Galatians

Epistle · New Testament · The apostle Paul · c. 48–55 CE

An epistle written by the apostle Paul to early Christian communities in Galatia addressing a crisis over the Mosaic Law. Paul strongly defends his apostolic authority and argues that believers are justified by faith in Jesus Christ rather than by observing Torah regulations like circumcision, emphasizing Christian freedom and life led by the Spirit.

6 chapters

• 1Galatians 1Paul defends his apostolic authority and the divine origin of his gospel, recounting his conversion and early independence from Jerusalem.
• 2Galatians 2Paul describes his meeting with Jerusalem leaders, his confrontation of Peter in Antioch, and justification through faith rather than law.
• 3Galatians 3Paul argues that believers receive the Spirit through faith, citing Abraham and explaining that the law served as a temporary guardian.
• 4Galatians 4Paul contrasts spiritual childhood under the law with adoption as heirs, using an allegory of Sarah and Hagar to illustrate freedom.
• 5Galatians 5Paul warns against circumcision, urges the Galatians to stand firm in freedom, and contrasts the flesh with the Spirit's fruit.
• 6Galatians 6Paul urges believers to bear one another's burdens, warns of sowing and reaping, and boasts only in Christ's cross, not circumcision.