Week 1 | Galatians 1:1–10
Lisa Sheffler, author
Why Galatians?
To understand why Galatians is important to us in the 21st century, we need to go back to the time in which it was written. Why was this letter written in the first place?
Galatians was written by Paul to church communities in the region of Galatia (modern day Turkey). Several years earlier, Paul and his companions had traveled through this area proclaiming the good news that Jesus Christ was the Messiah — the one through whom God was bringing salvation, peace, and righteousness — not just to the Jews, but to all the people of the world.
Now, Paul hadn’t always believed this message. As a strict Pharisee and zealous student of the Jewish law, Paul had not only rejected Jesus as Messiah, he had persecuted his followers. All that changed when Paul had a life-changing encounter with the risen Christ. After his experience with Jesus, Paul not only became a bold and outspoken apostle, but he made it his mission to proclaim the good news of Christ’s reign to the Gentiles (non-Jews).
Paul insisted that Jesus’ death on the cross, resurrection from the dead, and ascension into heaven meant that God’s promised salvation had come and was available to everyone. The Spirit of God had come to set people free.
Paul saw the Jewish scriptures of his youth with new eyes, and recognized all the ways that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s Word. God gave him a vision for a new covenant community. Following the ways of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit, this family of believers would grow and spread as more and more people heard the gospel and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. These Christians would demonstrate Christ’s love and goodness and invite others to experience it for themselves.
Paul and his companions spread this glorious vision, and many people believed it. But, people still acted like, well, people. Conflicts arose because of jealousies, rivalries, and prejudices. Among certain Jewish believers, there was genuine consternation. How could pagan Gentiles become members of God’s family? Having never followed the Jewish rites or observed the Jewish law, how could Gentiles be a part of a covenant community alongside Jews? How could they become right with God without the works of the law? This is an issue Paul had to deal with many times in his ministry, and a central problem he addresses here in Galatians.
While the issues are different, our need for a clear understanding of the gospel and its implications is the same. What does it mean to be “saved”? How does faith in Jesus affect our relationship with God and others? How do we live as Christ’s followers? When we proclaim the gospel, what is our message? Galatians can help us find clarity.
Day 1
As we dive into Galatians, we’ll encounter a frustrated and angry Paul who is afraid the people to whom he is writing are being deceived. He wants so badly for them to experience their freedom in Christ, but he’s afraid they are allowing themselves to be led out of the sunlight and back into the gloom.
As we move through our study, we’ll lean on the expertise of commentators, theologians, and historians to help us understand Paul’s meaning and we’ll also discuss how we can apply this amazing work to our own lives. But for today, take time to simply read the entire letter and record your initial thoughts, feelings, and questions. The more you prayerfully interact with the Scripture, the more you will gain from your time in God’s Word.
Read
Galatians is only six chapters. In my Bible, it’s just seven pages. In your own Bible or favorite Bible app, read the letter straight through, and consider the following:
- What is Paul upset about in the letter?
- How do you currently understand key terms like gospel, faith, the law, and works of the law? Notice how they are used in Galatians.
- What are a couple of questions you have now that you hope to answer by the end of our series. Write them down. Pray that the Spirit will give you wisdom and insight as you study Galatians.
- What are two or three things from this letter that encourage you or give you reason to praise God? Write those down as well. In prayer, praise God for those things.
Respond
As you begin this journey through Galatians, spend some time with the Father. Having read through this entire letter, what words or phrases are sticking with you? Allow them to guide your prayers. Praise God for his Word, and ask your Father for what you most need today.
But wait, there’s more
If you have additional time today or later this week, I suggest you read about Paul’s initial visit to the region of Galatia. Read Acts 13:13–14:28 and follow along on this map. Notice what Paul preached when he went through the towns of southern Galatia, and who he preached to. What opposition did he encounter? What insight does this give you into Galatians?