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
And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian country, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;
And, having spent some time there, he departed, going through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
And, having gone through those parts and exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece; and, having spent three months there, a plot being laid for him by the Jews, as he was about to sail into Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren with me, to the assemblies of Galatia: read more. Grace to you, and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father; to Whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from Him Who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different Gospel,
I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from Him Who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different Gospel, which is not another; only there are some who are troubling you, and wishing to pervert the Gospel of Christ. read more. But even if we or an angel out of Heaven should proclaim a Gospel to you other than that which we delivered to you, let him be accursed!
But even if we or an angel out of Heaven should proclaim a Gospel to you other than that which we delivered to you, let him be accursed! As we have said before, even now also I say again, if any one is delivering a Gospel to you, contrary to that which ye received, let him be accursed. read more. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please men? If still I were pleasing men, I should not be Christ's servant. For I make known to you, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed by me is not according to man; for neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism; that, beyond measure, I was persecuting the assembly of God, and laying it waste; and was making progress in Judaism above many companions of the same age in my own nation, being more exceedingly a zealot for my ancestral instructions. But, when it pleased God, who set me apart from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might proclaim the good news of Him among the gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood, neither went I up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus. Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and continued with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles I saw not, except James, the brother of the Lord.
Then, fourteen years later, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking with me Titus also.
Then, fourteen years later, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking with me Titus also. And I went up according to revelation, and laid before them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to those of repute, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
And I went up according to revelation, and laid before them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to those of repute, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised;
But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; and that was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, who, indeed, crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;
and that was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, who, indeed, crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage; to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you.
to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you. But from those reputed to be something (whatever they were, it matters not to me: God does not accept man's person): to me, in fact, those of repute added nothing;
But from those reputed to be something (whatever they were, it matters not to me: God does not accept man's person): to me, in fact, those of repute added nothing; but, on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the Gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter was with that of the circumcision;
but, on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the Gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter was with that of the circumcision; (for He Who wrought for Peter with regard to an apostleship of the circumcision, wrought for me also with regard to the gentiles).
(for He Who wrought for Peter with regard to an apostleship of the circumcision, wrought for me also with regard to the gentiles). And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision;
And, perceiving the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas right-hands of fellowship, that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision; only they desired that we should remember the poor, which very thing I was also eager to do.
only they desired that we should remember the poor, which very thing I was also eager to do. But, when Cephas came to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was blameworthy; read more. for, before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the gentiles; but, when they came, he was withdrawing and separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also dissembled with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But, when I saw that they were not walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in presence of them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as do the gentiles, and not as the Jews, how do you compel the gentiles to live as do the Jews?"
O foolish Galatians! Who bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?
But then, indeed, when ye knew not God, ye served those which by nature are no gods;
but ye know that through weakness of the flesh I proclaimed the Gospel to you formerly;
my little children, for whom I am in travail again, until Christ be formed in you!
See with what large letters I wrote to you with my own hand.
that ye be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, as that the day of the Lord has set in.
The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; so I write.