Who are the “churches of Galatia”?

There are two common theories regarding the recipients of Paul’s letter: the Northern Galatia Theory and the Southern Galatia Theory. In Paul’s day, Galatia (Γαλατία) referred to both a region in north-central Asia Minor and a Roman province in southern Asia Minor. Nothing in the letter makes it clear to whom Paul is addressing.

The Northern Galatian hypothesis argues that ‘Galatians’ refers to a specific group of people, descendants of the Celts, who settled in the northern region of what is now modern northern Turkey. These people were known as Galatians because of their ethnicity. The theory states that Paul made a journey to this area in Acts 16. Luke records that Paul, “went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia” on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6). There are a few problems with this theory. The first problem is that Luke does not record many details of Paul’s journey to this area. If ‘Galatians’ is understood ethnically, the founding of the Galatian churches is only implied in the New Testament. Nowhere in the NT does it suggest that Paul planted any churches in this area. The second problem, which I believe is the biggest problem, is that Paul’s journey to this area was after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. The Jerusalem Council dealt with the issue of salvation and circumcision for Gentiles. One commentator writes, “It would be remarkable that in a letter dealing with Gentiles and circumcision that Paul would have omitted reference to the decree of the Jerusalem Council which had already occurred.” [1]

The Southern Galatian theory argues that the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians was addressed to the churches in the southern part of the Roman province of Galatia, which included cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In Acts 13-14, Luke records the establishment of these churches through Paul’s efforts during his first missionary journey. This theory suggests that Paul wrote the letter shortly after his first missionary journey to these regions, around AD 48-49, and before the Jerusalem Council mentioned in Acts 15.

Though the recipients of the letter do not influence the interpretation of the letter, I lean towards affirming the Southern Galatian theory.

Why was this letter written?

This is the most important question. The answer unlocks the entirety of the book. In Chapter 1, Paul tells the church, “there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (v6, ESV). After Paul planted these churches, false teachers gained influence and insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must follow Jewish law, including practices such as circumcision, to be truly saved. To validate their teaching, they devalued the validity of Paul’s claim to be an apostle. Paul’s apostleship and his gospel are interconnected. Imagine the questions the false teachers would raise. They probably asked something like, “If Paul is not truly an apostle like Peter and James, can Paul’s gospel be trusted?”

Paul’s Introduction

The first five verses focus on the validity of Paul’s apostleship and the sufficiency of Jesus’ work. Both of these will serve as dominant themes throughout the book. Paul wasn’t called by men; he was called by the God-man, Jesus Christ. Jesus has been validated as the God-man by the Father, who raised him from the dead. Paul speaks on behalf of the Risen Christ, who has conquered sin and death.

The message of Paul’s gospel is grace and peace (v3). Don’t skim over this because it’s so common in Paul’s letters. Paul emphasizes that the elements of the gospel’s message are grace and peace. Peace with God can only be found by God lavishing upon us unmerited favor, or grace. The good news is that he has done that. How? Through Christ’s powerful and sufficient work on the cross (v4).

Main Point of the Sermon – To progressively move forward in Christ, we must constantly go back to the cross.

Outline of the Sermon – 2 Reminders to Move Us Forward

1. Go Back to the Validity of the Cross’s Messenger
2. Go Back to the Sufficiency of the Cross’s Message

Additional Study Questions

1. How are Paul’s apostleship and message interconnected?
2. Why is it important that Paul references his apostleship? Why does his apostleship matter to us today?
3. Look at v4. Break down what Jesus has done for us. How does this work display God’s grace, and how does it provide peace? How is it sufficient for our acceptance with God?
4. In what ways are you tempted to ruin the gospel by adding to it?

[1] Joseph A. Pipa, Galatians: God’s Proclamation of Liberty.

Sermon Transcript

Harsh words!

From Persecutor to Preacher

It’s crucial to recognize the role this text plays in Paul’s overall argument. He has reminded the Galatians that there is no other gospel except the one he preached to them. His gospel is being discredited by false teachers in Galatia, who are also challenging his apostleship. Paul is accused of being a false apostle and of preaching a gospel tainted by his own opinions.

In this section of Scripture, Paul’s purpose is to defend both his apostleship and the gospel he preaches. In verse 11, Paul makes a definitive claim: “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel” (Galatians 1:11, ESV). He emphasizes that he received his gospel directly from Jesus Christ (v.12), likely alluding to his conversion experience described in Acts 9. The rest of this passage is an autobiographical account of Paul’s life before, during, and after his conversion. Paul’s intent in sharing these accounts is not merely to provide his testimony to the Galatians but to affirm that his gospel came from God and was never tainted or influenced by human sources.

The transformative power of grace is evident throughout these passages. Although Paul held a unique role in redemptive history as an apostle, the grace at work in his life is relevant to all of us. Consider the immense grace God lavished upon Paul—transforming him from a persecutor into a preacher.

Main point of the sermon: Grace doesn’t just tweak us; grace transforms us.

Outline of the Sermon: Three workings of grace as seen in Paul’s life
1. Grace covers our stained past.
2. Grace calls us to behold Jesus.
3. Grace commissions us for His glory.

Additional Study Questions
1. Discuss Paul’s aim in this section and how it relates to his overall purpose for writing this letter.
2. What is unique about Paul’s conversion? Which aspects of Paul’s conversion resonate with your own conversion story?
3. Paul frequently uses his past to magnify God’s grace. Identify several Scriptures where he does this. How can your past magnify God’s grace?
4. Reflect on verse 24. How can you daily cultivate a motivation to glorify God in all that you do?

In addition to Barnabas, Paul brings Titus, who acts as Paul’s test case for his circumcision-free gospel. Paul lays before the apostles in Jerusalem his gospel, along with Titus, and the apostles affirm his message. Despite what the Judaizers in Galatia claimed, Paul has the evidence that he is preaching the same gospel that the Jerusalem apostles are teaching (Galatians 1:1-3).

Pressure to Compromise
In verses 4-5, Paul references “false brothers,” or Judaizers, who were present in Jerusalem (or perhaps previously in Antioch). Though we aren’t sure exactly what occurred, these false brothers were pressuring Paul to circumcise Titus and to give in to their demands that one must be circumcised to perfect their salvation (v. 4). But Paul doesn’t compromise. The freedom the gospel offers is at stake, and so is the unity the gospel creates.

Main Point of the Sermon: Compromising gospel truth forfeits gospel blessings.

Outline: Two blessings we forfeit when we compromise the truth of the gospel:

1. We forfeit the freedom the gospel offers. vv1-5
2. We forget the unity the gospel creates. vv6-10

Additional Study Questions

1. Why was this meeting such an impactful event in the history of the church? Consider the importance of unity in the gospel.
2. Describe the freedom that Paul references in verses 4-5. How does this freedom relate to the law?
3. What additions are we tempted to add to the gospel that may cause us to forfeit our freedom in the gospel?
4. Why is it important that the Jerusalem apostles affirm Paul’s gospel and his apostleship?
5. Why is gospel unity so important for the church? In what ways can we strive for unity in the gospel within our own church and with like-minded churches?

The Context

Paul continues to outline the events following his conversion, providing further evidence that his gospel is not of human origin. In Galatians 1:13-24, Paul demonstrated that he labored independently of the Apostles. In Galatians 2:1-10, he showed that his apostleship was affirmed by them. Now, in this text, Paul asserts that his gospel holds authority even over the other Apostles, because it is the same gospel given to them by Jesus Himself.

The Confrontation

As the narrative unfolds, we witness a dramatic conflict between Peter and Paul in the city of Antioch. Recall that Paul’s early ministry was in Antioch with Barnabas (see Acts 11). Even after Barnabas and Paul were sent on their first missionary journey by the Antioch church, Paul returned to continue his ministry there (see Acts 14:24-28). During this time, Peter visited to labor alongside Paul.

Antioch, about 135 miles north of Jerusalem, was a large, predominantly Gentile city with a significant Jewish population (see Acts 11). The church in Antioch was truly multicultural and multiethnic—the first of its kind in the New Testament. The question was, how would the gospel shape this community of both Jews and Gentiles? The gospel united them. When Peter first arrived, he freely ate with the Gentiles, not imposing Jewish dietary restrictions. Peter understood the freedom the gospel brings. After his vision in Acts 10, he knew God welcomed Gentiles into His covenant family by faith alone.

However, Peter’s behavior changed because of fear. His actions began to suggest that he no longer believed the gospel of grace. This hypocrisy was damaging and dividing the church, as Peter acted out of step with the gospel. This inconsistency led Paul to confront Peter directly.

Main Point of the Sermon: Freedom from hypocrisy is found only in the gospel.

Sermon Outline: Five Realities of Hypocrisy

1. It warrants loving confrontation (v11)
2. It has a deeper cause (v12)
3. It becomes dangerously contagious (v13)
4. It is a serious contradiction (v14)
5. It has a merciful cure 

Study Questions:

1. How does hypocrisy undermine the gospel?
2. Why does Paul publicly confront Peter? What can we learn about biblical confrontation from this event? Consider other Scriptures.
3. Why does Paul include this event in his argument at this point in Galatians? What is he telling us about the gospel, and why does it matter?
4. In what ways might we walk out of step with our profession of faith?

Cursed or Blessed

Paul begins this section by stating that all who rely on works of the law to justify themselves are under a curse. Referring to his previous statements, he distinguishes between two groups: those of the law and those of faith. As mentioned in verse 9, those of faith are blessed. However, those who rely on works of the law are not blessed but cursed, as quoted from Deuteronomy 27:26. This curse stems from the law’s demand for perfection (James 2:9). To be saved by the law, one must keep it entirely. The Galatians, and we too, must remember this in our struggle to rely solely on Christ.

Having demonstrated the impossibility of keeping the law, Paul reveals its incompatibility with faith. Faith is humble reliance on God’s mercy, while law-keeping is a prideful attempt to earn a reward. These two approaches are fundamentally opposed.

Paul then presents the cure for the curse of the law: the cross. Christ became the curse! We praise God for His grace.Christ exchanged places with the lawbreaker, bearing the curse we deserve. We don’t receive this cure through our efforts but by faith, as Paul clarifies in verse 14.

Covenant Promises 

Concluding this section, Paul returns to Abraham and the covenant God made with him. He wants the Galatians to understand that everyone who is joined to Abraham’s promised offspring by faith is a recipient of Abraham’s blessing (verses 17-18). God’s covenant with Abraham is unconditional and forms the foundation for every covenant in Scripture.The law, introduced centuries after God’s promise to Abraham, cannot invalidate this covenant. Therefore, our salvation is not based on our ability to earn righteousness but on God’s faithfulness to His promise of a people for Himself through the work of His offspring, Jesus.

Outline: Three Interwoven Responses to Crush Pride

1. Realize the Curse (verses 10-12)
2. Receive the Cure (verses 13-14)
3. Rest in the Covenant (verses 15-18)

Main Point: God’s gracious promises crush our sinful pride.

Additional Study Questions

1. How does using the law as a means to earn righteousness hinder us from receiving God’s gift of salvation? Use Paul’s argument in Galatians and other scriptures to support your answer.
2. At the core of Paul’s gospel is the fact that Christ became a curse for us. This means Christ took the punishment we deserve on the cross. Why was this the only way of salvation? How does this evoke thanksgiving and praise in your heart?
3. Why does Paul reference the covenant God made with Abraham in his argument (verses 15-18)? How does God’s faithfulness shape your thoughts, actions, and life?
4. Where else in the Scriptures do you find examples of God’s faithfulness?
5. How do you specifically struggle with pride? How does grace counteract your pride?

In this section of Galatians, Paul moves from theology to practical application, speaking with deep emotion and passion as he drives home his argument that began in Chapter 3. He’s not just addressing abstract theological concepts; he’s pleading with the Galatians, aiming straight for their hearts and their present struggles. Paul’s concern here is pastoral. He isn’t merely a missionary who shared the gospel and moved on—he is a shepherd deeply invested in their spiritual wellbeing, alarmed that they are being tempted to return to the bondage from which Christ has freed them.

The Galatians have forgotten the incredible grace of God, which reached out to them when they were seeking after false gods—gods that, in reality, are not gods at all (v. 8). It’s crucial to remember that these Galatians were former pagans, trapped in the worship of lifeless idols (as seen in Acts 14:11-16). They were enslaved to these false gods, and that background sheds light on Paul’s urgency. Though our modern-day idolatry may look more refined, it is fundamentally the same. We may not openly worship Zeus, but we often devote ourselves to money, status, or careers. We may not sacrifice to Aphrodite, but we sacrifice our time and energy to pursue success, comfort, or approval.

At its core, all idolatry is enslaving. It grips our hearts and holds us captive. But the good news is that God has set us free—not only from the power of idolatry but also from the bondage of trying to earn our righteousness through the law. When Paul speaks of the “elementary principles of the world,” he is referring to both legalism and idolatry. This connection is profound: both legalism and idolatry are enslaving, keeping us in chains by demanding our devotion and obedience without offering true freedom.

So, what is the point Paul is driving home? It’s this: live like a son, not like a slave. You are no longer bound by the things that once enslaved you—whether that was idol worship or trying to keep the law for salvation. You are now a child of God, free to live in the grace  that Christ has given you. Paul’s message is clear: Live like a son, not like a slave.

Main Point – Like like a son, not like a slave.

Outline – 3 characteristics of sonship.

1. Walk in God’s freeing grace (vv8-11)
2. Receive God’s powerful Word (vv12-16)
3. Be shaped by God’s risen Son (vv17-20)

Additional Study Questions

1. How does Paul classify both idolatry and legalism? Why does he refer to them as “weak and worthless principles of the world?” What does this suggest about the belief systems of the world?
2. Our idolatry may be more sophisticated, but it is still the same. Idolatry is empty and vain. Read Psalm 11:1-8. What idols still need to be crushed in your heart?
3. What practices do you have in place to help you receive God’s Word each Sunday?
4. Read Galatians 4:19. Paul labors for Christ to be formed in the Galatians. What does Paul mean by this? What other passages of Scripture connect sanctification with God’s Word?