The book of Galatians is a wonderful and revealing study in love. In this volume, you will explore the emotional and spiritual condition of the early church at the time of Paul’s ministry as he writes from prison. Learn how you can experience Christ in every area of your life today as you confront your struggles with selfishness, fear, unbelief, anger, and other negative attitudes.
The Book of Galatians is an introduction to the religion, culture and way of life that God called Israel to celebrate. That is why Paul had so much to say about how we can all be saved from sin by turning from it and accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior.
life lessons from the book of galatians
Paul reproved the Saints in Galatia for embracing the falsehood that Gentile Saints had to observe the rituals of the law of Moses (see Galatians 1:6–7; 3:1–3; 5:2–4; 6:12; see also Acts 15:1–31). He defended his calling as an Apostle by declaring that he taught the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that he had received revelation from God, and that his ministry to the Gentiles had been approved by the Apostles in Jerusalem (see Galatians 1:1, 11–24; 2:1–9). Followers of Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, are justified not by the works and rituals of the law of Moses “but by the faith of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). Paul supported this doctrine by citing the example of Abraham (see Galatians 3:6–18), teaching of the redemption made possible through the death of Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:13), and explaining that the law of Moses had been given as a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ” (Galatians 3:24). Those who have faith in Jesus Christ and are baptized become Abraham’s seed (see Galatians 3:26–4:7). Paul called upon the Saints to live by the Spirit and to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel (see Galatians 4:21–6:18).
New Testament Student Manual : Religion 211-212
Chapter Overviews
Galatians 1
Paul addressed the Church members in Galatia and marveled that they were so quickly departing from God to embrace “another gospel.” Paul testified that the gospel he had taught them was not of man but had been revealed by Jesus Christ. He recounted his conversion and declared that he had received the gospel “by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 2
Paul described a visit he had made to Jerusalem, during which he was called by the Apostles James, Cephas (Peter), and John to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. In defense of the Gentile Saints in Antioch (in Pisidia), Paul had once rebuked Peter. People are justified not by performing the works of the law of Moses, but “by the faith of Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 3
Abraham is an example of how one is justified by faith and not by the works of the law of Moses. Through the Atonement, Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. The law of Moses was given as a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” Through having faith and being baptized, Saints “put on Christ” and become heirs of God and “one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 4
Those redeemed by Jesus Christ become sons of God and are no longer servants. Paul depicted Hagar and Sarah as an allegory of the old covenant (bondage under the law of Moses) and the new covenant (liberty in the gospel of Jesus Christ).
Galatians 5
Paul urged the Galatians to “stand fast … in the liberty” of the gospel and not to become “entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” He listed “the works of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit” and promised, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Galatians 6
Paul encouraged the Galatians to walk in the Spirit. He reminded them of the law of the harvest and promised, “He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” He encouraged the Galatians not to be weary in well-doing and promised peace to those who became new creatures in Jesus Christ.
Suggestions for Teaching
Galatians 1–2
Paul Appealed to the Galatian Saints to Return to Their New Life in Christ
To help students understand the context and importance of the Epistle to the Galatians, pose the following situation to them: Imagine that you were not a member of the Church and had been born and raised in an area where there were no Church members. Then one day an Apostle of the Church and some missionaries came to your town and you heard them teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. You and others embraced their message and joined the Church, and your whole life changed for the better. But a short time later, after the Apostle and missionaries had left town, some other missionaries arrived and taught a different message from what you had heard earlier. Some members of the Church in your area begin to doubt the Apostle’s authority and to accept the teachings of these new missionaries. What questions or concerns would you have?
After a few students have responded, explain that this situation is very similar to the one that prompted the Apostle Paul to write his Epistle to the Galatians. Ask three students to read the following passages aloud: Galatians 1:6–9; Galatians 4:9–11; Galatians 6:12 (you may wish to write these references on the board).
Ask the rest of the class to follow along, looking for what prompted Paul to write to the Galatians. Ask:
According to Galatians 1:7, how did Paul describe the actions of some people among the Galatian Saints? (They were perverting the gospel of Christ.)
According to Galatians 6:12, what were some people constraining the Galatian Saints to do? (Be circumcised.)
To help students understand what led Paul to write to the Galatian Saints, you might ask a student to read aloud the second paragraph under the student manual section “To whom was Galatians written and why?” or the student manual commentary for Galatians 1:1–7.
Encourage students to remember the circumstances of the Saints in Galatia as the lesson progresses. Ask them to consider how Paul’s teachings would have helped those Saints and how his teachings are of value in our day.
Past and Present Circumstances
When students learn about the circumstances of the people described in the scriptures and then remember those circumstances as they study, they can more effectively apply the scriptural principles and doctrines to their own lives.
Have students read Galatians 2:1. Explain that by the time Paul wrote Galatians, he had been laboring among the Gentiles for at least 14 years. Summarize Galatians 2:2–15 by explaining that Paul defended his ministry by telling the Galatian Saints that he had traveled to Jerusalem, where Peter, James, and John had given their approval of his apostolic labors among the Gentiles. If students have questions about the apparent disagreement between Paul and Peter recorded in verses 12–15, consider using some of the information in the student manual commentary for Galatians 2:11–16. Because we know so little about this experience, it is wise not to spend too much time discussing it. Paul told of this experience to emphasize that Gentile converts to the Church did not need to be circumcised.
Ask a student to read aloud Galatians 2:16, and ask the other students to listen for what Paul taught about faith in Jesus Christ. Then ask:
What did Paul teach about faith in Jesus Christ?
As students share their answers, you may need to review the meaning of justification (see the student manual commentaries for Galatians 2:15–16 and for Romans 1:16–17). You might ask follow-up questions such as, “According to Galatians 2:16, what justifies a person? What does not justify a person?” Make sure that students understand this truth: We are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law of Moses.
Why was Paul’s teaching about justification by faith in Jesus Christ an important message for the Galatian Saints? (The Galatians were straying from faith in Jesus Christ by emphasizing the rituals of the law of Moses.)
Why do you think justification by faith in Jesus Christ is an important doctrine for us to understand?
As students respond, consider having them read the statement by President Dallin H. Oaks in the student manual commentary for Galatians 2:15–16. Help students understand the importance of relying upon Jesus Christ and His power to justify us.
Write the following phrase on the board: Paul—Before and After.
Ask students to briefly summarize what they remember about Paul before his conversion and after his conversion. As students respond, you might summarize for them Paul’s account of his conversion found in Galatians 1:13–17, 22–24.
Ask a student to read aloud Galatians 2:18–19.
Why would Paul “make [himself] a transgressor” if he were to return to his former way of life? (If students need help understanding these verses, see the student manual commentary for Galatians 2:18–20; 3:10–11, 22.)
What do these verses teach us, as disciples whose lives have been changed by our faith in Jesus Christ?
Ask a student to read aloud Galatians 2:20, and ask the class to follow along, looking for Paul’s description of how his life had changed. To help students identify and explain gospel principles, ask:
Why do you think Paul was so completely converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Why do you think Paul so strongly encouraged the Galatians not to return to living the law of Moses?
As students share their responses to these questions, make sure they understand this principle: The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to have a new life in Christ as we place our faith in Him, repent, and continue to “live unto God.”
Ask students to ponder silently for a few moments how they would respond to these questions:
In what ways has your life changed because you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ?
Do you feel that you are living a new life in Christ? Have your sins and bad habits been “crucified with Christ” and left in the past?
Invite students to do whatever is necessary to more fully experience the new life in Christ that Paul described.
Galatians 3:1–4:20
Paul’s Defense of the Gospel
Explain that Paul’s teachings found in chapters 3 and 4 of Galatians focused on teaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ so that the Galatian Saints would turn away from their Judaized version of the gospel and return to the truth. Assign students to work in small groups (two to four students in each group). Assign each group one of the three following reading assignments and the questions that accompany it. (This activity will work better if you have the reading assignments and questions ready to hand out to each group.) Ask students to read their assigned passages aloud in their groups and then discuss the questions that follow. Ask them also to think of a gospel principle that is taught by the verses.
The Need for the Savior’s Atonement. Read Galatians 3:10–13 and the student manual commentaries for Galatians 2:18–20; 3:10–11, 22 and for Galatians 3:13.
What did Paul teach in these verses about why every person needs the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
How would these teachings have helped the Galatians deal with the controversy about how salvation is obtained?
Why is it important for us to understand why every person needs the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
The Purposes of the Law of Moses. Read Galatians 3:19–25 and the student manual commentaries for Galatians 3:19–25 and for Galatians 3:24–25.
What did Paul teach in these verses about the purposes of the law of Moses?
How would these teachings have helped the Galatians deal with the controversy about observing the law of Moses?
Why is it important for us to understand the purposes of the law of Moses?
Entering the Gospel Covenant. Read Galatians 3:26–29; 4:1–7.
What did Paul teach in these verses about how we enter the gospel covenant and become heirs of God’s promises?
How would these teachings have helped the Galatians deal with the controversy about whether to follow the law of Moses or accept the gospel taught by Jesus Christ?
Why is it important for us to understand how one accepts the gospel and enters the gospel covenant?
Using Questions That Invite Gospel Teaching and Learning
Types of questions that are important in gospel teaching and learning include (1) questions that invite students to search for information, (2) questions that lead students to analyze a scripture passage for greater understanding, and (3) questions that invite students to explain the importance of a doctrine.
After students have had several minutes to read and discuss their questions in their groups, conclude the group activity. Bring the class together by having one student from each group report the answers to their questions to the entire class. Ask students to share the gospel principle taught by their verses. Consider writing their gospel principles on the board.
As students share their responses, make sure they understand these truths: Through the Atonement, Jesus Christ suffered the penalty for our sins and made it possible for us to “live by faith.” (Galatians 3:10–13.) The law of Moses was given to prepare the people of Israel for Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:19–25.) By entering the gospel covenant, followers of Jesus Christ become “one” in Christ and heirs of God. (Galatians 3:26–29; 4:1–7.)
lessons learned from the book of galatians
Galatians is a great book to study especially if you are struggling or dealing with traditions. I want to give you some information about the book and share with you four lessons from the book of Galatians. There are more than four, but these will help give you a taste of what is in the book.
Who Wrote Galatians?
The book of Galatians was written by the apostle Paul. Some scholars believe this was the first letter that was written by him. In the very beginning of the book, he gives what was for him a standard greeting:
Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—and all the brothers and sisters with me,
To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. –Galatians 1:1-3
The Galatian church was not just one church but a series of churches that were located somewhere in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. There are two different views as to where these churches were located. One view known as The North Galatian view suggests that this book was written to churches in north-central Asia Minor and that the book was written between A.D. 53 and 57 from Ephesus or Macedonia.
The other view which is what most scholars today favor is what is called the South Galatian Theory. The area of southern Galatia included the cities of Galatian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. These churches were founded by Paul on his first missionary journey, which you can cross-reference in Acts 13-14 to see what happened when Paul visited these cities. It also seems like this letter was written soon after the churches established which puts the timing of him writing this letter probably around A.D. 50.
What Is Galatians About?
As with many of Paul’s letters he was usually addressing some issue that was happening in the church. One of the biggest problems in the Galatian church was a group known as the Judaizers. These people were confusing the young believers and trying to convince them of a gospel that was not really the gospel. The Judaizers were a group who taught that salvation would come by a combination of human effort and the grace of God.
They were teaching this new Galatian church that to be saved they had to first convert and obey the law of Moses, especially relating to circumcision, dietary restrictions, and honoring the Sabbath. Once they made this conversion only then could they be saved. This is one of the major themes that Paul addresses in this book.
4 Lessons from the Book of Galatians
- There Is Only One Gospel
One of the problems the Galatian church faced was this group of Judaizers that was attempting to redefine or add something to the gospel. You need to know and be certain that the work Christ did on the cross is all-sufficient for your salvation. There is nothing else needed for your salvation. If anyone attempts to add anything to that then they are no longer preaching the gospel and if they are not preaching the true gospel, they are not preaching the gospel at all.
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! – Galatians 1:6-8 - Don’t Be Afraid to Confront Leaders When They Are Wrong
But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. –Galatians 2:11-13 (NLT)
So often we get intimidated by a person’s title or what they represent. Even Paul recognized Peter as a pillar of the church.
In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. –Galatians 2:9 (NLT)
Yet despite who Peter was, Paul had no issue confronting him when he was wrong. You have the same right. You should never be intimidated by a person’s title, if they are wrong, they are wrong. It doesn’t matter if they are pastor, bishop, minister, evangelist, whatever the title don’t be afraid to confront those who are wrong according to Biblical standards. We must also be careful about how we put leaders on pedestals.
When we do, not only is it bad for them it is bad for us. The truth is we are all sinners saved by grace and we are all prone to make mistakes and be wrong. Pray that you are bold enough to confront a leader when they are wrong and pray that your leaders are humble enough to admit it.
- You Cannot Live by the Law and by Faith at the Same Time
Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? –Galatians 3:1-3
The struggle of the Galatian church was the confusion caused by the Judaizers. One thing you must remember is that you cannot live by the law and by faith at the same time. They are opposites of each other. Your salvation is a work of grace through faith and your walk with God after that is a continuing work of grace through faith.
- Your Traditions May Be Killing You
Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? –Galatians 4:8-9
If you are honest before you got saved, you were a slave to different things. Sometimes after you get saved you become a different type of slave. You shift your allegiance from slavery to sin to slavery to tradition. How many people are caught up in church traditions or other traditions and do things with no knowledge or understanding of why they do them? This was also one of the major lessons from Galatians, trying to set you free from earthly tradition.
If you are searching for freedom from the power of law and tradition, then Galatians is a great book to study. There are more lessons to learn but these four I shared with you are great ones to start with. One little tip. When you read these epistles, read them straight through from start to finish just to get the overall flow of the letter and then go back and do a more in-depth study of each chapter.
I had the privilege of doing a study on the book of Galatians, which is free for you to watch. If you are interested, I have included the link below. Whether you watch it or not know that God has set you free and you can live in the freedom no longer bound by any law or tradition.