Study of Galatians
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the inaugural Galatians study, the teacher opened with prayer and set the stage by explaining that Paul wrote this epistle to multiple churches across the region of Galatia, rather than to a single congregation. He outlined the historical context of ethnic versus provincial Galatia, noted scholarly disputes about the letter’s dating, and emphasized that these details do not alter the letter’s clear message: Paul was confronting a distorted gospel that added legal requirements, especially circumcision, to the freedom believers have in Christ. The class detailed Paul’s two main tasks: first, to correct the Galatians’ confusion and remind them that they are children of God through faith (Gal 3:26, 3:7) and not by works of the law (Gal 3:4, 3:9). Second, to restore confidence in Paul’s apostolic authority, which was being challenged by Judaizing influences. The teacher highlighted key verses such as Gal 1:6‑9, Gal 5:2, and Gal 5:7 to illustrate Paul’s urgent warnings and the spiritual peril of mixing law with the gospel. The session concluded with a preview of upcoming topics, including Paul’s confrontation with Peter, the doctrine of justification by faith, and the purpose of the Mosaic law.