Reference: Galatians, Epistle to
Easton
The genuineness of this epistle is not called in question. Its Pauline origin is universally acknowledged.
Occasion of. The churches of Galatia were founded by Paul himself (Ac 16:6; Ga 1:8; 4:13,19). They seem to have been composed mainly of converts from heathenism (Ga 4:8), but partly also of Jewish converts, who probably, under the influence of Judaizing teachers, sought to incorporate the rites of Judaism with Christianity, and by their active zeal had succeeded in inducing the majority of the churches to adopt their views (Ga 1:6; 3:1). This epistle was written for the purpose of counteracting this Judaizing tendency, and of recalling the Galatians to the simplicity of the gospel, and at the same time also of vindicating Paul's claim to be a divinely-commissioned apostle.
Time and place of writing. The epistle was probably written very soon after Paul's second visit to Galatia (Ac 18:23). The references of the epistle appear to agree with this conclusion. The visit to Jerusalem, mentioned in Ga 2:1-10, was identical with that of Ac 15, and it is spoken of as a thing of the past, and consequently the epistle was written subsequently to the council of Jerusalem. The similarity between this epistle and that to the Romans has led to the conclusion that they were both written at the same time, namely, in the winter of A.D. 57-8, during Paul's stay in Corinth (Ac 20:2-3). This to the Galatians is written on the urgency of the occasion, tidings having reached him of the state of matters; and that to the Romans in a more deliberate and systematic way, in exposition of the same great doctrines of the gospel.
Contents of. The great question discussed is, Was the Jewish law binding on Christians? The epistle is designed to prove against the Jews that men are justified by faith without the works of the law of Moses. After an introductory address (Ga 1:1-10) the apostle discusses the subjects which had occasioned the epistle. (1) He defends his apostolic authority (Ga 1:11-19; 2:1-14); (2) shows the evil influence of the Judaizers in destroying the very essence of the gospel (3 and 4); (3) exhorts the Galatian believers to stand fast in the faith as it is in Jesus, and to abound in the fruits of the Spirit, and in a right use of their Christian freedom (5-6:1-10); (4) and then concludes with a summary of the topics discussed, and with the benediction.
The Epistle to the Galatians and that to the Romans taken together "form a complete proof that justification is not to be obtained meritoriously either by works of morality or by rites and ceremonies, though of divine appointment; but that it is a free gift, proceeding entirely from the mercy of God, to those who receive it by faith in Jesus our Lord."
In the conclusion of the epistle (Ga 6:11) Paul says, "Ye see how large a letter I have written with mine own hand." It is implied that this was different from his ordinary usage, which was simply to write the concluding salutation with his own hand, indicating that the rest of the epistle was written by another hand. Regarding this conclusion, Lightfoot, in his Commentary on the epistle, says: "At this point the apostle takes the pen from his amanuensis, and the concluding paragraph is written with his own hand. From the time when letters began to be forged in his name (2Th 2:2; 3:17) it seems to have been his practice to close with a few words in his own handwriting, as a precaution against such forgeries...In the present case he writes a whole paragraph, summing up the main lessons of the epistle in terse, eager, disjointed sentences. He writes it, too, in large, bold characters (Gr. pelikois grammasin), that his hand-writing may reflect the energy and determination of his soul." (See Justification.)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
When they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the holy ghost to preach the word in Asia,
and departed unto Antioch, and when he had tarried there a while, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia by order, strengthening all the disciples.
And when he had gone over those parts, and given them large exhortations, he came into Greece: and there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria; He purposed to return through Macedonia.
Paul an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and by God the father which raised him from death, and all the brethren which are with me. Unto the congregations of Galatia. read more. Grace be with you and peace from God the father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, which gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, through the will of God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen. I marvel that ye are so soon turned from him that called you in the grace of Christ, unto another gospel:
I marvel that ye are so soon turned from him that called you in the grace of Christ, unto another gospel: which is nothing else, but that there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert the gospel of Christ. read more. Nevertheless, though we ourselves, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, hold him as accursed.
Nevertheless, though we ourselves, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, hold him as accursed. As I said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other thing unto you, than that ye have received, hold him accursed. read more. Preach I man's doctrine or God's? Other go I about to please men? If I studied to please men, I were not the servant of Christ. I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me, was not after the manner of men, neither received I it of man, neither was I taught it: but received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in times past in the Jews' ways, how that beyond measure I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it: and prevailed in the Jews' law, above many of my companions, which were of mine own nation, and was a much more fervent maintainer of the traditions of the elders. But when it pleased God, which separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, for to declare his son by me, that I should preach him among the heathen: Immediately I commended not of the matter with flesh and blood, neither returned to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto Damascus. Then after three years, I returned to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. No other of the apostles saw I, save James the Lord's brother.
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also.
Then fourteen years thereafter, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus also. Yea, and I went up by revelation, and commended with them of the gospel, which I preach among the gentiles - but between ourselves with them which were counted chief, lest it should have been thought that I should run, or had run in vain.
Yea, and I went up by revelation, and commended with them of the gospel, which I preach among the gentiles - but between ourselves with them which were counted chief, lest it should have been thought that I should run, or had run in vain. Also Titus which was with me, though he were a Greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised;
Also Titus which was with me, though he were a Greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised; and that because of incomers, being false brethren, which came in among others to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.
and that because of incomers, being false brethren, which came in among others to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave no room - no, not for the space of a hour - as concerning to be brought into subjection: and that because that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
To whom we gave no room - no, not for the space of a hour - as concerning to be brought into subjection: and that because that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Of them which seemed to be great - what they were in time passed it maketh no matter to me: God looketh on no man's person - nevertheless they seemed great, added nothing to me:
Of them which seemed to be great - what they were in time passed it maketh no matter to me: God looketh on no man's person - nevertheless they seemed great, added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel over circumcision was unto Peter -
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel over circumcision was unto Peter - For he that was mighty in Peter in the apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in me among the gentiles -
For he that was mighty in Peter in the apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in me among the gentiles - and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews:
and therefore when James, Cephas, and John, which seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the righthands, and agreed with us that we should preach among the heathen, and they among the Jews: warning only that we should remember the poor, which thing also I was diligent to do.
warning only that we should remember the poor, which thing also I was diligent to do. And when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him in the face, for he was worthy to be blamed. read more. For yer that certain came from James, he ate with the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision, and the other Jews dissembled likewise; Insomuch that Barnabas was brought into their simulation also. But when I saw that they went not the right way after the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter, before all men, "If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of the gentiles, and not as do the Jews: why causest thou the gentiles to live as do the Jews?"
O foolish Galatians: who hath bewitched you, that ye should not believe the truth, to whom Jesus Christ was described before the eyes, and among you crucified?
Notwithstanding, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them, which by nature were no gods:
Ye know well how that through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
My little children - of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be fashioned in you -
Behold how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
that ye be not suddenly moved from your mind, and be not troubled; neither by spirit, neither by words, nor yet by letter, which should seem to come from us, as though the day of Christ were at hand.
The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand. This is the token in all epistles. So I write.