48 - Galatians

TLDR: No gospel other than Christ crucified; justification is by faith, not works of the law. "I have been crucified with Christ; I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Paul confronts those who would require circumcision.

Overarching Storyline

No other gospel (ch. 1–2). Justification by faith; Abraham (ch. 3). Heirs; no longer under guardian (ch. 4). Freedom; walk by the Spirit (ch. 5). Bear one another's burdens (ch. 6).

Bible Project: Galatians overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Paul, Peter (Antioch incident), Abraham.
• Image: Cross, Spirit vs. flesh, fruit of the Spirit.
• Number: 6 (chapters), 9 (fruit of the Spirit in 5:22–23).
• Phrase: "Crucified with Christ" (2:20); "Faith working through love" (5:6); "Fruit of the Spirit" (5:22).

Highlights

• Galatians 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ; I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
• Galatians 5:22–23 — Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
• Galatians 6:2 — Carry each other's burdens.

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: 2 Corinthians; Galatians is more polemical — another gospel is no gospel.
• After: Ephesians; Galatians fights legalism; Ephesians unfolds life in Christ and the church.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Faith alone. The Reformation leaned heavily on Galatians. Freedom in Christ and walking by the Spirit define the Christian life; the law does not justify.

Interesting Facts

• Antioch — Paul opposed Peter to his face (2:11–14) over table fellowship with Gentiles.
• Fruit of the Spirit — Single list; contrasted with works of the flesh (5:19–21).