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Chapter Level Commentary:
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
How Does Paul's Mission Relate to Galatians?
A. These two aspects of background material must be dealt with together because two opposing theories of the identities of the recipients affect the dating of the letter. Both theories have logical weight and limited biblical evidence.
B. The two theories
1. The traditional theory that was unanimous until the eighteenth century.
a. It is called the "Northern Galatian Theory."
b. It assumes that "Galatia" refers to the ethnic Galatians of the northern central plateau of Turkey (cf. 1Pe_1:1). These ethnic Galatians were Celts (Greek Keltoi or Latin Gall) who invaded this area in the third century b.c. They were called "Gallo-Graecians" to distinguish them from their western European brothers. They were defeated in 230 b.c. by Attalus I, the King of Pergamum. Their geographical influence was limited to northern central Asia Minor or modern Turkey.
c. If this ethnic group is assumed, then the date would be the mid 50's during Paul's second or third missionary journey. Paul's traveling companions would be Silas and Timothy.
d. Some have linked Paul's illness in Gal_4:13 to malaria. They assert that Paul went north into the highlands to get away from the marshy, malaria-infested, coastal lowlands.
2. The second theory is championed by Sir Wm. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen, New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1896.
a. Whereas the traditional theory defined "Galatia" as ethnic, this theory defines it as administrative. It seems that Paul often used Roman provincial names (cf. 1Co_16:19; 2Co_1:1; 2Co_8:1, etc.) The Roman province of "Galatia" included a larger area than ethnic "Galatia." These ethnic Celts supported Rome very early and were rewarded with more local autonomy and expanded territorial authority. If this large area was known as "Galatia," then it is possible that Paul's first missionary journey to these southern cities of Antioch in Pisidia, Lystra, Derbe and Iconium, recorded in Acts 13-14, is the location of these churches.
b. If one assumes this "Southern Theory," the date would be very early—close to, but before, the "Jerusalem Council" of Acts 15, which addresses the same subject matter as the book of Galatians. The Council occurred in a.d. 48-49 and the letter was probably written during the same period. If this is true, Galatians is the first letter of Paul in our New Testament.
c. Some evidences for the southern Galatian theory
(1) There is no mention of Paul's traveling companions by name, but Barnabas is mentioned three times (cf. Act_2:1; Act_2:9; Act_2:13). This fits the first missionary journey of Paul.
(2) It is mentioned that Titus was not circumcised (cf. Act_2:1-5). This fits best before the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15.
(3) The mention of Peter (cf. Act_2:11-14) and the problem of fellowship with Gentiles fits best before the Jerusalem Council.
(4) When the money was taken to Jerusalem several companions of Paul from different areas (cf. Act_20:4) were listed. None, however, were listed from northern Galatia cities, although we know these ethnic Galatian churches participated (cf. 1Co_16:1).
For a detailed presentation of the different arguments concerning these theories, consult a technical commentary. They each have valid points. At this point in time there is no consensus, but the "Southern Theory" seems to fit all of the facts best.
C. Relationship of Galatians to Acts
1. Paul made five visits to Jerusalem, recorded by Luke in the book of Acts
a. Act_9:26-30, after his conversion
b. Act_11:30; Act_12:25, to bring famine relief from the Gentile churches
c. Act_15:1-30, the Jerusalem Council
d. Act_18:22, brief visit
e. Act_21:15 ff., another explanation of Gentile work
2. There are two visits to Jerusalem recorded in Galatians:
a. Act_1:18, after three years
b. Act_2:1, after fourteen years
3. It seems most probable that Act_9:26 is related to Gal_1:18. Act_11:30; Act_15:1 ff. are the setting of unrecorded meetings which are mentioned in Gal_2:1.
4. There are some differences between the Acts 15 and Galatians 2 accounts but this is probably due to
a. different perspectives
b. different purposes of Luke and Paul
c. the fact that Galatians 2 may have occurred sometime before the meeting described in Acts 15 but in conjunction with it.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Outline Paul's first missionary journey by geographical sites.
2. Outline both of Paul's sermons; to the Jews and to pagans.
3. How is fasting related to modern Christians?
4. Why did John Mark quit the missionary team?