Bible Study on Galatians

Paul begins to meld the two subjects he has been keying on in this third chapter-- the covenant with Abraham and the covenant of the Law with Moses. In this segment he makes the argument that one covenant does not annul another but rather complements or fulfills it. Therefore, he reasons, the covenant with Moses cannot possibly eradicate the covenant with Abraham and replace the promise of grace with the requirements of the Law.

Paul makes a subtle change in his discussion of salvation by faith. He has been talking about Abraham's relationship with God and how it was based on faith. He now begins to talk about the law and how it is a curse that would condemn everyone if not for Christ.

Paul continues with his discussion of Abraham by proclaiming that the true sons of Abraham are those who live by faith rather than the works of the Law. He appeals to Genesis 12 and the promises of God to the "man of faith" to find the foundations of his arguments to the Galatians.

Paul looks back to the example of Abraham to establish that righteousness has always been attributed according to faith rather than the works of the Law.

Paul continues his discourse concerning justification by faith as opposed to the law, but turns more towards the topic of sanctification. By asking several hypothetical questions, Paul points out the foolishness of the Galatians for listening to the Judaizers. Those justified by faith in the hearing of the Word are not sanctified through the works of the law, but by the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

As Paul continues his discussion of justification through faith, he anticipates the objections of his opponents. In classic Pauline style, he preempts and negates their arguments by stating them in such a ridiculous manner as to prove them false. He closes the passage (and the chapter) by making a profound statement of doctrine-- justification must be by grace alone or Christ's death on the cross was meaningless.

Paul continues his rebuke of Peter and the Jews who were separating themselves from the Gentiles. In doing so, he expresses the core of the Gospel, emphasizing that it is the same for both Jew and Gentile.

Paul confronts Peter when he won't eat with Gentiles in one of the most dramatic and important confrontations in church history.

Paul's confrontation with Peter and the pillars of the church in Jerusalem.

Paul describes his first confrontation with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem concerning the integrity of the gospel.