Redemption Hill Church

Additional Study Questions 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? 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? What practices do you...

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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:...

The Context In Galatians 1-2, Paul defends both his apostleship and the gospel message under attack in Galatia. In the final verses of Chapter 2, detailing his confrontation with Peter, Paul clarifies the foundation of the gospel: we are made right with God not by our works, but solely by faith in Jesus. Now, in Chapter 3, Paul continues to expand on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, s...

The Context Paul shifts from defending his gospel to explaining it. This passage in Galatians is arguably the most important paragraph in the book. Paul continues to recount what he told Peter when he confronted him in Antioch, stating that we aren’t justified by works of the law but by faith in Christ alone. The Proposition Paul’s proposition is found in verse 16: no one is made right with God th...

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, bec...

A Second Visit It is important to note that this section builds on Paul’s thoughts that began in Chapter 1. In verse 12, he informed the Galatians that despite the accusations against his law-free gospel, he never received his gospel from men, nor was he ever taught it by man. Paul then provides an airtight defense to prove his point, detailing the events that unfolded immediately following his co...

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 opinion...

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...

Harsh words! In this part of Paul’s epistle, one would typically expect a blessing, a word of encouragement, or a prayer of thanksgiving from the apostle to the church. This is Paul’s usual practice in all his other letters to churches, even to the church in Corinth. However, the Galatian churches receive no such encouragement or praise. Instead, Paul delivers an astonishing rebuke and pronounces...