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Name - Twelve of the Pauline Epistles were addressed to individual churches or
to individuals. Some of these letters were quite certainly circulated to other churches, but this
Epistle is addressed to a group of churches, designated "the churches of Galatia." Differences of
opinion prevail as to the significance of the term, Galatia; some regard it as an ethnological term
embracing only what is known as Northern Galatia, occupied largely by Gauls who migrated into
that region in 278-277 B.C. Others consider the term to embrace the whole Roman province of
Galatia, which included at that time, parts of Phrygia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and Isauria. In
designating the Christians to whom this Epistle was written as "Galatians," Paul most probably
used the term in a provincial, not in an ethnological sense, as is commonly done in New
Testament writings.
Theme - The background and occasion for this Epistle can be traced quite
readily. The churches mentioned were established by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary
tour, and Paul visited them again on the second missionary journey accompanied by Silas.
Believing that the churches were well established in the faith, Paul and his companions entered
larger fields of missionary service, and no return visit was made over a long period of years.
During this protracted absence, Judaizing teachers from Palestine came into Southern Galatia and
not only deflected the churches from the true faith of the gospel, but violently attacked the
apostleship and ministry of Paul. Paul then wrote this impassioned and indignant letter of protest
against the heresies and heretics troubling the churches of Galatia.
Outline - A simple outline of the purpose and plan of the Epistle sets forth also a
comprehensive analysis: I. Paul Vindicates Himself and His Gospel (1:1-2:21) II. The Defence
of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith (3-4) III. Application of the Doctrine of Justification by
Faith to Christian Conduct (5:1-6:10) IV. Warnings against Judaizers and Conclusion (6:11-18)
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