BASIC REQUIRED INFORMATION - GALATIANS

In order to answer the following questions, first see the Scripture (internal evidence) and then
other materials outside of the Scripture (external evidence).

1. Critical Method
a. Who wrote the book?
The apostle Paul with the help of a scribe except the closing

b. When was it written?

Depending on if we believed in the North or South Galatian Theory.
If North – Written around 53-57 AD from Ephesus or Macedonia
If South – i) Written around 48-49 AD after Paul’s 1st missionary journey and
before the council of Jerusalem in Syrian Antioch
ii) Written around 51-53 AD in Syrian Antioch or Corinth.

**Most possibly, written around 48-49AD

c. To whom was it written?

While both theory have some evidence to back them up but likely the Southern
Theory are more apt in following the context in Acts.
If that’s the case, the Epistle was written to Christians in the Southern churches
in Galatia both Jews and Gentiles

d. From where was it written?

Most like in Syrian Antioch

2. Historical Method
a. What is the historical background?
The older Galatia kingdom in the area around Ancrya in the north of Turkey
were inhabited by Gallic tribe (250BC) and continue their used the Celtic
language till 400AD. The kingdom eventually surrendered to Rome and
became part of a larger administrative area which the Romans named Galatia
in 25AD. The new province included Pisidia and Lydia together with parts of
the regions of Phrygia and Pontus.

b. When was the church found?

Many believed that the churches were found by Paul since his first missionary
Journey

c. Who made up the church?

There could be some difference in term of population mix as the northern
Galatia is predominantly Gallic whereas the southern Galatia had mixes of
Jews and Gentiles. Which makes me favors more the Southern Theory as why
would Paul wrote so seriously in Galatians if it’s for the Gallic inhabitants that
do not suffer those issues?
 d. What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths – Hospitality (at least to Paul) and Joy in receiving the Gospel – Gal
4:14-16; possibly religiously zealous (Gal4:17-18) but this cannot be
ascertained completely as Paul did mentioned they are running a good race in
obeying the truth until interrupted (Gal 5:7)

Weakness – Easily swayed by people (Gal 1:6) and their spiritual immaturity
(Gal 4:19)

3. Literary Method
• What kind of literature is this book?
Epistle or Letter

4. Survey Method
a. What is the main idea?
Justification is by Grace through Faith in Christ and not by observing the Law

Key verse: Galatians 5:1

b. What is the major reason to write this book?

Paul is trying to defend and justify the position of Christian with God is not
based on observing certain religious practices like circumcision or observing the
Law as some of the Jews known as Judaizers (possibly Jewish missionary not
excluding some local Jews) are trying to enforce to the Gentiles the importance for
them to follow and subscript to the Law of Moses in order for them to be included
into the promise of God for eternal life.