Bible Book of Galatians | Freedom from the Law

A passionate defense of Christian liberty, warning against legalism and emphasizing life in the Spirit. Galatians chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Epistle. Theme: Freedom from the Law

  • Author: Paul
  • Date: AD 49
  • Read Time: 25 mins
  • Purpose: Defend grace against legalism.
  • Key Verse: Gal 5:1 - Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.
  • Christ: Our Liberty.
  • Audience: Believers being deceived by 'Judaizers' into legalism
  • Sobriquet: Magna Carta of Spiritual Liberty.
  • Liberty Focus: The 'Magna Carta' of spiritual freedom, attacking the idea that works save us.
  • Fruit Contrast: Contrasts the 'works of the flesh' with the 'fruit of the Spirit' in the believer's life.

Galatians is a fiery polemic written to protect the purity of the Gospel from those adding religious rules to Christ's finished work.

Paul defends his apostleship (1-2), establishes grace through the Old Testament (3-4), and applies it to life (5-6).

Jesus is the one who redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us (3:13).

Galatians 1 - Greeting

Paul, to the churches of Galatia. You are already turning to a different gospel! The gospel I preached came by revelation from Christ.

Galatians 2 - Paul Accepted by the Apostles

I went up to Jerusalem and saw the leaders. I opposed Cephas about circumcision. We are justified by faith in Christ and not by works.

Galatians 3 - Who has bewitched you

Those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. In Christ you are all sons of God.

Galatians 4 - Sons and Heirs

God sent his Son for us to receive adoption. How can you turn back to worthless principles? You, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Galatians 5 - Christ Has Set Us Free

Christ has set us free. Circumcision counts for nothing. Use your freedom to love one another. Walk by the Spirit and not the flesh.

Galatians 6 - Bear One Another's Burdens

Restore anyone caught in sin. Sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life. Let us not give up doing good. What counts is the new creation.