Acts 14:19-28, Introduction to Galatians (2)

The “South Galatia” theory, that Galatians was written before the council also better explains the conflict of Peter and Paul (Gal. 2:11-14).  After the council it seems that they were in agreement on this issue (Acts 15:6-11).

In accepting this position it allows one to study Acts 13-14, Paul’s first journey, and the encounters he had in each of these cities, And thus to gain an appreciation of the ones to whom he wrote.  The churches were …

·       Born amidst persecution of Paul by the Jews.

·       A mixture of Jew and Gentile.

·       Beset by differences over the place of the Jewish OT Law and it’s relationship to grace (Acts 13:43; 14:26).

·       Sufficiently young in the Word so as to have difficulty settling the matter.

Point of application: I have seen surveys from time to time (I am not a big “survey” person, but on this issue, it’s an obvious truth that would be suspected without a survey) that indicate that a great majority of people believe that entrance into God’s eternal home is dependent on some forms of works.  Even if it is not the Jewish law, most people have a “law” by which they think they can enter heaven.  And surprisingly, many believers fall into the “Galatian mode” that, living the Christian life is dependent on my own law-keeping ability.  This letter is for us, today!

2.  Date (when was Galatians written).

We would say around 50AD, perhaps Paul’s first letter.  It was likely written during the time before the Jerusalem Council when the topic was being raised.

3.  Occasion (why was Galatians written).

As noted above, some Jewish believers laid a heavy trip on Gentile believers, expecting them to keep the OT Law as part of their Christian life.  It was not just a cultural issue; it was a mandate for those who held this view.  For Paul, this was “another gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9), foolishness (3:1), slavery (4:3), weak and miserable (4:9).  It resulted in bitter division (5:15) and empty Christianity (3:1-5).

4.  Purpose (what was Galatians intended to accomplish).

It was intended to admonish and exhort.  The letter was meant to combat the false teaching that “the righteous shall live by faith plus works.”  On the other hand, is was intended to establish the truth that the “just shall live by faith” (3:11). 

5.  Theme (in a phrase what truth is seen throughout Galatians).

“The just shall live by faith” (Gal. 3:11; a quote of Habakkuk 2:4).