Galatians: An Introduction

Galatians 1:1-5

Introduction

We are starting a new series on the book of Galatians this morning.

We will be taking 12 lessons to go through this letter just as we did with James last year.

We want to use these opportunities to dig deep in this text and extend our knowledge of what is likely a familiar portion of scripture.

There is a danger when we come to familiar portions of text that we overlook insights because of the familiarity.

In order to address this problem, some will say something like, “let’s look at this with fresh eyes.”

We aren’t trying to find what “no one has ever found.”

We are trying to see what perhaps WE haven’t found.

Be on the lookout for:

Some of the first century concepts we have discussed about grace and faith. About patronage and allegiance.

This isn’t a letter about how to become a Christian (though it will say things that help inform us on that subject). It is a letter about how to remain a faithful as a Christian.

Consider the way Paul talks about the law in comparison with how the Law talks about the Law.

Think about piecing together cohesive arguments that Paul is making throughout the letter.

Paul’s “Rhetoric”

The appeal to character.

His commission comes directly from God (Gal. 1:11-24).

He didn’t get his message or ordination from other apostles (Gal. 1:17-2:10).

He is unconcerned about approval of men (Gal. 1:10).

He has preached a consistent message (Gal. 2:3-5).

He has fought the battles no matter the opponent (Gal. 2:11-14).

He testifies to his personal concern for them (Gal. 4:19).

He has the scars to prove his dedication (Gal. 6:17).

On the other hand...

His opponents are the disturbers with another gospel (Gal. 1:7; 5:7, 10).

Their motives are selfish and cowardly (Gal. 4:17; 6:12-13).

The appeal to emotion.

There are the emotions of shame and indignation (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1-5; 4:8-11, 17; 5:7-12; 6:12-13).

There is personal loyalty (Gal. 4:12-16).

There is fear of consequence (Gal. 5:1-4).

The appeal to logic.

The word “for” shows up 36 times, “because” 11 times, “therefore” 12 times (6 each).

He uses logic to prove his own motives (Gal. 1:10; 5:11).

He uses household and legal analogies (Gal. 3:23-25; 4:1-7; 3:15-18).

He appeals to accepted wisdom (Gal. 5:9; 6:7).

He appeals to the evidence of what they have already seen and experienced (Gal. 3:2-5).

Opening Words

The identity of the senders (Gal. 1:1-2).

Notice the extra attention given to the authority of Paul as coming directly from God and no other.

Also, “all the brothers who are with me” suggests, we are all on the same page here. You guys are out of step.

The recipients (Gal. 1:2).

I believe this is the churches Paul worked with in southern Galatia on his first journey.

I also believe this is written early (perhaps first) in Paul’s writings.

What Jesus has accomplished (Gal. 1:3-4).

First consider grace and peace (1 Thess. 5:3).

Consider the grandeur of the this statement.

The Bible speaks of the accomplishments of Christ not in exclusively personal terms, but all the way to cosmic terms.

We are talking about spiritual warfare in heavenly places and Christ has rescued us from the wrong side of that war.

Doxology (Gal. 1:5).

A doxology is a phrase or even a hymn that comes to be commonly used in praise of God.

There are several places where you see this sort of phrase come up often as the conclusion of a statement or paragraph.

It is appropriate to repeat good phrases that say good things. This is not vain repetition.

It is honor where honor is due.

Conclusion

As we read through this letter, we want to understand the arguments Paul is making. They are lengthy and they are complex.

But we also want to see HOW he makes those arguments. We don’t merely learn by looking at the example of the bare logic, but the way he goes about applying it.

People who think they WAY you say it isn’t important find no help in Paul’s letters. But people who think the way you say must always be with tiptoe reticence also find no affirmation in Paul.

Your relationship to Christ is not a matter of only cold hard facts.

Throughout the New Testament we find facts, personal loyalties, and emotional attachment woven together to call people to and back to Christ time and again.