Author and Audience:
Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul and addressed to “the churches of Galatia”. It is unclear whether Paul was addressing the Saints in the southern region or the northern region of Galatia. Paul had baptized and organized the southern Saints during his first missionary journey and the northern Saints during his second missionary journey.
Historical Background:
If Paul wrote the book of Galatians to the southern Saints, he may have written it as early as A.D. 48. However, similarities between the organization and style of this book and the book of Romans favor the conclusion that it was written during his third missionary journey, around A.D. 57.
Theme:
Paul was alarmed when he learned that false teachings were creeping into the lives of his Galatian converts. Many had rejected the teachings of the Atonement and reverted to following the law of Moses. Paul wrote to urge the Saints to return to the higher law of the gospel. He taught that works alone are not sufficient for salvation, but that we must rely on our Savior Jesus Christ.
Paul was amazed that the Galatian converts were turning away from the living Christ in favor of a dead law. Could they really prefer the bondage of the old law of Moses over the liberty of the new law of Christ? In Galatians 1–2, notice Paul’s emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation that gives new life.
Galatians 1
What is Wayne High School’s requirements for graduation?
(i.e.: attendance, required classes, exams)
Why does Wayne High School have such standards?
A explanation by Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“A few weeks ago I was returning from the East with President [Gordon B.] Hinckley. We conversed with a passenger who said something to the effect that all churches lead to heaven. How often have you heard that—the parallel path to heaven philosophy? “They claim one church is not really better than another, just different. Eventually the paths will converge. One is, therefore, quite as safe in any church as in any other.
“While this seems to be very generous, it just cannot be true.
“. . . Suppose schools were operated on that philosophy, with each discipline a separate path leading to the same diploma. No matter whether you study or not, pass the tests or not, all would be given the same diploma—the one of their choice.
“Without qualifying, one could choose the diploma of an attorney, an engineer, a medical doctor.
“Surely you would not submit yourself to surgery under the hands of a graduate of that kind of school!”
Elder Packer concluded:
“But it does not work that way. It cannot work that way—not in education, not in spiritual matters. There are essential ordinances just as there are required courses. There are prescribed standards of worthiness. If we resist them, avoid them, or fail them, we will not enter in with those who complete the course”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 106; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 82)
There is only one true gospel on the earth that has all the teachings, ordinances, and covenants we need to return to Heavenly Father and live like Him in His kingdom. The Apostle Paul understood this doctrine and tried to explain it to the Saints.
Galatians 2
• Which would be easier to break?
• Why is it so hard to break the sticks when they are grouped together?
The strength of one is increased when united with many.
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Galatians 2:9
• Why was it important that Paul and Barnabus receive the “right hands of fellowship” (acceptance and support) of Peter, James, and John?
• How does unity among Church leaders bless the work of teaching and administering the gospel?
When Peter first went to Antioch, he ate openly with the Gentiles. That changed when a group of Jewish Saints, who believed they should not associate with Gentiles, arrived with the Apostle James.
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? Galatians 2:13–14
• How did Paul respond to Peter’s action?
• Why was it important that Peter and Paul have the same view on this matter?
• How would the Church be weakened if the leaders disagreed on the doctrine of Christ?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s explanation of this apparent conflict:
“Peter temporized for fear of offending Jewish semi-converts who still kept the law of Moses. . . . Without question, if we had the full account, we would find Peter reversing himself and doing all in his power to get the Jewish saints to believe that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ and no longer applied to anyone either Jew or Gentile”. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:463–64)
President Gordon B. Hinckley’s insight about the harmony of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“Each man is different. We speak from various backgrounds and experiences. We discuss ways to improve and strengthen the work. At the outset of these discussions, there may be various points of view. But before the discussion is ended, there is total unanimity, else no action is taken. The Lord Himself has declared that such unity is an absolute necessity”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 79; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 59)
What can we learn from the unity of the Lord’s Apostles?
We can find great strength in unity with our leaders and fellow Church members.
The lessons we learn in elementary school prepare us to understand the greater truths of an advanced education. While these lessons are useful, serious students are not satisfied to remain at the basic level. Paul likened the law of Moses to a schoolmaster who prepared Israel to come to Christ and the higher gospel law. As you read Galatians 3–6, look for the superior blessings of the gospel law.
Galatians 3
Law of Moses
vs.
Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Why would these wheels be helpful when learning to ride a bicycle?
• How long would you leave them on the bicycle?
• How would removing the training wheels change your bicycling ability?
And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost. And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, until the end thereof; and thus it was. Moses 5:58–59
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8
• How long has the gospel has been on the earth?
Yet the Lord God saw that his people were a stiffnecked people, and he appointed unto them a law, even the law of Moses. Mosiah 3:14
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:19
• Why were the children of Israel given the law of Moses instead of the higher gospel law?
The Apostle Paul wanted the Galatian Saints to understand that the blessings of the gospel are superior to what the law of Moses offered.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Galatians 3:24–25
Footnote for schoolmaster:
Translation from the Greek: pedagogue, director, supervisor of children.
JST: … schoolmaster until Christ …
• What is the schoolmaster in this analogy? (The law of Moses.)
• Who are the students? (The house of Israel.)
• What sorts of burdens do schoolmasters place on students? (Tests, homework.)
• How could those burdens be compared to the law of Moses?
(The law included dietary restrictions; ceremonial, sacrificial, and ritual requirements; and so on.)
• How long do students need a schoolmaster?
• How is that like the law of Moses?
(When the Savior came, He fulfilled the law and replaced portions with the higher gospel law.)
Law of Moses
vs.
Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Which part of the bike best represents the law of Moses? (training wheels)
• Which best represents the gospel of Jesus Christ? (the bicycle without the training wheels)
The law of Moses was a good law. It was given by the Savior. As far as the law of Moses was understood and obeyed, it prepared the people for the Savior’s coming.
And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. Mosiah 13:32
• What did the Jews fail to understand and learn from the law?
(Redemption comes through Jesus Christ.)
We might make the same error as the ancient Jews if we fail to see the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives. To avoid this pitfall, we should continue to follow the Savior by searching the scriptures and heeding the words of the modern prophets.
Galatians 4-5
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:19–23
• Why do so many people choose works of the flesh when these works can do them so much harm?
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
• How can we enjoy the fruits of the Spirit and shun the works of the flesh?
The promptings of the Holy Ghost direct us to do those things that bring the fruits of the Spirit into our lives.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25
Explain …
President Joseph Fielding Smith, who was then President of the Quorum of the Twelve, gave further insight when he said:
“There is nothing more important in the lives of members of the Church than to have the gift of the Holy Ghost”.
(Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 2:114)
As baptized members we have the gift of the Holy Ghost. By keeping our baptismal covenants, we can reject the works of the flesh and become worthy of the Spirit. This will bring the joy of the fruits of the Holy Ghost into our lives.
Galatians 6
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7
The law of the harvest is that we reap what we sow.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8
• What do you think it means to sow to the flesh and to sow to the Spirit?
In life we sometimes observe situations that appear to be exceptions to the law of the harvest.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return. 3 Nephi 27:11
• How do the phrases “in due season” and “for a season” reveal that there are no exceptions to this law?
Even though the law may seem to be delayed, it will be fulfilled according to the Lord’s timetable.
How does the law applies in each situation:
Clark pays a full tithe and never seems to get ahead financially. Tom has the same salary as Clark but does not pay tithing. He has significantly more material possessions.
Jill is honest, studies diligently, and gets average grades in high school. Diane cheats in her classes and gets top grades. Because of her grades Diane has received a scholarship to college.
A statement by Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:
“The wicked may prosper for a time, the rebellious may seem to profit by their transgressions, but the time is coming when, at the bar of justice, all men will be judged, ‘every man according to their works.’ No one will ‘get by’ with anything. On that day no one will escape the penalty of his deeds, no one will fail to receive the blessings he has earned. . . . There will be total justice.”
(The Miracle of Forgiveness, 305)