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Structure

Claim: Greetings from Paul, an apostle sent by Christ (:1 controlling idea)

Supports:

• Sent by God not men (1)
• Grace from God (3-5)

Theology

Define:

"churches of Galatia" = churches of the Southern Galatian region established by Paul on his first missionary journey.

Meaning:

Paul begins the letter by both greeting the Galatians and stating the main theme of his letter: his apostleship is through Jesus Christ not men.

Parallels:

Acts 13-14

Structure

Claim:

If anyone preaches a distorted gospel let him be condemned (8,9 controlling idea: repetition)

Supports:

1. I am amazed at your desertion (6, example)

• there are no other gospels (7)

2. I am not seeking to please men (10 For indicates that Paul is giving evidence to show that Paul's gospel is not               man-centered. This verse segues into the next paragraph and could be included as part of what follows.)

• man-pleasing is antithetical to serving Christ

Theology

Define:

"accursed" = anathema, something offered to God under curse of death. LXX word for being under the ban, see Achen.

Meaning:

There is only one gospel. It is the "the gospel of Christ", not the gospel which is about Christ but the gospel that belongs to Christ. To add to the gospel is to destroy it and to desert the One who authored it. Paul implies that those who distort the message are man-pleasers and are not pleasing to God. But why "condemn" those who distort the gospel? Because the gospel does not belong to us it is Christ’s and those who oppose Christ are under curse of death.

Parallels:

2 Cor. 11:3-4; Acts 4:12;

Structure

Claim:

My gospel is not from men (vs 11 General theme, conclusion indicator "For I would have you know brethren")

Supports:

1. I received it from Christ (12 "For" = because)

2. Formerly a Jewish persecutor (13 "For" = because Paul's previous life in Judaism is in stark contrast with the gospel.)

• more zealous than most (14)

3. I did not consult others (16 all of the chronology which follows goes to support the theme that his gospel is not from men but Christ. The "but" in verse 15 calls our attention to a change in direction.)

Chronology:

• God called me to Gentiles (15 "But" indicates a contrast between his "calling" and his former life)
• Not visit Apostles (17)
• 3 years preaching before saw Peter (:18-20)
• On to Syria, Cilicia (:21)
• Unknown to Judean churches (:22-24)

4. Consulted apostles 14 years later (2:1-2 "But" occurs in each verse from 3-7 NASB to reinforce the fact that even though I submitted to them, no change required)

• Submitted my preaching because of revelation (:2)
• No circumcision required (2:3)
• Battled false brethren (2:4-5)
• Apostles added nothing (:6)
• Differentiated ministry spheres (:7-9)
• Remember the poor (:10)

Theology

Define:

"false brethren", probably refers to why Paul went to Jerusalem (ref. Acts 15:1-2) and not those present at the council of Jerusalem.

Meaning:

Paul sets out to defend his apostleship/gospel as coming directly from Christ by 1) giving a chronology of his early movements--it's not from men, 2) showing that the apostles contributed nothing and even conceded a separate sphere of ministry for Paul. The truth of the gospel is not dependent upon man.

Parallel:

Acts 9:1-31, 11:27-30, 13:1-14:28

Structure

Claim:

Justified by faith not Law (2:16 General theme, conclusion indicator--"nevertheless". This passage also functions as the theme of the book, therefore Paul presents strong evidence to support his thesis--he went so far as to rebuke the apostle Peter over this issue.)

Supports:

1. I opposed Peter’s hypocrisy (2:11 "but when" Paul's argument flows from the preceding paragraph. The apostles not only failed to add anything to his gospel, but came to need correction.)

• Aloof from Gentiles because of Judaizers (:12, for—by way of explanation of the previous statement.)
• Others joined hypocrisy (:13, and—coordinates with previous)

2. We don’t follow Law, why should they? (2:14, but—returns thought to first point.)

3. Return to Law is contrary to faith (2:17-18 "But" contrasts justification by faith with our own sinfulness.)

• I died to Law through Christ (2:19-20 "For" explains why returning to law contradicts faith which is summarized in the next verse.)
• return to Law nullifies grace (2:21)

Theology

Define:

"faith" is defined as belief in Jesus Christ for salvation (justification) in contrast to good works.

"justified" = dikaiow, this word is used five times in the passage. It is a legal term meaning the opposite of being guilty. It is to be declared innocent or righteous. It is to be imparted the standing of Christ’s perfect life; to obtain the standards of God or to live up to God’s character. We have been acquitted by God; but more than that, we have been given righteousness or the standard of the perfection of Christ’s life. (This is why the idea of our current actions somehow implicating Christ becomes important for Paul, v.17. See also v.20.)

Meaning:

Although it is hypocritical for our actions to contradict the gospel, it does not implicate Christ -- only ourselves. Paul defines what it means to die to the law: to be crucified with Christ. Paul is now made alive to God and lives in relation to God based on Christ's righteousness in him as opposed to his works. Right standing with God can never be through the Law because none measure up. Right standing with God is based on faith in the life of Christ.

Parallel:

Romans 4-6; Acts 9 Peter's vision

Structure

Claim:

You are deceived ( 3:1 General theme, repetition)

Supports:

1. You began by faith. (3:3 Example)

• Spirit given by faith (3:2-3 Example)

2. You Suffered for faith (3:4 Example)

3. You experienced miracles of the Spirit by faith (3:5 Example)

Theology

Define:

"publicly portrayed", refers to a public writ posted by Roman officials to publicly declare some worthy piece of news or law.

Meaning:

This passage is difficult to analyze structurally because it is simply a list of rhetorical questions the sum force of which leads to the conclusion that the Galatians have been deceived. The subordination of points that occurs is conceptual instead of grammatical. They are each subordinated because they are examples.

Parallel:

2 Cor. 11:3

Structure

Claim:

Faith inherits the Abrahamic blessing/sonship (Conclusion indicator, repetition 3:7,9)

Supports:

1. Abe made right through faith (3:6 Example: "even so" provides an illustration through Scripture of the previous statement while introducing Paul's thesis.)

2. Promise to Abraham for Gentiles (3:8 Example)

3. Law is a curse (:10 series of OT illustration, citations. "For" has the force of "because" in order to explain why faith is a blessing. The Law is no blessing rather it… )

• Demands perfection (3:10b Example)
• None achieve justification (3:11 Example)
• Law does not achieve faith (3:12 Example)

4. Christ freed us from its curse (3:13-14 Example)

• We can receive Abe’s blessing (Paul returns to the main point which is indicated by "in order that". Christ freed us from the law for the purpose of receiving Abraham's blessing.)
• We receive Spirit through faith

Theology

Define:

"righteousness", same root word as justification. It is the result or personal effect of being justified or what is given to the one justified. God’s character of perfection demonstrated in Christ.

Meaning:

Paul argues that what makes a person a son of Abraham is a faith that is of the type of Abraham. Paul supports this point by an appeal to the OT, the reason that all nations will be blessed in Abraham is because he is the father of faith. This is in contrast with the law which is not a blessing but a curse and in stark contrast to faith. Christ freed us from this curse in order that we might be blessed with Abraham.

Parallel:

Romans 4, Gen. 12:3

Structure

Claim:

Inheritance is based on promise (:18 "For if…but" structure. Argument from the lesser to the greater concluded in 18b.) not obedience to law

Supports:

1. Later law can't override prior promise (:17 OT illustration)

• Can't alter a covenant (:15 illustration)
• Promise was to Abraham and Christ (:16 OT citation)

Theology

Define:

"covenant", denotes a legal will or testament, unalterable by law or custom.

Meaning:

Paul is arguing from the lesser to the greater. If it is true in human relations that one cannot change a covenant once it has been enacted, how much more is it true with God. Law stands in contrast to promise and while both are types of covenants a promise is clearly superior. The promise in this case was made to the singular "seed" which Paul concludes in Christ. God’s promise therefore was to Abraham through Christ. Christ then is Abraham’s heir and so are all who are in Christ and not necessarily those who are physical descendants.

Parallel:

Gen. 12:3, 13:15, 15

Structure

Claim:

Law is a tutor to Christ (Conclusion indicator 3:24)

Supports:

1. Law added because of sin (19b Interrogative)

• Required a mediator 19c
• Mediator is not for one (:20) applies to all Jews

2. Law can't give life (:21 Interrogative)

• Law condemns all (:22)

• Promise is by faith

• Law acted as custodian prior to faith (:23)

Theology

Define:

"tutor", an instructor, trainer, or educator who is usually a slave charged with overseeing the conduct of youths.

Meaning:

"Now a mediator is not for one seed." The subject "seed" is carried over from the previous sentence. The mediator is unnecessary because God is in essence making a promise to Himself. On the other hand, the Law required a mediator because it involved two parties and applies to all Jews. By implication, the law does not apply to Christ.

Parallel:

Rom. 6:14, 7:7ff,

Structure

Claim:

Heirs by promise (:26, 29 repetition)

Supports:

1. Faith needs no tutor (:25)
2. Put into Christ (:27)

• All are one in Christ, without distinction (:28)

Theology

Define:

"heir", as heirs of Christ and Abraham, instead of inheriting the promised land we inherit a spiritual blessing.

Meaning:

Because we have been placed (baptized) into Christ through faith, we are the true heirs of the promise to Abraham. This is our spiritual inheritance based on promise not law. One of the implications of this is a radical equality among believers.

Parallel:

Eph. 1, Rom. 4:13ff, Heb. 6:17ff, 1 Cor. 12:13

Structure

Claim:

You are sons of inheritance (Conclusion indicator 4:7)

Supports:

1. We were slaves under the Law (4:1-3 illustration)

2. God bought us back through Christ (4:4-5)

3. We received Spirit (4:6)

• evidence of sonship

Theology

Define:

"redeem", to buy up something. It is a term originating in the marketplace.

Meaning:

While we were under the law, or the alphabetical (basic) things, we were no better than slaves. However because God bought us back in Christ, we have become heirs of an inheritance. The proof of our inheritance is in the Spirit of Christ residing in us.

Parallel:

Eph. 1, Rom. 6:16, Col. 2:8,20

Structure

Claim:

You are acting like slaves (:9-10Controlling idea)

Supports:

1. Former slaves to idols (:8)

2. You are in danger (:11)

Theology

Define:

"enslaved, slavery", usually refers to one who is defeated in battle and has become subservient to another.

Meaning:

Paul appears to be equating a return to the Law with idolatry. Having come to know sonship through Christ, returning to a prior custodian is a return to slavery and is not better than their former lives of idol worship.

Parallel:

Col. 2:20,

Structure

Claim:

Return to freedom and follow my example (Imperative 4:12)

Supports:

1. I am not your enemy (:16 Interrogative)

• received me as Christ (:13-14 Illustration)
• former generosity (4:15 Interrogative)

2. They seek to trap you in slavery (:17)

• I seek your good (:18 Connective word)

3. I long to persuade you (4:19-20)

Theology

Define:

"zealous", to strive, desire or exert ones' self earnestly. It can have a negative or positive connotation.

Meaning:

Paul longs to persuade the Galatians to return to a life of freedom in Christ. He does this by convincing them of his love for them and his honorable motives. He calls them his very own children and he appeals to his conduct in their prior relationship in contrast to the behavior of their oppressors.

Parallel:

Gal. 6:17, Acts 14:19ff

Structure

Claim:

You are children of freedom (:31 Conclusion)

Supports:

1. Listen to the Law consistently (:21 Interrogative)

2. Abe’s two sons: Slave, Free (:22 Illustration)

• Covenant Law produces slaves (:23-27)
• Covenant Promise produces free men :28)
• Expect persecution (:29 Connective word)
• Slaves and free cannot live together (:30 Interrogative)

Theology

Define:

"allegorically", to give a higher or spiritual sense to a book or story.

Meaning:

Paul is repeating and extending his argument that as Christians we are no longer slaves but freemen. This time he argues from the Old Testament example of Sarah and Hagar. Paul is not instructing us on OT interpretation, rather he clearly identifies the fact that he is using the story as an extended illustration for his point. By implication from vs. 30 Paul is instructing the Galatians to cast out their oppressors.

Parallel:

Gen. 21:10-12, 16:15, 18:10, Is. 54:1

Structure

Claim:

Do not become slaves again (Imperative 5:1b)

Supports:

1. Christ made us free men (5:1a Indicative)

2. Circumcision nullifies Christ’s work (:2 Indicative)

• Obligates (enslaves) us to whole law (:3 Indicative)
• Law is contrary to grace (:4 Indicative)

• Faith waits in hope & loves (:5-6 Connective)

3. Judge the slave drivers (5:10,12 )

• Bad influence (:7,9 Interrogative, illustration)
• Contrary to God’s will (:8 Indicative)

4. Grace is a stumbling block (5:11)

Theology

Define:

"severed", to make ineffective or powerless; also to abolish or set aside.

Meaning:

Paul is not arguing here that circumcision results in loss of salvation, "neither circumcision or uncircumcision means anything." Rather he is making the point that justification by works is just the opposite of justification by faith and it is for this reason that he exhorts the Galatians to stand firm. This imperative is followed by a series of indicative statements dealing with the issue of law and grace. Paul ends this series of indicatives by appealing to the Galatians in more direct terms to excise those who are oppressing them, thus "it was for freedom that Christ set us free."

Circumcision was symbolic of removing our calloused sin nature and exposing a vulnerable and sensitive heart before God (Deut. 30:6, Jer. 4:4). Paul turns this symbolism upside down in verse 4 when he states that under the new covenant, circumcision has just the opposite effect, instead of drawing us near to God the attempt to live out the law severs us from Christ. Paul's language is shockingly graphic but is used to a purpose, namely faith and law are not compatible in the Christian life.

Parallel:

John 8:32, Gal. 5:13, Rom 7, Jas. 2:10

Structure

Claim:

Do not turn freedom into license (Imperative 5:13)

Support:

1. Love fulfills the law (:14, Illustration)

2. Selfishness destroys (:15 Indicative)

Theology

Define:

"freedom", the opposite of slavery, independent or unbound.

Meaning:

This brief passage is a transition from the more abstract truths of law and grace to the practical issues of service. Our freedom in Christ can be used for fleshly purposes resulting in destruction or in service which fulfills the Law.

Parallel:

1 Pet. 2:16, Rom. 8

Structure

Claim:

Walk by the Spirit (:16 Imperative)

Supports:

1. Flesh opposes spirit (:17 Indicative)

• Examples of flesh (:19-21 Illustration)

2. Spirit frees us from Law (18, 24 Indicative)

• Examples of spirit (:22-23 Illustration)

3. Christians have crucified flesh (:24 Indicative)

Theology

Define:

"have crucified", (3^rd person pleural first aorist active indicative) probably means to have rendered the flesh powerless, used figuratively. The question surrounding this word has to do with the tense of the verb. Is this something that occurred at one point in time or something that had a distinct beginning and is ongoing.

Meaning:

Paul takes the idea of our freedom in Christ one step further. Not only are we freed from the demands of the Law but we are also freed from the tyranny of sin. Because we have crucified our flesh in Christ, we are no longer controlled by our fleshly impulses. Paul’s command to walk by the Spirit is only possible because our flesh no longer reigns supreme. Paul commands his audience from God to live by the Spirit. He supports this imperative by an illustration of the detrimental effects of the flesh in contrast to the life giving effects of the Spirit. He ends this section with the essential truth which enables the Galatians to live by the Spirit, that is, because they are no longer enslaved to their flesh.

Parallel:

Rom. 8:2

Galatians 5:25-6:10

Claim:

Live and Walk by Spirit (Controlling theme 5:25)

Supports:

1. Don’t boast (5:25 Example)

2. Restore the fallen (6:1 Example)

3. Bear their burdens (6:2 Example)

4. Exemplify humility (6:3-5 Example)

5. Do good to all (6:10 Example)

6. Share with teachers (:6 Example

7. Reap what you sow (6:7-9)

Theology

Define:

"restore", to put into a proper order, used to refer to one mending fishing nets or resetting a bone.

Meaning:

Paul begins this section with general instruction to live and walk by the Spirit. He then goes on to provide examples of what this kind of lifestyle looks like through a series of brief imperatives. Each of these instructions falls under the umbrella of living by the Spirit.

Parallel:

Heb. 3:13; Eph. 4:15

Galatians 6:11-16

Structure

Claim:

External change can’t compare with internal transformation (:15 controlling idea)

Supports:

1. You are being used as trophies (:12, example)

• they fear persecution
• they fail to perform (:13 Connective)

2. I, Paul will not boast in you (:11, 14 example)

• Peace to the church
• I bear the proof of Christ on my body

Theology

Define:

"boast" to take pride or glory in something or someone.

Meaning:

Paul contrasts the self-serving motives of his enemies with his own care and commitment to the Galatians. Paul's scars are part of the proof of his apostleship--his willingness to suffer for Christ. Can his enemies make this claim? Their way avoids persecution while making them look good.

Parallel:

Acts 14; 2 Cor. 11:16-33 (written after Galatians)

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