The Letter to the Galatians is one of Paul’s most urgent and passionate writings, addressed to churches in the region of Galatia, in Asia Minor. Written to combat false teaching, the letter defends the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the law. Paul’s tone is direct and forceful, as he calls the Galatians back to the freedom found in Christ.

Paul begins by asserting his divine calling as an apostle, not from men, but from God, and expresses shock that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel. Certain teachers were insisting that Gentile believers must follow Jewish laws, especially circumcision, in order to be fully accepted. Paul firmly rebukes this distortion, insisting that righteousness comes only through faith in Christ, not by observing the law.

To support his message, Paul recounts his personal story, including his dramatic conversion and early ministry. He emphasizes that his gospel was received directly from Christ and confirmed by the apostles in Jerusalem. He even recalls confronting Peter when Peter’s behavior contradicted the truth of the gospel, showing that no one is above correction when the truth is at stake.

In the heart of the letter, Paul explains the purpose of the law: it was meant to point to humanity’s need for Christ, the Messiah. Using the example of Abraham, Paul argues that God’s promises are received by faith, not by legal observance. In Christ, believers are adopted as children of God, no longer slaves under the law, and are now part of one unified famil, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or social status.

The letter concludes with a call to live by the Spirit, not by the flesh. Paul outlines the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control, as evidence of a transformed life. He encourages mutual care, humility, and perseverance in doing good. Galatians is a bold defense of Christian freedom, reminding believers that salvation is a gift of grace and that true transformation comes from walking in step with the Spirit.