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The Author

St. Paul Himself (Gal 1:1)

But there is someinconsistencies (6:8) where

there is an amanuensis (awriter-secretary) employed

Still, the writing style (content-wise) is of Paul

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Date When It was Written

No definite period

Estimate (due to events mentioned in the letter):

50-55AD

Written during his Third Missionary Journey

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The Addressed:

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The Addressed:

The Galatians were originally Celts who migrated totheir area in Pauls time because it was land theycould own, being mercenaries for hire.

They eventually were Hellenized and Romanizedafterwards.

As for the Churches of Galatia to receive such aneloquent and well-made letter, it is assumed thatthose who lead the church are of the aristocrats.

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Purpose:

It can be seen in two ways:

1. As a letter: As a means of communication

2. As a pastoral letter: it is meant to addresssomething.

Going deeper here, we see that Galatians isspecifically an apologetic letter

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As an Apologetic Letter:

Paul didnt start this trend because Plato did start this(as seen in accounts of Socrates)

Purpose: to defend a specific stand on an issue.

Issue: Pauls legitimacy as an apostle to the Gentilesand the Galatians legitimacy as recipients of theGospel, having received the Gospel from Paul.

Re: Paul: I and you (Galatians) are legitimate bearersof the Gospel

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Central Themes in Galatians:

Grace

- Galatians are eligible in receiving grace (i.e.Conversion and receiving the gospel)

Freedom

-This is the central theme of the letter itself

-2 levels of freedom-Freedom from sin through ones willing effort to change for thegood

-By receiving a new life in Christ the Jew-Gentile distinction isabolished

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General Overview:

-Address (1:1-5)

-Loyalty to Gospel (1:6-10)

-Pauls defence of Gospel and authority (1:11 2:21)

-Faith and liberty (3:1-4:31)

-Exhortation to Christian living (5:1-6:10)

-Conclusion (6:11-18)

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Text Selection of Choice:

Gal4:21-31Allegory of Hagar and Sarah

In relation with the letter: part of the argument, seen

as the last proof.

Being a defense:

Weak?

Strong?

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The Exegesis at a Glance:

Criterion Hagar Sarah

Son Ishmael Isaac

Social Status Slave Free Woman

Manner of conception Natural Means Promise

Covenant Represented According to the Flesh According to the Spirit

Old Covenant at Sinai New Covenant at Jerusalem

Jerusalem Here (at Paulstime and in locus)

Jerusalem There

Christianity Judaism

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THEGALATIANS

Our Exegesis

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Thank You!

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References: