The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 1 Background and Introduction Written by Paul (Gal 1:1) from Syrian Antioch in AD 49 Syrian

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 2 Background and Introduction Written by Paul from Syrian Antioch in ~AD –Although some favor a later date, e.g BC (3 rd missionary tour) –Probably composed when Paul was on his way to the Jerusalem –Council (Acts 15) Therefore Galatians could be the earliest letter of Paul and possibly the earliest book in the NT. Written to Gentile Christians in Galatia –Located in Asia Minor Was it written to the church in the Northern (Pessinus, Ankyra, Tavium) or Southern parts of Galatia (Iconium, Lystra, Derbe)?

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 3 Background and Introduction Galatia refers to the Roman province –The Gauls were a celtic war-like tribe that originally inhabited France and then migrated to Asia Minor in ~300 BC –The Romans took over after the death of Amyntas in 25 BC and named it Galatia Phyrigians – original inhabitants –Originally dwelt and identified with the northern region –A history of nature worship –Noted for fickleness, impetuosity, love for new and curious things Some Jews were also in the area –The fact that Paul’s 1 st missionary journey with Barnabus (Acts 13-14) strongly supports that this epistle was written to the Southern Galatian believers, but Ryrie provides extensive arguments for both. Epithets: –The Magna Carta of Christian Liberty –The "Other Gospel" Cursed

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 4 Background and Introduction  Paul’s First Missionary Journey, 48-49AD

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 5 Background and Introduction A Galatians Timeline AD 1 Paul’s 1st Missionary Journey (Acts ; AD) Paul’s letter to the churches in the Roman province of Galatia

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 6 Background and Introduction A papyrus copy of Paul’s letter dating from AD –Gal 1:1-5 The sequence of evangelism in Galatia –Paul preached in Antioch and was driven out by force (Acts 13:50). –Paul preached in Iconium and was driven out by force (Acts 14:5,6). –Paul preached in Lystra and was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19,20). –Paul & Barnabas had appointed elders in each of the churches in these cities during the last half of his 1 st missionary journey (Acts 14:23). –But the elders were spiritually young. Gal 1:6 ‘I marvel that ye so soon removed…’

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 7 Background and Introduction  Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 15:39- 18:22; AD) –With Silas Timothy later joined –Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the Gospel in Galatia (Acts 16:6)

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 8 Background and Introduction Paul’s 3 rd Missionary Journey, AD

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 9 Background and Introduction Roman culture Greek culture Jewish culture The 3 Cultures Paul faced in Galatia

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 10 Background and Introduction We will see that Paul took a number of illustrations from Roman law, since he knew their strong Roman background, & Paul himself was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-29 & 23:27) Augustus Caesar, an emperor who received ‘the adoption of sons’ (Gal 4:5)

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 11 Background and Introduction These cities also had Greek cultural influence, over a period of more than three centuries. That would explain why Paul would write this letter to all of them in the Greek language. paidagōgos = tutor (Gal 3:24,25)

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 12 Background and Introduction The Greek cultural influence would also explain why these people sought to worship Barnabas & Paul as Zeus & Hermes, which were the Greek names for deities (Acts 14:12,13). Zeus, Ares, Hermes, Athena, & Apollo

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 13 Background and Introduction Though a minority, there had also been Jews living in these cities for about 2½ centuries. A strong Jewish influence in these cities was evident in Acts 13:14-46, 50 & in Acts 14:1-5,19. Synagogue ruins at Pisidian Antioch

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 14 Background and Introduction The strong Jewish presence would explain why Paul used illustrations from Genesis to make his point, citing Abraham, Sarah & Hagar (Gal 3:6-18 & also 4:21-31). Genesis 18:9-15

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 15 Background and Introduction The Major Content of Galatians: –Two issues Purity of doctrine Purity of conduct –What is the Gospel? Justification by faith, not works. Law-keeping as a means of salvation is condemned. The ceremonial law (esp. circumcision) is not binding on the gentiles. Therefore, stand fast in the liberty in which Christ has made you free! –Important verses include: The different Gospel (Gal 1:6-8) Crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20) The purpose of the Law (Gal 3:24) The Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22)

The Epistle to the Galatians Jan 3, 2010 Bob Eckel 16 Background and Introduction –What is legalism anyway? The mental attitude that man can do something to merit the blessing of God, either in salvation or in sanctification. –Evidences in Galatia: »Circumcision (Gal 5:1-5, 11; Gal 6:12,13) »Insistence on observing certain days (Gal 4:10) This stifles the life of Christ (Gal 5:4) Grace principle is lost (Gal 5:4) Leads to hypocrisy and a life that is lived to impress men (Gal 6:12) Paul addresses this by teaching that –Salvation is by grace alone (Gal 1-4) –Sanctification is by grace alone (Gal 5-6) It should be a great book and great fun!!