Preface to Galatians
The letter to the Galatians has been called “the Magna Carta of Christian liberty”.
Resources for Study:
- Martin Luther’s Preface to Galatians
- Commentary on Martin Luther’s Preface
- Map of Galatia during the first century
- Paul’s first and second missionary journey
- Timothy Keller’s Study Guide – “Galatians for you”
- Free eBook – How to Study the Bible – 1 hour intro for beginners
Paul wrote the Epistle to the Galatians some time between A.D. 50-57 about 20 years after Christ died. It is probably Paul’s first epistle of those preserved for us in the New Testament. There are a few theories of whether Paul was writing to Northern or Southern Galatia. More than likely it was Southern Galatia because the area included Pisidian, Lystra, Iconium, and Derbe, where Paul and Barnabas did their ministry. This can be proven by looking in Acts chapter13 and 14. He is writing to the Christians in southern Galatia to set them straight about the Gospel and Christ’s atoning work on the cross. There are Judaizes coming into this early church and telling them they need to follow the Law of Moses to be considered saved. The Judaizers are trying to teach something other than what Paul had taught this church. Paul through this Epistle is going to set them straight that Christ’s work was enough and it is a Jesus only Gospel, no other requirements are needed to be saved and live in the Kingdom of God.
A couple of questions to considered while reading Galatians.
- Who are some modern day “Judaizers” in the church today?
- What is legalism and what are some things certain churches use against people to say “you are not a Christian”?
- How does the Gospel of grace free you from pride and from guilt?
- How would you explain the Gospel of grace to someone who asked you what you believe?
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