The Book of Galatians
We are justified by faith in Christ, not by the law, and set free to live by the Spirit.
- Author
- The apostle Paul
- Date
- c. AD 48–55
- Chapters
- 6
- Genre
- Paul's Letters
Summary
Paul writes urgently to churches in Galatia that were being told they must keep the Jewish law, such as circumcision, to be right with God. He defends the gospel he received from Christ and insists that a person is justified by faith in Jesus, not by works of the law.
Paul then explains that believers are children of God and heirs of Abraham through faith. Freedom in Christ is not a license to sin but an invitation to live by the Spirit, who produces love, joy, peace and the rest of the Spirit's fruit.
Outline
- Chapters 1–2 — Paul defends his gospel
- Chapters 3–4 — Justified by faith
- Chapters 5–6 — Freedom in the Spirit
Key Themes
Key Verses
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Start reading GalatiansBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.