The Book of Galatians

Galatians defends the freedom of the gospel — that we are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law — and was a primary catalyst of the Protestant Reformation.

Testament: New (6 chapters)
Type: Epistle
Date: Probably about 48 AD (one of Paul's earliest letters) or possibly mid-50s.

Faith, not law-keeping

Some teachers had convinced the Galatian Gentile believers that they had to keep the Jewish law to be fully saved. Paul's reply is hot — 'O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?' (3:1) — and clear: salvation is by faith in Christ, full stop. Adding requirements 'frustrates the grace of God' (2:21).

Freedom and the fruit of the Spirit

Christian freedom is not freedom to indulge but freedom to love. Chapter 5 contains the famous 'fruit of the Spirit' — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance — the natural produce of a Spirit-led life.

Key verses (KJV)

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” — Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” — Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

How to read Galatians

Six chapters — read in one sitting. Then read again with Acts 15 (the Jerusalem council) as historical backdrop. If you've grown up around 'just try harder' Christianity, Galatians is medicine.

Read Galatians on your iPhone

Read the full book of Galatians in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

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Popular chapters in Galatians

Galatians 5

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Book of Galatians about?

Galatians is a book of Epistle, running to 6 chapters. Its main threads: Faith, not law-keeping; Freedom and the fruit of the Spirit.

Who wrote the Book of Galatians?

Paul.

Where does Galatians come in the Bible?

Galatians is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Epistle books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.