Galatians Bible Study Resources

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Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul argues that there is one voice to listen to above all others and that is the voice that speaks the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jump to: Background; ** Maps; ** Key Words; ** Encyclopedias; ** Commentaries; ** Articles; ** GotQuestions ** Next **

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Bible Study: Galatians: Listen to the one true voice

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Basics

• Author: Apostle Paul (not disputed)
• Who was Paul?
• Date: c 49 AD (some say mid-50s)
• Recipients: Galatia
• Occasion: There is controversy in Galatia over whether believers must also be circumcised and keep the law. Paul’s authority is challenged and he is viewed as inferior to the earlier apostles (“pillars).

Structure

• Rebuke – Gal 1:6-4:11
  • Autobiography Gal 1:13-2:21
  • Argument from Scriptures Gal 3:6-29

• Request – Gal 4:12-6:10
  • Autobiography Gal 4:12-20
  • Argument from Scriptures Gal 4:21-31
  • Ethical instruction Gal 5:1-6019

• Subscription – Gal 6:11-18

Genre: Understanding Epistles

Section 1: Background

Background & Outlines

• Map of NT Churches
• Chronology of Paul
• Paul’s use of the Old Testament
• Blue Letter Bible: Chronology of Acts/Epistles
• Bible Atlas: Galatia
• Blue Letter Bible: Galatians Outline
• Ray C. Stedman: Overview of the Book
• John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background
• ESV: Introduction to Galatians
• ESV: The Global Message of Galatians
• NIV: Introduction to Galatians
• James van Dine: Intro to Galatians
• David Malick (Bible.org): An Introduction To The Book Of Galatians
• David Malick: An Argument Of The Book Of Galatians

Section 2: Maps

Maps from Bible-History.com

• Paul’s 1st Journey
• Paul’s 2nd Journey
• Paul’s 3rd Journey
• Israel in NT Times
• Kingdom of Herod the Great
• Herod’s Kingdom Divided
• New Testament Cities
• Apostles’ Journeys

Inductive Bible Study (Indubiblia.org)

• Roman Division of Palestine
• Ministry of Jesus
• Bethany, Jerusalem, Emmaus, Mount of Olives, and Bethlehem 
• Paul’s Missionary Journeys
• Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity 
• Israel and the Middle East today 

Section 3: Key Words

Key words in Galatians

Occurrences are based on New American Standard Text.  “4x/3v” means the word appears 4 times in 3 verses. “3x” means the word appears 3 times in 3 verses.

• Paul (and pronouns relating to him) –  I (119x/71v); me (22x/17v)
• Christ (38x/33v) – Gal 1:1; Gal 1:3; Gal 1:6; Gal 1:7; Gal 1:10; Gal 1:12; Gal 1:22; Gal 2:4; Gal 2:16; Gal 2:17; Gal 2:20; Gal 2:21; Gal 3:1; Gal 3:13; Gal 3:14; Gal 3:16; Gal 3:22; Gal 3:24; Gal 3:26; Gal 3:27; Gal 3:28; Gal 3:29; Gal 4:14; Gal 4:19; Gal 5:1; Gal 5:2; Gal 5:4; Gal 5:6; Gal 5:24; Gal 6:2; Gal 6:12; Gal 6:14; Gal 6:18.
• law (25v) – Strong’s G3551 in Gal 2:16; Gal 2:19; Gal 2:21; Gal 3:2; Gal 3:5; Gal 3:10; Gal 3:11; Gal 3:12; Gal 3:13; Gal 3:17; Gal 3:18; Gal 3:19; Gal 3:21; Gal 3:23; Gal 3:24; Gal 4:4; Gal 4:5; Gal 4:21; Gal 5:3; Gal 5:4; Gal 5:14; Gal 5:18; Gal 5:23; Gal 6:2; Gal 6:13.
• faith (21x/19v) – Strong’s G4102 in Gal 1:23; Gal 2:16; Gal 2:20; Gal 3:2; Gal 3:5; Gal 3:7; Gal 3:8; Gal 3:9; Gal 3:11; Gal 3:12; Gal 3:14; Gal 3:22; Gal 3:23; Gal 3:24; Gal 3:25; Gal 3:26; Gal 5:5; Gal 5:6; Gal 6:10.
• Spirit/spirit (18x/15v) – Strong’s G4151 in Gal 3:2; Gal 3:3; Gal 3:5; Gal 3:14; Gal 4:6; Gal 4:29; Gal 5:5; Gal 5:16; Gal 5:17; Gal 5:18; Gal 5:22; Gal 5:25; Gal 6:1; Gal 6:8; Gal 6:18.
• gospel (11x) – Strong’s G2098 in Gal 1:6; Gal 1:7; Gal 1:11; Gal 2:2; Gal 2:5; Gal 2:7; Gal 2:14; Gal 4:13.; Strong’s G2097 in Gal 1:8; Gal 1:9; 4:13; Strong’s G4283 in Gal 3:8.
• promise (9x/8v) – Strong’s G1860 in Gal 3:14; Gal 3:17; Gal 3:18; Gal 3:22; Gal 3:29; Gal 4:23; Gal 4:28; Strong’s G1861 in Gal 3:19.
• covenant (2x) – Strong’s G1242 in Gal 5:1; Gal 5:13.
• grace (7x) – Strong’s G5485 in Gal 1:3; Gal 1:6; Gal 1:15; Gal 2:9; Gal 2:21; Gal 5:4; Gal 6:18.
• free (7x) – Strong’s G1658 in Gal 3:28; Gal 4:22; Gal 4:23; Gal 4:26; Gal 4:30; Gal 4:31; Strongs G1659 in Gal 5:1.
• freedom (2x) – Strong’s G1657 in Gal 5:1; Gal 5:13.

Section 5: Commentaries

Commentaries & Study Bibles

• Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Galatians by Keith Mathison- Ligonier.org
• Best Commentaries on Galatians – Tim Challies
• Galatians Commentaries Reviews
• Review of Galatians Commentaries – Gospel Renewal
• Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Galatians
• Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: Galatians
• Alfords Exegetical Commentary: Galatians
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Complete Commentary on the Bible: Galatians
• Geneva Study Bible: Galatians
• Reformation Study Bible Notes: Galatians
• Precept Austin Commentaries & Sermons: Galatians
• Understanding Galatians by John A. “Jack” Crabtree

Section 4: Encyclopedias

Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Galatia

• Holman Bible Dictionary: Galatia
• Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Galatia
• McClintock and Strong: Galatia
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Galatia
• Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Galatia
• 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica: Galatia

Galatians

• Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Galatians Theology of
• Holman Bible Dictionary: Galatians, Epsitle to
• Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Galatians, Epistle to
• McClintock and Strong: Galatians, Epistle to
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Galatians, Epistle to
• Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Galatians

Paul

• Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Paul the Apostle
• Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Paul
• Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Paul
• Fausset Bible Dictionary: Paul
• Holman Bible Dictionary: Paul
• Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Paul the Apostle
• Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Paul
• Morrish Bible Dictionary: Paul
• International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Paul, the Apostle
• McClintock and Strong: Paul
• The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Paul
• The Jewish Encyclopedia:

Section 6: Articles

Articles

• The Apostle Paul’s Redemptive-Historical Argumentation in Galatians 5:13-26 – Walt Russell
• B. B. Warfield, “The Date of the Epistle to the Galatians: And Certain Passages in the First Epistle to the Corinthians,” Journal of the Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis 4.1/2 (June-Dec. 1884): 50-64.
• G. K. Beale, “Peace and Mercy Upon the Israel of God: The Old Testament Background of Galatians 6,16b,” Biblica 80 (1999): 204-223.
• G. K. Beale, “The Old Testament Background of Paul’s Reference to ‘the Fruit of the Spirit’ in Galatians 5:22,” Bulletin for Biblical Research 15.1 (Spring 2005): 1-38.
• David Alan Black, “Weakness language in Galatians,” Grace Theological Journal 4.1 (Spring 1983): 15-36.
• Bernard H. Brinsmead, “Galatians as dialogical response to opponents,” Andrews University Seminary Studies 19.1 (Spring 1981): 71-72.
• F. F. Bruce, “Galatian Problems. 1. Autobiographical Data,” Bulletin of the John Rylands Library Manchester 51.2 (Spring 1969): 292-309.
• F. F. Bruce, “Galatian Problems. 2. North or South Galatians?” Bulletin of the John Rylands Library Manchester 52.2 (Spring 1970): 243-266.
• F. F. Bruce, “Galatian Problems. 3. The ‘Other’ Gospel,” Bulletin of the John Rylands Library Manchester 53.2 (Spring 1971): 253-271.
• F. F. Bruce, “Galatian Problems. 4. The Date of the Epistle,” Bulletin of the John Rylands Library Manchester 54.2 (Spring 1972): 250-267.
• F. F. Bruce, “Galatian Problems. 5. Galatians and Christian Origins,” Bulletin of the John Rylands Library Manchester 55.2 (Spring 1973): 264-284.
• F. F. Bruce, “The Curse of the Law,” M.D. Hooker & S. G. Wilson, eds., Paul and Paulinism. Essays in Honour of C. K. Barrett. London: SPCK. Hbk. ISBN: 028103835X. pp.27-36.
• David R. Bundrick, “Ta stoicheia tou kosmou (Gal 4:3),” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 34.3 (Sept. 1991): 353-364
• Ardel Caneday – Covenant Lineage Allegorically Prefigured- “Which Things Are Written Allegorically” (Galatians 4-21–31)
• C. John Collins, “Galatians 3:16: What Kind of Exegete Was Paul?” Tyndale Bulletin54.1 (2003): 75-86.
• Christopher W. Cowan, “Context Is Everything: “The Israel of God” in Galatians 6:1,”Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 14.3 (Autumn 2010): 78-85.
• John J. Davis, “Some reflections on Galatians 3:28, sexual roles, and biblical hermeneutics,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 19.3 (Summer 1976): 201-208.
• Anne Davis, “Allegorically Speaking in Galatians 4:21–5:1,” Bulletin for Biblical Research 14.2 (2004): 161-174.
• Jason S. DeRouchie & Jason C. Meyer, “Christ or Family as the “Seed” of Promise? An Evaluation of N. T. Wright on Galatians 3:16,” Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 14.3 (Autumn 2010): 36-48.
• Janet Fairweather, “The Epistle to the Galatians and Classical Rhetoric, Parts 1 & 2,” Tyndale Bulletin 45.1 (1994): 1-38.
• Janet Fairweather, “The Epistle to the Galatians and Classical Rhetoric,” Tyndale Bulletin 45.2 (1994): 213-243.
• Ronald Y. K. Fung, “A note on Galatians 2:3-8,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 25.1 (March 1982): 49-52.
• Ronald Y. K. Fung, “Revelation and Tradition: The Origins of Paul’s Gospel ,” The Evangelical Quarterly 57.1 (Jan.-Mar. 1985): 23-41.
• T David Gordon – Abraham and Sinai Contrasted in Galatians 3:6-14
• Sigurd Grindheim, “Apostate Turned Prophet: Paul’s Retrospective Self-Understanding and Prophetic Hermeneutic with Special Reference to Galatians 3:10-12,” New Testament Studies 53 (2007): 545-565.
• Sigurd Grindheim, “Ignorance Is Bliss: Attitudinal Aspects of the Judgment according to Works in Matthew 25:31-46,” Novum Testamentum 50 (2008): 313-331.
• Sigurd Grindheim, “Not Salvation History, but Salvation Territory: The Main Subject Matter of Galatians,” New Testament Studies 59 (2013): 91-108.
• Scott Hahn, “Covenant Oath and the Aqedah: Diatheke in Galatians 3:15-18,”Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67.1 (2005): 79-100.
• Colin J. Hemer, “Acts and Galatians Reconsidered,” Themelios 2.3 (May 1977): 81-88.
• Martin Hengel “Paul in Arabia,” Bulletin for Biblical Research 12.1 (2002): 47-66.
• Karen H. Jobes, “Jerusalem, Our Mother: Metalepsis and Intertextuality in Galatians 4:21-31” Westminster Theological Journal 55.2 (1993): 299-320.
• Philip H. Kern, “Rhetoric, Scholarship and Galatians: Assessing an Approach to Paul’s Epistle,” Tyndale Bulletin 46.1 (1995): 201-203.
• J.J. Kilgallen, “The Strivings of the Flesh (Galatians 5,17),” Biblica 80 (1999): 113-114.
• Jan Lambrecht, S.J., “The Right Things You Want to Do A Note on Galatians 5,17d,”Biblica 79 (1998): 515-524.
• Jan Lambrecht, S.J., “Abraham and His Offspring A Comparison of Galatians 5,1 with 3,13,” Biblica 80 (1999): 525-536.
• Richard N. Longenecker, “The pedagogical nature of the law in Galatians 3:19-4:7,”Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 25.1 (March 1982): 53-61.
• Brice Martin – Paul on Christ and the Law – JETS 26, 1983
• Douglas Moo – Law, Works of the Law and Legalism – WTJ 45, 1983
• Joe Morgado Jr., “Paul in Jerusalem: A Comparison of His Visits in Acts and Galatians” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 37.1 (March 1994): 55-68.
• Stephen Motyer, “The Relationship Between Paul’s Gospel of ‘All One in Christ Jesus’ (Gal. 3:28) and the ‘Household Codes’,” Vox Evangelica 19 (1989): 33-48
• Andrew Perriman, “The Rhetorical Strategy of Galatians 4:21-5:1,” The Evangelical Quarterly 65.1 (Jan.-Mar. 1993): 27-42
• Walter B. Russell, “Rhetorical Analysis of the Book of Galatians, Part 1” Bibliotheca Sacra 150 (1993) 341-58.
• Walter B. Russell, “Rhetorical Analysis of the Book of Galatians, Part 2” Bibliotheca Sacra 150 (1993) 416-39
• Walter B. Russell, “The Apostle Paul’s Redemptive-Historical Argumentation in Galatians 5:13-26” Westminster Theological Journal 57 (1995) 333-57
• Walter B. Russell III, “Does the Christian Have “Flesh” in Gal 5:13-26″ Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 36.2 (June 1993): 179-187
• Walter Russell- Who Were Paul’s Opponents in Galatia?
• Torrey Seland, “Saul of Tarsus and Early Zealotism Reading Gal 1,13-14 in Light of Philo’s Writings,” Biblica 83 (2002): 449-471.
• Robert H. Stein, “Relationship of Galatians 2:1-10 and Acts 15:1-35: two neglected arguments,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 17.4 (Fall 1974): 239-242.
• Tom Thatcher, “The Plot of Gal 3:1-18” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 40.3 (Sept. 1997): 401-410.
• Joseph B. Tyson, “‘Works of law’ in Galatians,” Journal of Biblical Literature 92.3 (Sept. 1973): 423-431.
• Daniel B. Wallace, “Galatians 3:19-20: A Crux Interpretum for Paul’s View of the Law,” Westminster Theological Journal 52.2 (1990): 225-245.
• Andrew F. Walls, “Paul’s Allegory in Galatians IV,” The Theological Students Fellowship. ‘A Symposium from Past Terminal Letters’, (Summer 1960): 10-11.
• Timothy Wiarda, “Plot and Character in Galatians 1-2,” Tyndale Bulletin 55.2 (2004): 231-252.
• Joel Willitts, “Context Matters: Paul’s Use of Leviticus 18:5 in Galatians 3:12,”Tyndale Bulletin 54.2 (2003): 105-122.
• Wayne Walden, “Galatians 3:28: Grammar, Text, Context, and Translation,” Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood 15.1 (Spring 2010): 23-26.
• Timothy Wiardia – The Jerusalem Council and the Theological Task – JETS 46: 233, 2003
• David Larsen: The Critical Nexus of the Two-Stage Parousia

**Many thanks to PreceptAustin.org for compiling this list of articles.

Section 7: Got Questions

GotQuestions.org

Treat like any commentary: Read carefully and thoughtfully.

• Book of Galatians
• What are the Pauline epistles?
• What can we learn from the life of Paul?
• Who were the Judaizers?
• What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?
• What is the curse of the law?
• Who are the seed of Abraham?
• Does this  teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?
• What does it mean to ‘fall from grace’?
• What is the Flesh?
• What are the works of the flesh?
• What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is love?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is joy?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is peace?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is patience?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is kindness?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is gentleness?
• The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is self-control?
• What is the law of Christ?
•  Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law?
• what does it mean to not grow weary in doing good?

Section 8: Next

Next: Ephesians

Previous: 2 Corinthians

Series: Resources by Book

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