Copyright 2012 by Clay Gentry All rights reserved

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4 Copyright 2012 by Clay Gentry All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing by the publisher. Request for permission should be addressed in writing or to: Clay Gentry 118 Westfield Dr. Columbia, TN or Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 4

5 Special thanks to: The church at Lanton for all of their patience, encouragement and prayers as they have watched me grow over the last five years. And, to my wife Shelly for her love and support. Without you by my side this trip through life would not be possible. 5

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7 GALATIANS: Table of Contents Getting the Most Out of This Study... 9 Introduction to Galatians Reading 1 - Greeting (1:1-5), No Other Gospel (1:6-10) Reading 2 - Paul Called by God (1:11-24) Reading 3 - Paul Accepted by the Apostles (2:1-10) Reading 4 - Paul Opposes Peter (2:11-14); Justification by Faith (2:15-21) Reading 5 - By Faith, or by Works of the Law? (3:1-9); The Righteous Shall Live by Faith (3:10-14) Reading 6 - The Law and the Promise (3:15-29) Reading 7 - Sons and Heirs (4:1-7) Reading 8 - Paul s Concern for the Galatians (4:8-20) Reading 9 - Example of Hagar and Sarah (4:21-31) Reading 10 - Christ Has Set Us Free (5:1-15) Reading 11 - Walk by the Spirit (5:16-26) Reading 12 - Bear One Another s Burdens (6:1-10); Final Warning and Benediction (6:11-18) Galatians Review and Reflection Appendix Paul s Work Among the Churches of the Galatians Reading 1 Paul and Barnabas in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13-52) Reading 2 Paul and Barnabas at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7); Paul and Barnabas at Lystra (14:8-18); Paul Stoned at Lystra (14:19-23) Reading 3 - The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35); Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (16:1-5)

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9 Getting the Most Out of This Study To get the most out of this study of Galatians follow these helpful suggestions: Suggestions for Study Participants and Leaders 1. As you begin each reading, pray to God, asking Him to speak to you through His word. 2. Begin your study of Galatians by first reading the Introduction to Galatians (pp ) and then read Galatians in your Bible. As a note, the questions in this study incorporate the language of the English Standard Version, so you may wish to use that translation of the Bible for this study. 3. You may also find it helpful to read about Paul s time with the churches of Galatia as recorded in the book of Acts. Readings for those passages are included in the Appendix (pp ) and may be useful in establishing some context for the epistle to the Galatians. 4. Each reading deals with just one passage, allowing you to delve into the Paul s meaning in context. Read and re-read the assigned passages, taking note of any observations or questions you might have. These notes make for perfect discussion points in a group setting. 5. This is an inductive Bible study, meaning this book includes three types of questions. Observation questions ask about the basic facts. Interpretation questions delve into the meaning of a passage. Application questions help you discover the how the truth of the text can impact your spiritual life. To get the most from these questions, write your answers in the space provided or in a personal journal. Writing brings clarity and a deeper understanding of God s word. It will also help you contribute to a group discussion. 6. It might also be a good idea to have reliable Bible study tools at your disposal, such as: a study bible, commentary, or bible dictionary. 7. If you are a part of a Bible study group it is especially important that you: (1) Come to the study prepared. (2) Be willing to participate in the discussion by sharing your answers and insights. (3) Listen when others describe what they have learned, you will be amazed at what you can learn from others. 8. If you are leading a Bible study group, it is especially important that you: (1) Come to the study thoroughly prepared. (2) Follow the Suggestions for a Typical Group Study below. (3) Encourage participation from everyone. Suggestions for a Typical Group Study: 1. Begin with prayer, asking for God s guidance in understanding His word. 2. Have a participant read the assigned passage aloud. 3. Share and discuss any observations or questions anyone has from the assigned reading. Assist one another answering questions prompted by the reading. 4. Work through the discussion questions for each reading. For most of the questions, there is no one right so share multiple answers from different group members for each question. Doing this will help the group get to the meaning and application of the passage. 5. End your time with prayer, asking God for strength to live out His word. 9

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11 Introduction to Galatians Everyone wants to be accepted by family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. As so often is the case, many people only accept us if we are attractive, smart, funny, wealthy or powerful. This pushes us to work hard to project just the right image, trying all the while to conceal our faults so that people will accept us. We often transfer this attitude to our relationship with God. We feel we must earn His acceptance, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. We think that if we could only work harder spiritually, live better lives, pray longer and harder, etc. - then we might just get on God s good side. He might accept us, and ultimately save us. In Galatians, Paul challenges this kind of thinking. He says it is futile to try to earn God s acceptance, when He has already accepted us through faith in Christ Jesus. The message of the gospel of Christ, of Galatians, is that in Christ, we are free from living lives of guilt and hopelessness. In this new state of freedom, we will find hope in the assurance of God s love and renewed power to serve Him and others. Author: The apostle Paul identifies himself at the outset as the author of this epistle (Galatians 1:1) and he even takes the extra step of authenticating his letter by writing the salutation in his own hand (Galatians 5:11). Paul was born in the city of Tarsus in the province of Cilicia (Acts 9:11, 30; 11:25; 21:39). However, he was raised in Jerusalem, studying under the famous rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3; cf. 5:34). Paul excelled in his study of the Old Testament Scriptures and in rabbinic traditions, to the point that he exceeded all his peers. As a member of the sect of the Pharisees (Acts 23:6; 26:5-6; Philippians 3:5), and as a trusted enforcer of the High Priest (Acts 9:1-2, 14; Galatians 1:13), Paul was well on his way of being one of Judaism s rising stars. The course of Paul s life took a sudden and dramatic turn when, on his way to Damascus from Jerusalem to persecute Christians, he was confronted by the risen, glorified Christ (Acts 9:1-19; 22:1-16; 26:12-18). That extraordinary encounter transformed Paul from Christianity s chief persecutor (Acts 8:1-3; 26:9-11) to its greatest apostle, teacher, and missionary. So great was his conversion, Paul immediately began proclaiming; Jesus was the Christ (Acts 9:20-22). After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Jews in Damascus (Acts 9:23-25; 2 Corinthians 11:3-33), Paul spent three years in the Arabian Desert (Galatians 1:17-18). It is perhaps during that time, he received much of his doctrine as direct revelation from the Lord (Galatians 1:11-12). Though unimpressive by worldly standards (2 Corinthians 10:10; Galatians 4:14), Paul, perhaps more than any other person, was responsible for the spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire (1 Corinthians 15:10). This was accomplished through three primary means. First, through his three missionary journeys (Acts 13:1-14:28; 15:36-18:22; 18:23-21:16). Second, by establishing churches in large cities with transient populations such as Ephesus where the Word could more easily spread to other parts of the Empire (Acts 19:10, 26). The third reason Christianity spread so rapidly was through 11

12 Paul s extensive letter writing. Galatians is one of 13 inspired letters that he wrote to either churches or individual. The effectiveness of his letters was enhanced by the fact that they were circulated among various churches in different cities (Colossians 4:16). Throughout Paul s life, he suffered terribly for the sake of the gospel: beatings and stoning, arrest and imprisonment, and shipwrecks and hunger (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Yet all the while he pressed on, aided by an inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:13). The grace of God proved sufficient to provide for his every need (2 Corinthians 12:19-10), empowering him to successfully finish his spiritual race (2 Timothy 4:7). According to tradition, at the end of his life, Paul endured harsh imprisonment. Eventually, Emperor Nero condemned Paul to death by beheading, which was said to have occurred ca. AD 67. Paul s enduring legacy is that he was a living, breathing example of God by grace through faith and not by works (Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17). This was the gospel message that he preached far and wide. Time of Writing: The date of the writing of the Galatians is a matter of debate among scholars. The central issue revolves around the visit to Jerusalem that Paul mentions in Galatians 2:1-10. If this is referring to his visit recorded in Acts 15, then Galatians would have been written after that visit. If, as some would contend, it is referencing a different visit to Jerusalem (i.e. Acts 11:27-30), then it makes sense that Galatians would have been written before the Acts 15 meeting. One piece of evidence that is used to support this claim is that since details of the Acts 15 meeting are absent from Paul s account in Galatians 2, namely the letter sent to Gentile Christians (Acts 15:22-29), then Galatians must date prior to the Acts 15 meeting. While good evidence supports both arguments, this writer favors the viewpoint that the meeting referenced in Galatians 2 is Paul s brief account of the events of Acts 15. I hold this view because Acts 15 is the first time within the narrative of the early church that Judaizers are active among the Gentiles. Therefore, I would place Galatians as after these events. Recipients: Paul identified the recipients of this epistle as being the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:2b): the central region of what is now Turkey. There were numerous churches throughout the region (Acts 13:49; 14:6b), but only four of these churches are specifically named in Acts. The first, was Antioch in Pisidia (13:13-52), where Paul masterfully preached Christ in the synagogue. The second church visited was Iconium (14:1-7), despite fierce opposition there by the Jews, Paul stayed for a long time; preaching in such a way as to bring many Jews and Greeks to Christ. The third church was in Lystra (14:8-21a), where Paul was stoned and left for dead. Leaving there, he and Barnabas went on to the city of Derbe (14:20b-21a), where they made many disciples. Each city was visited again on a return trip for the purpose of strengthening the brethren and appointing elders in each congregation (14:21b-23). Additionally, a brief trip through this area is mentioned as a part of Paul s 2 nd missionary journey (16:1-6). 12

13 The churches of Galatia were composed of great numbers of both Jews (Acts 13:43; 14:1) and Gentiles (Acts 13:43, 48; 14:1, 21; Galatians 4:8). As a result, these new converts faced much hostility and persecution from unbelieving Jews (ref. Acts 14:22; Galatians 3:4) and trouble from believing Jews, called Judaizers. The trouble inflicted by the latter group provided the occasion for the writing of Galatians. Purpose: The purpose of Paul writing to the Galatians was to counter the effects of false teachers who were distorting the gospel of Christ (1:6-7). Sometime after Paul had left the region, the churches of Galatia had been infiltrated by false teachers called Judaizers. The name Judaizer comes from the Greek word, oudai that means to live like a Jew (Galatians 2:14). Therefore, a Judaizer was one who would force others, especially Gentile Christians, to live like a Jew, namely to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses (ref. Galatians 5:2). The first Judaizers came from the ranks of Pharisees who had converted to Christianity (ref. Acts 15:5). There was no love lost between Paul and the trouble-making Judaizers (ref. Galatians 1:7). He calls for them to be accursed (1:9), as well as wishing they would just emasculate themselves (5:12). Their concern was not the souls of the Galatians but personal pride. They wanted to boast over the Galatians acceptance of their teaching (6:12a, 13b) and their desire for relief from Jewish persecution (6:12b). Sadly, it is evident that some of the Galatians had fallen for the works based salvation that the Judaizers were peddling. Paul was astonished that the Galatians were so quickly deserting [the grace of Christ] and turning to a different gospel (1:6). He even goes so far as to sarcastically suggest that the Galatians must have been bewitched into believing such an enslaving doctrine (ref. 3:1). However, Paul is convinced that the Galatians will once again run well and take no other view on the matter of salvation than his (ref. Galatians 5:7-8). Key Verses: (1:1) Paul, an apostle - not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. (also: 1:11-12) (2:16) we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (also: 3:10-11) (2:20) have been crucified with Christ. t is no longer who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (also: 5:24; 6:14) (4:4) But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (5:1) For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 13

14 (5:4) You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. (5:13-14) For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (also: 6:2) (5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (6:15-16) For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the srael of God. (also: 5:6) Outline: Galatians easily divides into three sections, each with its own central theme. I. Paul s Defense of His Apostleship (1:1-2:21): a. (1:1-9) Greeting and Initial Rebuke b. (1:10-17) Paul s Defense: Divine Calling, Divine Message c. (1:18-2:10) Paul s Defense: His Teaching on Grace was Recognized by the Other Apostles d. (2:11-21) Paul s Defense: He Rebuked Peter, in Order to Preserve the Truth of the Gospel II. Paul s Defense of Justification by Faith (3:1-4:31): a. (3:1-5) The Galatians Own Experience was Proof that Justification is by Faith and not by Works of Law b. (3:6-9) Old Testament Example # 1, Abraham was Proof that Justification is by Faith and not by Works of Law c. (3:10-14) Old Testament Example # 2, The Law Itself was Proof that Justification is by Faith and not by Works of Law d. (3:15-18) Human Example #1, Human Covenants were Proof that Justification is by Faith and not Works of Law e. (3:19-4:7) Human Example #2, Guardianship and a Child s Coming of Age was Proof that Justification is by Faith and not Works of Law f. (4:8-20) An Appeal From Paul s Heart for the Galatians to Listen to Him g. (4:21-31) Old Testament Example # 3, An Allegorical Interpretation of Hagar and Sarah; Ishmael and Isaac was Proof that Justification by Faith and not Works of Law III. Paul s Defense of Christian Freedom (5:1-6:18): a. (5:1-6) Freedom From the Rituals of Law b. (5:7-12) The Troublemakers are Rebuked c. (5:13-15) Freedom to Fulfill the Law through Love, not Works d. (5:16-26) Freedom to Bear the Fruit of the Spirit and not Succumb to the Desires of the Flesh e. (6:1-10) Freedom to Focus on the Spiritual Lives of Others f. (6:11-18) Final Warning and Benediction 14

15 Paul s Epistle to the Galatians 15

16 Reading # 1 - Date: Greeting (1:1-5); No Other Gospel (1:6-10) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 16

17 Reading # 1 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. Why does Paul begin his letter by stressing the divine origin of his apostleship? 3. What do you learn about the gospel message from Paul s synopsis of it in vv. 3-5? 4. How had the Galatians shocked Paul? 5. What does Paul s strong language in v. 9 suggest about the seriousness of altering the gospel message of salvation by grace? (ref. Deuteronomy 13:1-11 ) 6. When you look at your congregation and/or the Christian community in your town, what negative trends astonish you or cause you to marvel? Explain your answer(s). 17

18 Reading # 2 - Date: Paul Called by God (1:11-24) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 18

19 Reading # 2 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. What difference does it make to the Galatians (and you) whether Paul received his gospel from man or from Christ? 3. How does Paul s autobiography in vv support his statement in vv ? 4. Read 1 Timothy 1: How would Paul s reasons for why Christ saved him resonate with the Galatians and the issues they are facing? How does it encourage you? 5. Why do you think Paul has to emphatically reassure the Galatians, do not lie!? (ref. Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 11:31; 1 Timothy 2:7) 6. Going back to v. 10, Paul said his goal was to please God, man. Identify one area in your life where you are motivated to please others. What would change if pleasing God became your sole priority? 19

20 Reading # 3 - Date: Paul Accepted by the Apostles (2:1-10) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 20

21 Reading # 3 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. Using Acts 15 as your source, summarize what prompted Paul and Barnabas trip to Jerusalem? 3. What is the significance of Paul, nor any other apostles, not compelling Titus to be circumcised? 4. Why would it have been enslavement for Titus to yield to the Judaizers perverted gospel of works based salvation? Explain how this also applies to you. 5. How did the response of the leaders in Jerusalem, help Paul s argument that his gospel was the truth? 6. How would Paul s remembering the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem be significant in solidifying Jewish-Gentile relations? (ref: Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1) 21

22 Reading # 4 - Date: Paul Opposes Peter (2:11-14); Justification by Faith (2:15-21) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 22

23 Reading # 4 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. What conflict(s) arose during Peter s time in Antioch? 3. What was it about Peter s (and the rest of the Jews) actions that violated the truth of the gospel? (ref. John 17:20-21; Romans 10:12-13) 4. What is the foundation of our being declared justified (innocent) and righteous before God? (ref. Romans 9:30-10:4; Philippians 3:8-11) 5. According to vv , how does the believer s union with Christ refute the legalist arguments of the Judaizers and Peter s behavior? 6. Like Peter, when do you experience peer pressure to conform in ways that compromise the gospel? How will you overcome these temptations in the future? 23

24 Reading # 5 - Date: By Faith, or by Works of the Law? (3:1-9); The Righteous Shall Live by Faith (3:10-14) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 24

25 Reading # 5 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. How will a vivid understanding of Jesus Christ s crucifixion guard you from thinking you must earn God s love? (ref: John 3:16; Ephesians 2:1-7; 1 John 4:9-11) 3. How do the answers to Paul s questions in vv. 2-6, show the Galatians the foolishness of thinking they could be saved by works of law? 4. How does Paul use Abraham as an example of justification by faith and not by law? 5. What curse did Jesus redeem the saved from through His death on the cross? 6. Why do you think attempting to be saved by law keeping has such a bewitching allurement? Has it ever affected you this way? Explain. 25

26 Reading # 6 - Date: The Law and the Promise (3:15-29) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 26

27 Reading # 6 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. Why is a man-made covenant (or will) an appropriate metaphor for the point Paul is making here (vv ) and in the previous passage (vv )? 3. If no one can be justified by keeping law, then why did God give the law? 4. How does a clear grasp of the purpose of God s law help emphasize your need for Christ? 5. According to Paul, what role does baptism play in the life of a Christian who is justified by faith in Christ? 6. Where would you like to see more oneness in Christ among believers, and what will you do to make it more of a reality? 27

28 Reading # 7 - Date: Sons and Heirs (4:1-7) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 28

29 Reading # 7 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. What truth(s) is Paul stressing via his analogy of a child coming of age? 3. In what ways is life under law a lot like spiritual childhood? 4. What is meant by the statement, God sent forth His son that we might receive adoption as sons? (ref. Romans 8:1-17; Ephesians 2:1-22) 5. As an adopted child of God, you have the privilege of calling God Abba. Why is it, that this kind of intimacy can only be the result of salvation through Christ and not law? 6. What is/are some situation(s) in which you especially need to hear again that you are a child of God by adoption through Christ Jesus? 29

30 Reading # 8 - Date: Paul s Concern for the Galatians (4:8-20) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 30

31 Reading # 8 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. Why does Paul emphasize being known by God over coming to know God? (ref. Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 8:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:19) 3. Why does Paul describe the elementary principles of Judaism (4:3) and paganism (4:8) as enslavement? How then does one obtain his or her freedom? (ref. Colossians 3:8) 4. How does Paul express his perplexity over their abandonment of him and the true gospel? 5. Contrast Paul s desire for the Galatians with what the Judaizing false teachers wanted. 6. What is Paul saying to the Galatians by comparing himself to a mother giving birth? How does this sentiment reflect you feelings toward others? 31

32 Reading # 9 - Date: Example of Hagar and Sarah (Galatians 4:21-31) (In the space below outline Paul s contrast between Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac, and law and promise. Also, write any observations or questions you have regarding today s reading.) The Analogy of Abraham s Two Wives / Two Sons Hagar (law) Sarah (promise) 32

33 Reading # 9 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. Describe how Paul allegorically interprets the story of Abraham s two wives and sons. (Ref. Genesis 15-17; 21:1-21) 3. In what way(s) does Paul turn the Judaizer s arguments on their head by saying they are really descendents of Ishmael? (ref. Galatians 6:15-16) 4. How is it that all Christians are now children of promise in the line of Isaac and the true srael of God (6:15-16)? 5. What was Paul telling the Galatians to do with the Judaizers and their salvation by works of law? 6. From your own spiritual experience, do you feel more like a child of Hagar or like a child of Sarah? Why? What is Paul s advice for you and where you are at in your walk of faith? 33

34 Reading # 10 - Date: Christ Has Set Us Free (5:1-15) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 34

35 Reading # 10 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. What does Paul mean when he says, For freedom Christ has set us free? 3. How would you explain to someone the consequences of trying to be justified before God based solely on works of law? 4. Why is Christ complete work on the cross offensive to those who would seek to be justified by law? (ref. 1 Corinthians 1:17-31) 5. How is faith working through love (5:6) different from observing days and months and seasons and years (4:10), or keeping laws regarding circumcision and the like? 6. In what area(s) of your life do you need to demonstrate more evidence of a loving faith? 35

36 Reading # 11 - Date: Walk by the Spirit (5:16-26) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 36

37 Reading # 11 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. Simply stated, what does it mean to walk (v. 16, 26), and to be led (v. 18) by the Spirit? 3. What are the implications of Paul s statement, if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law? 4. What is at the root of Paul s contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit? 5. Explain why crucifixion is an apt description of what you must do to the passions and desires of your flesh as you submit to Christ? 6. What will walk[ing] by the Spirit rather than following your sinful flesh mean doing differently for you this week? 37

38 Reading # 12 - Date: Bear One Another s Burdens (6:1-10); Final Warning and Benediction (6:11-18) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 38

39 Reading # 12 Questions: 1. Summarize the main point(s) Paul in making in the assigned reading. 2. How does fulfilling the law of Christ through love differ from the kind of law-keeping urged by the Judaizers? (ref.: John 13:34; James 2:8; 1 John 2:8-11) 3. What does vv reveal about the motives of the Judaizers? (ref. Acts 13:45, 50; 14:2, 5, 19) 4. Write a statement about your salvation that boasts, not in yourself, but in the cross of Christ. 5. As a result of your study of Galatians, give at least one way you will walk by the rule of v. 15? 6. Why do the Galatians (and all Christians) need the blessings of peace, mercy and grace (vv. 16, 18) in order to stand firm (5:1) in the freedom we have in Christ? 39

40 Galatians Review and Reflection 1. Summarize the basic problems Paul addressed in Galatians. 2. Using only your Bible, state Paul s central argument in each of the three sections of Galatians: a. Chapters 1-2: b. Chapters 3-4: c. Chapters 5-6: 3. Throughout Galatians, Paul repeatedly refers to the gospel. In your own words, restate Paul s explanation of the good news of Christ. 4. How has your study of the book of Galatians changed your thoughts about Christ, salvation, law, faith, works, love, etc.? 5. What have you appreciated most about your study of Galatians? 40

41 Appendix Readings from Acts 13:13-16:5, detailing Paul s travels through the region Galatia and his opposition of the Judaizers false gospel in Jerusalem. 41

42 Reading # 1 - Date: Paul and Barnabas in Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13-52) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the today s reading.) 42

43 Reading # 1 Questions: 1. Summarize the events that took place in Antioch in Pisidia. 2. In what way(s), does Paul demonstrate that God s dealings with Israel climaxed in the work of Jesus? (ref. Galatians 3:1-14, 23-29) 3. What do Paul and Barnabas mean when they urge the new believers to continue in God s grace? (ref. Galatians 5:1) 4. How was Paul and Barnabas reception the following Sabbath different than the week before? 5. Couple today s reading with Romans 9:30-10:4 and explain why the Jews rejected the gospel of grace and the Gentiles embraced it. 6. In Acts 13:47, Paul applies Isaiah 49:6 to his work of preaching. To what extent does this express yours and your congregation s own mission of spreading the gospel? 43

44 Reading # 2 - Date: Paul and Barnabas at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7); Paul and Barnabas at Lystra (14:8-18); Paul Stoned at Lystra (14:19-23) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 44

45 Reading # 2 Questions: 1. Summarize the events that took place in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. 2. Why do you think that in spite of hostile opposition, Paul remained for a long time in Iconium? 3. What was the purpose of the signs and wonders the Lord worked through Paul and Barnabas in Iconium and Lystra? (ref. Galatians 3:5; Romans 15:18-19; Hebrews 2:1-4) 4. What component of Paul s message so infuriated the Jews that follow him from city to city? 5. Why would elders (v. 23) especially important in the Galatian cities where Paul established churches? (ref. Titus 1:5-11; 1 Peter 5:2-4) 6. Paul endured much suffering for the gospel, yet he kept on going. Put yourself in Paul s sandals, what would it take for you to continually go from town to town preaching the gospel? 45

46 Reading # 3 - Date: Today s Reading: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35); Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (16:1-5) (In the space below, write any observations or questions you have regarding the assigned reading.) 46

47 Reading # 3 Questions: 1. Summarize the events that took place in Antioch, Jerusalem all parts in between. 2. Explain in detail the controversy that affected the early church. (Use: Who, What, Where, When, How and Why.) 3. What different evidences do the church leaders use to show that God saves Gentiles by grace, apart from keeping the Law of Moses? 4. How was the church s letter received by both Jewish and Gentile converts in Antioch and beyond? 5. In light of the controversy in Acts 15, why is it perfectly acceptable for Paul to circumcise Timothy? 6. From 16:5, you learn that a strengthened faith precedes increased numbers. In order for your congregation to grow, what areas of faith need strengthening? 47

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