The Epistle of St. Paul The Apostle to the Galatians This letter was written to the Galatians, which lived in Asia Minor between Cappadocia and Phrygia. They were converted 52 A.D. by St. Paul, and were Gentile Christians. They were good Christians, being baptized and recieved the Holy Spirit. Paul visited them a second time, and saw their great faith again. But after his second visit, Paul learned that some Jewish teachers had come to the area to teach beliefs contrary to his doctrines, such as the necessity of circumcision and other Mosiac rites. They also wanted to make Paul look like he didn't know what he was talking about, and make his teaching look bad. They said that Paul disregarded the sacredness of Mosaic Law and circumcision, which were external signs of God's covenant with man, and thereby doubted the truth of the Lord's divine promises. Since Paul was in Ephesus at the time, he was unable to make correction by visiting his Galatian friends, so he corrected it by writing this letter. This Epistle contains his own defense of his doctrine and purpose. He shows justification in Mosaic Law, but also faith in Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead for our sins. He concludes by stating that Mosaic Law was not something that was permanent, and that it is not an essential part of Christianity. The subject matter of this Epistle is similar to the Epistle to the Romans and the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. The reason for this is that these Epistles were written when Paul was in the same frame of mind, so his work showed it. It was probably written at Ephesus about the year 54 A.D., but it may have been written somewhat later, from Macedonia or Corinth. It is a very well-organized and divided Epistle. Its format is: Introduction Chapter 1 I. Personal Defense 1. Defense of his Apostolate 2. Defense of his Gospel Chapter 2 II. Doctrinal 1. Justification from Faith not from the Law Chapter 3 2. Christians live in a State of Freedom Chapter 4 III. Moral 1. General Counsels Chapter 5 2. Specific Counsels Chapter 6 Conclusion Paul opens with a prayer, giving peace to the reader. He then says that if anyone tries to teach a gospel other than that of Christ's, they should be cursed and taken out of God's kingdom. He defends his Apostate and states that it is not of human origin. He then talks of how he was approved by the Apostles. He then gives a short doctrinal on Christianity. He tells the Galatians that to be a Christian you need faith, and you need the Spirit in you. The men of faith are sons of Abraham, he tells them. He then tells them that you are cursed if you rely on the Law. The Law was meant to lead Christ. Therefore when Christ came, the Law had no more purpose. By dying on the cross Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law. He says that Christians are free now, and that there is no return to slavery. He says that you should walk in the Spirit, and you will be guided along the road to heaven. The fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modesty, continency. Paul says that they who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. He says that we should bear one another's burdens, and so we will fulfill the law of Christ. Therefore if anyone thinks himself to be something, whereas he is nothing, he fools himself. Be not decieved, God is not mocked. Paul tells us that while we have time, we should do good to all men. In his conclusion, Paul states that the Galatians should follow Christ and His way to be saved and enter God's kingdom, and then he gives a blessing.