Bible Discussion Thread

INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS (Part 2):

III. THE HISTORY OF GALATIA:

The Celtics migrated from Gaul in Modern France around the 3rd century B.C.

The Romans conquered the Gauls in 189 B.C.

Galatia became a Roman Province in 25 B.C.

The name Galatia came to describe the entire Roman province.

The churches in southern Galatia were established during Paul's 1st missionary journey ( Acts 13:14-23). After Paul's 1st missionary journey, the Jerusalem Council met around 49 A.D. to discuss the problem of the Gentiles and the Law.

After Paul's 1st missionary journey and after the decision of the Jerusalem Council, false teachers (Judaizers) came into Galatia and infiltrated the churches with their false teaching. Shortly after the Jerusalem Council, Paul wrote his letter to the churches in the region of Galatia.

IV. THE THEME OF GALATIANS:

Salvation is by grace through faith alone.

V. WHY IT WAS WRITTEN:

False teachers attacked Paul's ministry and message. The Judaizers professed to be believers in Jesus as Messiah. Their doctrinal approach was the Gentiles are not in a position of Sons of the Covenant to receive the promises of God until they became Jews, and they follow the Law.

VI. HOW IT WAS WRITTEN:

The form of the letter of Galatians is different from all of the other letters written by Paul. Galatians is the only letter not containing a commendation. It is the only letter written by Paul that is addressed to more than one church.

VII. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK OF GALATIANS:

Galatians is a shorter version of Romans. Romans is considered the "Constitution of the Christian Faith." Galatians is considered to be the Declaration of Independence of the Christian Faith.

VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF GALATIANS:

GALATIANS CHAPTERS 1-2 - The Defense of Paul's Ministry and Message

GALATIANS CHAPTERS 3-4 - The Doctrine of Justification

GALATIANS CHAPTERS 5-6 - The Doctrine of Sanctification

I will post Ephesians tonight also. Blessings!