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SUMMARY OF GALATIANS
©
Carlos Padilla, May 2017
TITLE. AUTHOR AND DATE
The title “Galatians” comes from the church of Galatia to which is written. The
authorship of Paul of the Epistle to the Galatians can be seen internally
because Paul confirms to be the author, 1:1, 5:2 and 6:11 and due to the
brotherly relationship between him and the Galatians. He writes in Antioquia of
Syria in his first missionary journey. Externally already Irenaeus, Clement of
Alexandria, Origins, Tertullian, the Canon of Muratori and Eusebius, who
included Galatians in his list in the IV Century, give testimony. The date has
two hypotheses, one between 48 and 49 A.D. and the other between 56 and 57 A.D.
due to the similitude with Romans. It does not mention the destruction of the
Temple, which is prophecy of Jesus Christ - Yahshua.
RECIPIENTS AND PURPOSE
Paul
writes to the church of Galatia, which could be the region or the exact area,
although the letter should be used for all churches. The purpose to write it was
the defence of his apostolate before the attack of those who accused him for
being a minor apostle from the first; the introduction of the Gospel with
emphasis in that salvation is through faith “Abraham” and not through the works
of the Law. Teach to apply the Gospel, not circumcision nor legalisms. Paul had
to correct the teachings and the legalism of the judaizers, and show
justification is through faith and the freedom in Christ to the Galatians.
HISTORIC CONTEXT
Paul visited the Nabataea Arabia taken by the Holy Spirit to be prepared for
ministry. After Minor Asia, in his first journey, and churches were established,
like the Galatians, but the region included several congregations of believers,
and of Celtic ethnic group from Gallia, in the south of France. After, false
teachers from the Jews got infiltrated to impose the Law and circumcision to the
Christians. Paul fought with the false accusers who were trying to separate him
from the church giver false testimony against him. There is “no other Gospel”
but that of the Salvation through faith in Christ – Yahshua. Paul teaches to the
Galatians to trust in the freedom of Christ, who made us free, and not to be
subject to the yoke of slavery to the Law. Paul proves in an inspired way the
supremacy of the grace of God over the judaizers legalism and therefore maintain
the truth of the Gospel.
THEOLOGICAL TEACHINGS
There is only one true Gospel given by Jesus Christ – Yahshua on the bases of
faith in His work, and we must reject any false gospel. Neither justification,
nor salvation are received through the norms of the Law, but through it, is know
that we are sinners. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is receive through the faith
in Christ, nor through the deeds of the Law, Who provides the power to remain in
the way of holiness. Christians are children of Abraham, as we please God
through faith receiving the promise of God. The Christian, like his Master,
carries the burdens “for one another” (6:2) this is the “Law of Christ”.
POSSIBLE INTERPRETATIVE PROBLEMS
The visit of 2:1-10 to Peter, John and Jacob, is it the same as Acts 15, the
Council of Jerusalem, or was 11:27-30 to bring relief? The baptism (in water) as
a need for regeneration, using 3:27, but it is referred to the Spirit. 3:28
about the equality of man and woman. 5:4 is used by those who do not believe in
the security of Salvation. 6:16 the “Israel of God” the “Replacement” of the
Church over Israel, it is referred to the Jews who receive the faith in Christ –
Yahshua. The primitive church is partially formed by Jews, and the need to walk
under the works of the Law, Paul uses the allegory of Sarah and Agar, the two
covenants, one on the flesh, Agar had Ishmael, and Sarah had Isaac by the
promise. The location of both mounts of this story is cause of discrepancy.
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