Research Paper: Galatians

Research Paper: Galatians

Authorship

According to the book, Galatians was probably written between 49-56 A.D., by Paul, as it is shown in the very first verse. Paul's letter to the Galatians is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith. When Paul attended the Jerusalem Conference in 48 or 49, a decision was made that Gentiles would be allowed to become Christians without becoming Jews first (ie. have a circumcision, and follow the Jewish Laws). Paul, being the one that defended the Gentile's right to be Christians, became the apostle to the Gentiles. According to Paul, Jesus appeared to him in AD 32 or 36, and told him to preach the good news to the Gentiles (Gal 1:16).

Time and circumstances surrounding the writing of the book/letter

In this time and circumstances when the book is written shows Paul using scripture to explain why Gentiles should not be required to be circumcised, or obey Jewish Law; however, there are no direct quotes in scripture that say this. One would wonder why Paul, someone who grew-up in a "good" Jewish family, would not follow in the footsteps of Jewish Christian Missionaries, and require Christian converts to become Jews first. He certainly had to fight to have his belief accepted.

The Letter to the Galatians and the Issues it Contains Paul's Letter to the Galatians is written in a very emotional and serious style. He addresses important issues, and there is a sense of urgency in his words. In the work he criticizes the actions of the Galatians, and gives them an ultimatum for the future.

Culture of the time / city / region

Galatians was probably written between 49-56 A.D., by Paul, as it is shown in the very first verse. Paul's letter to the Galatians is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith. When Paul attended the Jerusalem Conference in 48 or 49, a decision was made that Gentiles would be allowed to become Christians without becoming Jews first (ie. have a circumcision, and follow the Jewish Laws). Paul, being the one that defended the Gentile's right to be Christians, became the apostle to the Gentiles

Main characters and themes in the Book

Paul uses scripture to explain why Gentiles should not be required to be circumcised, or obey Jewish Law; however, there are no direct quotes in scripture that say this. One would wonder why Paul, someone who grew-up in a "good" Jewish family, would not follow in the footsteps of Jewish Christian Missionaries, and require Christian converts to become Jews first.

Some of the topics which are addressed in the letter include the Galatians lack of faith in Paul's teachings, justification through faith in Jesus Christ, and the circumcision of Gentile males. The structure of the Letter to the Galatians is similar to most others by Paul except for the absence of a prayer of thanksgiving. In its place he states how amazed he is to ...