historical context
What prompted Paul to write to the Galatians?
Paul wrote out of frustration
What is Paul’s summary of the gospel?
Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not by following the Torah.
Why does Paul oppose Torah observance for Gentiles?
He believes it contradicts the freedom and fulfillment found in Christ.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in transformation?
The Spirit empowers believers to reflect Christ’s character and life.
What is Paul’s vision for the church?
A multi-ethnic community united by faith in Jesus
What was the early Christian community like?
Initially it was a Jewish movement
How does Paul define justification?
Justification is being declared righteous by faith in Jesus, not based on works.
What roles did the Torah serve?
It exposed sin but was ultimately temporary guiding until Jesus fulfilled its purpose
What is the fruit of the Spirit?
It includes love, joy, peace, and requires intentional cultivation.
How does Paul promote inclusion?
He stresses that it’s faith
Why was there tension regarding the Torah among Christians?
Jewish leaders believed Gentiles had to follow Torah to be part of God’s family
What is the implication of faith for believers?
Faith allows all to belong to God’s family, transcending ethnic barriers.
How did Jesus fulfill the Torah?
By living a sinless life
What contrast does Paul draw?
He contrasts destructive behaviors of the old humanity with the new
What does Paul mean by “missing the point”?
Insisting on Torah observance distracts from the core of the gospel, faith
What role did Peter play in this tension?
Peter initially associated with Gentiles but withdrew under peer pressure
How does Abraham fit into Paul’s argument?
Abraham was justified by faith setting a precedent
What does Paul say about the purpose of the Torah?
It was given after God’s promise
What does “keeping in step with the Spirit” mean?
It requires active cooperation and intentionality to grow in faith.
How does God’s new creation manifest?
It is seen in a diverse family that embodies love and grace through faith.
How did Jewish Christians undermine Paul?
They demanded circumcision for salvation
Why is faith central in Paul’s message?
Trusting in Jesus is the only path to relationship with God
How does Paul answer concerns about the Torah’s wisdom?
He insists that love summarizes the law
How does life in the Spirit relate to the Torah?
Spirit-led living fulfills the essence of the torah through love
What is the basis of community according to Paul?
reflecting Christ’s mission among believers