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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Galatians 1
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.
READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")
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 translations above. 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 subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. Gal_1:1-5, basically the prologue to Galatians, is one sentence in Greek.
B. Paul's usual note of thanksgiving (cf. Romans , 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians , 1 and 2 Thessalonians) is absent. This reflects the tension between Paul and this group of churches.
C. Gal. 6-10 establishes the theological theme of the entire book. It could almost be said that these few verses contain all of the theological elements which Paul develops in the letter.
D. Gal_1:11 to Gal_2:21 forms an autobiographical section where Paul defends his Apostleship and, by that, his gospel. This is very similar to 2 Corinthians 10-13.
E. Gal_1:11 to Gal_2:14 divides into the following areas:
1. Paul was not dependent on the Apostles in Jerusalem, Gal_1:11-24.
2. Paul was recognized by the Church in Jerusalem, Gal_2:1-10.
3. An example of Paul's equality, Gal_2:11-14.
F. The main body of this letter is contained in Gal_2:15 to Gal_6:10. It can be divided as follows:
1. Paul defends the doctrinal truths of his gospel, Gal_2:15 to Gal_4:20.
2. Paul defends the implication of his gospel, Gal_5:1 to Gal_6:10.
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. What is unique about Paul's opening remarks to the churches of Galatia?
2. List the three phrases which describe the person and work of Christ found in Gal_1:4.
3. Why was Paul so appalled at the action of the Galatian churches?
4. Who were the false teachers and what was the basic content of their message?
5. What does the term "accursed" mean?
6. How does Paul prove that he is not a man-pleaser?
7. Why does Paul repeat the emphasis he made in Gal_1:1 again in Gal_1:11-12?
8. How were the false teachers using Paul's previous life against him?
9. Why did Paul go to Arabia?
10. Explain some of the possible charges that the false teachers were making against Paul and how he answered them in Gal_1:10 ff.