Lecture on the Book of Galatians

Introduction

• Speaker: Jim Staley from Passion for Truth Ministries
• Topic: Understanding the Book of Galatians
  • Often misunderstood
  • Written around the time of Romans
  • Similar terminology as Romans
• Purpose: To understand the context, author, and audience as essential for understanding Galatians.

Context and Background

Who are the Galatians?

• Reference to 1 Peter 1:1 to understand the audience
• Galatians are described as "strangers" and "elect"
  • Strangers: Gentiles or those out of covenant
  • Elect: Historically refers to Israel
• Importance of using the Old Testament (Tanakh) as the biblical dictionary used by New Testament authors.

Historical Context

• Israel split into two kingdoms after Solomon:
  • Northern Kingdom: House of Israel
  • Southern Kingdom: House of Judah (Jews)
• Northern Kingdom exiled and dispersed, called "lost sheep"
• Southern Kingdom (Jews) returned after Babylonian captivity
• Jews today are descendants of the Southern Kingdom

Mystery of the Northern Kingdom

• Yahweh divorced Northern Kingdom due to covenant breaking
• Law prohibits remarriage after divorce for adultery unless death occurs
• Yeshua (Jesus) came to die for his bride, the Northern Kingdom, to abolish the law of adultery
• Good news: Reunification of the two houses (Israel and Judah) through Yeshua

Book of Galatians - Chapter Summary

Chapter 1

• Paul, an apostle by Yeshua, addresses the churches in Galatia
• Rebukes them for turning to a different gospel
• Emphasizes that the gospel came through revelation from Yeshua

Chapter 2

• Paul discusses his meeting with church leaders in Jerusalem
• Circumcision dispute: Titus, a Greek, not compelled to be circumcised
• Conflict with "circumcision party" who believed in salvation through law
• Paul opposes Peter for hypocrisy: Peter withdrew from Gentiles when Jews arrived
• Emphasizes faith in Yeshua over law for salvation

Key Themes

• Salvation is through faith, not law
• The role of the Law: To lead to Christ, not to save
• The unity of believers in Yeshua

Jewish-Gentile Relations

• Early church had disputes over requirements for salvation
• Paul argues against legalism and for salvation by faith alone

Conclusion

• Understanding Galatians involves recognizing the historical and cultural context
• Key argument: Salvation is through faith in Yeshua, not adherence to the law
• Encourages a return to foundational truths and unity in faith.