The Epistle to the Galatians - Bible Book Explained

The Epistle to the Galatians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christian communities in the region of Galatia in the Roman Empire. It is often considered one of Paul's most passionate writings, defending the purity of the gospel against those who attempted to impose Jewish practices, such as circumcision, on believers of non-Jewish origin. The epistle addresses key themes such as justification by faith, Christian freedom, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

I- Context of the Letter

Paul wrote this letter at a time when the church in Galatia was under threat from Judaizing teachers, preachers who claimed that to be fully Christian one must also observe the Mosaic law, including circumcision. This approach compromised the truth of the gospel preached by Paul, which announced that salvation came not by works of the law (not to be confused with works of faith which are a manifestation of faith in motion), but solely by faith in Jesus Christ.

Faced with this drift, Paul finds himself obliged to respond firmly, reminding his recipients that the Gospel he preached to them is of divine origin and must not be altered.

II- The Defense of Paul's Apostolic Authority (Chapters 1-2)

Paul begins by defending his apostolic authority, challenging accusations that he was preaching a “watered-down” gospel to please men. He insists that the gospel he preaches is not of human origin, but that he received it through a direct revelation from Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:11–12).

Paul then recounts his own journey, showing how, once a persecutor of the church, he was called by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He also mentions his interaction with the other apostles in Jerusalem, particularly Peter, with whom he had a disagreement over the inclusion of non-Jewish believers. Paul rebukes Peter for adopting a questionable attitude by withdrawing from the Gentile table when he was in the presence of Judaizing Christians (Gal. 2:11-14). This incident underscores the importance of maintaining the coherence of the gospel, without giving in to cultural or religious pressures.

III- Justification by Faith and Not by Works of the Law (Chapters 3-4)

The heart of the epistle is the issue of justification by faith . Paul explains that believers are not justified by the works of the Mosaic law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Abraham, who was justified by his faith long before the law was given (Gal. 3:6). Thus, all who have faith in Christ become true children of Abraham, heirs of the promise.

Paul warns the Galatians against returning to bondage under the law, emphasizing that the law served as a “schoolmaster” to lead men to Christ (Gal. 3:24), but that now that faith has come, they are no longer under the law. He emphasizes that the coming of Christ has ushered in a new era, where Christian freedom prevails.

In Christ there is no longer any distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Him (Gal 3:28). This revolutionary statement emphasizes the unity of believers and the break with the old divisions and prescriptions of the law.

IV- Christian Liberty and the Holy Spirit (Chapters 5-6)

Paul then develops the idea of ​​Christian freedom . He exhorts the Galatians not to use their freedom as an excuse to give in to the flesh, but to live according to the Spirit. This section is a call to walk in love, for “the whole law is fulfilled in this one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal 5:14).

He contrasts the works of the flesh (such as debauchery, hatred, jealousy) with the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) (Gal 5:19-23). ​​For Paul, those who belong to Christ must crucify their fleshly desires and let the Holy Spirit guide their lives.

In the final chapter, Paul encourages believers to bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2) and not to grow weary in doing good, for they will reap the rewards in due season if they persevere. This final exhortation shows that faith is not limited to an inner belief, but is manifested in concrete actions of charity and service.

V- Major Theological Themes

1. Justification by Faith: One of the main teachings of the epistle is that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ and not through the observance of obligations such as circumcision.

2. Freedom in Christ: Paul proclaims that believers are called to freedom in Christ. However, this freedom is not a license to sin, but a call to live according to the Spirit, loving one's neighbor and turning away from fleshly desires.

3. The Holy Spirit: The Christian life is marked by the active presence of the Holy Spirit, who transforms the hearts of believers and leads them to produce spiritual fruits. Paul emphasizes the need to walk by the Spirit to resist the temptations of the flesh.

4. The Unity of Believers: In Christ, all social, ethnic or gender distinctions are abolished. Believers form one family, one body in Christ, and are called to live in love and solidarity.