Guide
What Is the Letter of Paul to the Galatians?
1st Century
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The Letter of Paul to the Galatians, included in the New Testament, is considered an authentic letter of Paul to a community of Jesus followers in Galatia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The letter rebukes non-Jewish followers of Jesus who believe that they must follow the laws of the Torah, including circumcision, arguing that it is through faith in Christ and not adherence to the law that one becomes an heir of Abraham.
Related Primary Sources
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Disagreements over Jewish and Gentile Relations
Galatians 1:11–2:14
For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it…
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Justification by Faith
Galatians 2:15–21
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ…
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Neither Circumcision nor Uncircumcision Counts for Anything
Galatians 5:1–6
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of…
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Sarah and Hagar as Two Covenants
Galatians 4:1–11, 21–31
My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the…