Problems in Galatia

Introduction: The dangers of false teachers and new Christians

The Galatian church was made up of Gentile believers.

Paul visited the Galatians a couple of times before the events of this letter.

Galatia had become inundated with Jewish Christians who taught the Gentile believers had to follow the law of Moses.

Paul rebukes these teachings and shows that we are justified by faith in Christ’s atoning work and not the Law.

Today’s focus will be on the first couple of chapters, which are Paul’s defense of his credentials, the Galatians situation, and the atoning work of Jesus opposed to the Law.

Paul’s Credentials Galatians 1:1, 11-16, Galatians 2:9-10

Paul is forced to defend his own credentials as the “Judaizers” have claimed he is not a true apostle. He also speaks on how the “pillars” of the early church endorsed him and Barnabas

Paul Calls Out the Galatians for Following False Teachings Galatians 1:6-7

The Galatians were new Christians, so they were easily misled by the Judaizers from Palestine that had infiltrated the church.

Paul Condemns False Teachers Galatians 1:8-10

False teachers that teach “other gospels” will be accursed

Titus, a Gentile Did Not Get Circumcised Galatians 2:1-3

Paul offers an example of a Gentile not required to follow Mosaic Law.

Paul Rebukes Peter Galatians 2:11-16

Peter ate with the Gentiles until some Jews showed up, then acted as a hypocrite when the Jews showed up.

Paul stated it wasn’t right that he didn’t want to live by the law by commanded the Gentiles to.

Upholding the Law Makes Christ’s Sacrifice Pointless Galatians 2:21

If You Insist on Following the Law, You Better Follow Every Jot and Tittle Galatians 3:10-13

Paul defends the faith by stating that if the Galatian church wants to follow the Law they better follow every single Law.