Galatians Introduction & Background

Galatians O Date: Either or O Author: Paul O Audience: O Either the churches in the Roman province of Galatia that Paul had founded on his missionary journeys, O Or the churches in north-central Asia minor that Paul probably visited on his second missionary journey.

Judaizers – Paul’s Critics O Judaizers were Jewish Christians who believed, that a number of Old Testament practices were still binding in the New Testament Church. O They insisted that Gentile converts abide by these practices (ex: circumcision) O They questioned Paul’s authenticity as an Apostle, saying he was trying to make the Gospel more appealing to the Gentiles by removing all legal requirements.

Purpose O To respond to Judaizers O To establish his credibility O To establish the theological truth that people are justified by faith in Christ alone—nothing more and nothing less. O Sanctification does not come from following laws, but obeying God out of faith and love.

Protestant Reformation O 1517, Martin Luther posts his ninety-five theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This sparked the Protestant Reformation O Martin Luther protested the sale of indulgences O Indulgences – the remission of sin and guilt while on earth of in purgatory O The Catholic Church sold indulgences to help finance the construction of St. Petersburg Basilica

Protestant Reformation O The Reformation criticized the unBiblical aspects of the Roman Catholic doctrines, rituals, and leadership O It was Luther’s rediscovery of Galatians that helped bring about the Reformation. O It is often referred to as “Luther’s Book” because he relied heavily on it.

Application O We all want to be accepted— by our family, by our friends. O Often people accept us only if we look or act a certain way: attractive, smart, wealthy, powerful. O We work hard to project the right image and to conceal our faults.

Application O Sometimes, we transfer this attitude to our relationship with God. O We think we must earn his acceptance. If we could only work harder, live better, pray longer, witness to more people…

Application O Paul challenged this kind of thinking. O He exposed the futility of trying to earn God's acceptance. O We are already accepted in Christ. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1