The Word Is Alive Galatians Summary Narrated by Tony Gillon

Introduction Paul wrote to the churches located in the Roman province of Galatia about a year or so after his first visit to them, during which time he had established the churches, founded on the true Gospel of Christ.

Introduction However, some Jews had since arrived and started to teach that believers had to become Jews before they could become Christians and that justification could come only through observance of the law.

Introduction Paul rebukes them and argues from the perspective of his own dramatic change from a Jew to an apostle of Jesus, the fulfilment of Scripture and the work of the Spirit among them when they first came to believe.

Introduction Among the points that Paul makes to them is: The Christian life has its source in the believer having died with Christ to sin, and thereby having renounced the flesh.

Introduction Among the points that Paul makes to them is: The Christian life has its source in the believer having died with Christ to sin, and thereby having renounced the flesh. The Spirit is the source of power and guidance in the Christian life, and the work of the Spirit produces love and faith.

Introduction The Christian life consists not in pleasing people but in pleasing Christ our master and being willing to suffer persecution for the sake of his Cross.

Introduction The key factors for the Galatians to accept is that there is only one true Gospel as revealed by God’s grace through his Son, who died a substitutionary death on the Cross but was raised to life by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Those who embrace this Gospel will also receive the gift of new life in Christ.

Chapter One Paul adds strong emphases to his greetings.

Chapter One Paul adds strong emphases to his greetings. Paul’s briefest of greetings highlights the extreme serious the problem.

Chapter One Paul adds strong emphases to his greetings. Paul’s briefest of greetings highlights the extreme serious the problem. Paul gives an autobiographical account to prove he is a true servant of God.

Chapter Two Paul’s Gospel must not be discarded as second hand.

Chapter Two Paul’s Gospel must not be discarded as second hand. Paul’s Gospel recognised as authentic.

Chapter Two Paul’s Gospel must not be discarded as second hand. Paul’s Gospel recognised as authentic. Paul’s painful confrontation with Peter.

Chapter Two Paul’s Gospel must not be discarded as second hand. Paul’s Gospel recognised as authentic. Paul’s painful confrontation with Peter. Those in Christ are God’s true people.

Chapter Two Paul’s Gospel must not be discarded as second hand. Paul’s Gospel recognised as authentic. Paul’s painful confrontation with Peter. Those in Christ are God’s true people. Church unity is fundamental to Paul.

Chapter Three The theme of justification by faith alone continues.

Chapter Three The theme of justification by faith alone continues. The promise precedes the law.

Chapter Three The theme of justification by faith alone continues. The promise precedes the law. The law was for guidance and a measure of the people’s transgressions.

Chapter Four Sons are slaves until the appointed time.

Chapter Four Sons are slaves until the appointed time. A son according to the flesh.

Chapter Four Sons are slaves until the appointed time. A son according to the flesh. A son according to the promise.

Chapter Four Sons are slaves until the appointed time. A son according to the flesh. A son according to the promise. Two families: one free; one in slavery.

Chapter Five A statement of freedom.

Chapter Five A statement of freedom. Two warnings concerning this freedom.

Chapter Five A statement of freedom. Two warnings concerning this freedom. A contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

Chapter Six A call for church unity.

Chapter Six A call for church unity. Follow the law of Christ.

Chapter Six A call for church unity. Follow the law of Christ. You reap what you sow.

Chapter Six As I have seen, those who plough iniquity and sow trouble reap the same (Job 4:8).

Chapter Six As I have seen, those who plough iniquity and sow trouble reap the same (Job 4:8). Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. You have ploughed wickedness, you have reaped injustice, you have eaten the fruit of lies. (Hosea 10:12-13a).

Chapter Six A call for church unity. Follow the law of Christ. You reap what you sow. A call to boast only in the Cross and closing benediction.

Summary of Galatians Ends