:26-29)
- Paul declares that all who are baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ, and there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.

11. Freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1)
- Paul urges the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has given them and not to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery, referring to the law.

12. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

13. Bearing One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:1-5)
- Paul instructs the Galatians to gently restore someone caught in sin and to carry each other's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ.

14. Final Warnings and Benediction (Galatians 6:11-18)
- Paul concludes the letter with a personal note written in large letters, warning against those who want to make a good impression outwardly by compelling circumcision. He emphasizes boasting only in the cross of Christ and offers a final blessing of peace and mercy.1. Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:16)
- Paul emphasizes that individuals are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. This theme underscores the belief that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith rather than earned through adherence to the law. "Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."

2. Freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1)
- The letter highlights the freedom believers have in Christ, contrasting it with the bondage of the law. Paul encourages the Galatians to stand firm in this freedom and not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery."

3. The Role of the Law (Galatians 3:24)
- Paul discusses the purpose of the Mosaic Law, explaining that it was a guardian until Christ came. The law was meant to lead people to Christ so that they might be justified by faith. "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

4. Unity in Christ (Galatians 3:28)
- The theme of unity is expressed through the idea that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female. All are one in Christ Jesus, highlighting the inclusivity of the gospel. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

5. The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Paul describes the characteristics that should be evident in the lives of believers who live by the Spirit. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

6. Living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
- The letter encourages believers to live by the Spirit, which involves rejecting the desires of the flesh and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This way of living leads to spiritual growth and maturity. "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

7. Paul’s Apostolic Authority (Galatians 1:1)
- Paul defends his authority as an apostle, emphasizing that his calling and message are from Jesus Christ and God the Father, not from human sources. This establishes his credibility in addressing the issues in Galatia. "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead."

8. The Danger of False Teaching (Galatians 1:6-7)
- Paul warns against false teachings that distort the gospel of Christ. He expresses concern that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. "I am astonished how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is not even a gospel."1. Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord (Galatians 1:1)
- Paul begins his letter by affirming his apostleship, which is "not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead." This emphasizes Jesus' resurrection and divine authority.

2. Jesus Christ, the Deliverer (Galatians 1:4)
- Jesus is described as the one "who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father." This highlights His role in salvation and deliverance from sin.

3. Christ, the Revealer (Galatians 1:12)
- Paul states that the gospel he preaches is "not received from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." This underscores Jesus as the source of divine revelation.

4. Christ, the Justifier (Galatians 2:16)
- Paul explains that "a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." Here, Jesus is portrayed as the one through whom believers are justified, or made righteous, by faith.

5. Christ, the Living One in Believers (Galatians 2:20)
- Paul declares, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This signifies the transformative presence of Christ within believers, empowering their new life.

6. Christ, the Redeemer from the Curse (Galatians 3:13)
- "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." This title emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial role in redeeming humanity from the law's curse.

7. Christ, the Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16)
- Paul notes, "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, 'and to seeds,' meaning many, but 'and to your seed,' meaning One, who is Christ." This identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.

8. Christ, the Unifier (Galatians 3:28)
- "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This highlights Jesus' role in breaking down social and cultural barriers, uniting all believers.

9. Christ, the Liberator (Galatians 5:1)
- "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Jesus is depicted as the one who liberates believers from the bondage of the law and sin, granting them true freedom.

10. Christ, the Hope of Righteousness (Galatians 5:5)
- "But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness." Jesus is the source of hope for believers, who anticipate the full realization of righteousness through Him.1. Prophecy of the Promise to Abraham and Its Fulfillment in Christ:
- Reference: Galatians 3:8-9
- Description: Paul explains that the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." This promise is fulfilled in Christ, as believers in Him are considered children of Abraham and recipients of the blessing.

2. Prophecy of the Seed of Abraham:
- Reference: Galatians 3:16
- Description: Paul points out that the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his "seed." He emphasizes that the Scripture does not say "seeds," meaning many people, but "your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. This highlights the fulfillment of the promise in Jesus.

3. Prophecy of the Law and the Coming of Faith:
- Reference: Galatians 3:24-25
- Description: The Law was our guardian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. This reflects the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ.

4. Prophecy of the Inclusion of the Gentiles:
- Reference: Galatians 3:14
- Description: Paul states that Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. This fulfills the Old Testament expectation of the Gentiles being included in God's plan of salvation.

1. Personal: Authentication of the Message and the Messenger  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:21 )

a. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠9 )

i. Paul’s Greeting to the Galatians  ( 1:1⁠–⁠5 )

ii. No Other Gospel  ( 1:6⁠–⁠9 )

b. Authentication of the Messenger  ( 1:10⁠–⁠24 )

i. Gospel Not According to Man  ( 1:10⁠–⁠12 )

ii. Former Life and Conversion  ( 1:13⁠–⁠17 )

iii. Paul’s Reputation  ( 1:18⁠–⁠24 )

1. In Jerusalem  ( 1:18⁠–⁠20 )

2. The Churches in Judea  ( 1:21⁠–⁠24 )

c. Authentication of the Message  ( 2:1⁠–⁠21 )

i. The Council at Jerusalem  ( 2:1⁠–⁠10 )

ii. Paul Confronts Cephas  ( 2:11⁠–⁠21 )

2. Doctrinal: Justification  ( 3:1⁠–⁠4:31 )

a. Faith and Belief  ( 3:1⁠–⁠9 )

i. Who Has Bewitched You?  ( 3:1⁠–⁠5 )

ii. The Faith of Abraham  ( 3:6⁠–⁠9 )

b. Christ Has Redeemed Us  ( 3:10⁠–⁠14 )

c. The Purpose of the Law  ( 3:15⁠–⁠25 )

d. Sons through Faith in Christ  ( 3:26⁠–⁠4:31 )

i. Sons of Abraham by Faith  ( 3:26⁠–⁠29 )

ii. Sons and Heirs  ( 4:1⁠–⁠7 )

iii. Paul’s Concern for the Galatians  ( 4:8⁠–⁠20 )

iv. Hagar and Sarah: Sons of Promise vs. Sons of Flesh  ( 4:21⁠–⁠31 )

3. Practical: A Life of Justification  ( 5:1⁠–⁠6:18 )

a. Freedom in Christ  ( 5:1⁠–⁠15 )

b. Walking by the Spirit  ( 5:16⁠–⁠26 )

c. Carry One Another’s Burdens  ( 6:1⁠–⁠10 )

d. Final Warnings and Blessings  ( 6:11⁠–⁠18 )