Who is involved?
Paul, an apostle; appointed by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.
The churches in Galatia.
Judaizers [those who try to emphasize salvation through the law instead of through Jesus Christ].
What is happening?
Paul is angry with the churches in Galatia. He has a very close relationship with the believers in that region and they are being deceived with falsehood. This is one of the first recorded controversies in early Christianity. Paul does everything within his power to write them a bold and direct letter; imploring them to stick with the truth of The Gospel. He reminds the churches in Galatia that they do not live under the Mosaic Law [works] but are now free to enjoy the new covenant established through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ [grace].
Where is it happening?
The churches in Galatia of Asia Minor
When is it happening?
[A.D. 49-50] Reportedly after Paul returned to Antioch from his first missionary trip to Galatia. He wrote this letter a few months before standing before the Jerusalem council arguing the subject of works vs. faith
Why is it happening?
To Cause the Audience to Learn: Sinful Man is Justified by Faith and not by Works
How does it point to Jesus?
We know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law. | Galatians 2:16 NLT
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loves me and gave himself for me. | Galatians 2:20 NLT
