Introduction

Welcome to BelieversBay.Com’s study on the book of Galatians. In just 10 lessons we will cover this small book that has had world-shaking effects.

While it won't be possible within that framework to detail all the topics this book covers, we will study the primary parts of the teaching.

If you have questions or comments please direct them to editor@believersbay.com. Thank you. We do hope you enjoy this study and that it will help you grow in grace and knowledge of Christ.

The author of Galatians is unquestionably the apostle Paul. However, when we attempt to ascertain the audience he was writing to and to determine when it was written a major controversy ensues.

Galatia was originally settled by invading Gauls (barbarians from the area of Europe). This is the north central part of modern day Turkey. Eventually Galatia was expanded to include the south central part of modern day Turkey. Until the late 1800’s it had been widely accepted by the church that Paul was writing to Northern Galatia.

A fellow named Ramsay challenged this tradition. He presented such a stout argument for Paul having written to Southern Galatia that his explanation changed the tide of scholarly opinion.

While there are scholars on both sides of the debate that contain good reason for who Paul wrote to, the most accepted position today is that Paul was writing to Southern Galatia. If the Northern Galatia theory is correct it was written between 53-57 AD. If the Southern Galatia theory is correct it was written between 48-49 AD. There is no conclusive evidence to prove to whom and when it was written.

Though controversy remains as to the audience and date one very clear thing is that it is a direct and passionate expression of Paul’s heart. Paul had come under attack. His gospel teaching was challenged. His apostleship had been challenged.

Those who sought to destroy his ministry claimed that he was not an apostle, he had not heard from God, he missed the entire point of salvation because he walked away from The Law of Moses and that his teaching of grace fostered a sinful lifestyle.

Paul passionately defends his calling to apostleship and the truth of freedom lived through submission to the Holy Spirit in this book.

Here is a schedule of what we will be covering.

Lesson Format

Prayer

Key Words/Definitions

Lesson/Study of The Word

Clarification of Lesson Format

It makes no sense to study God’s word without first asking his blessing.

As you read we would like you to look for key words in the text to see how they are applied and why they are important to the lesson.

This is a study. It isn’t just an article to "bless" you or make you "feel good". It is designed to help you reach out to touch the Spirit of God and to be touched by His Spirit. Reading a portion of scripture before we study together is essential to that growth.

The lesson will reveal insights into the text in ways that will not be readily found in the scripture reading.

While some students may know all scripture words being used, others will not. This section will define important words.

There is no reason to study scripture unless you intend to apply its teachings to your life. The action assignment will give you some action to perform based upon the lesson.