Traditional Galatians Outline

1. Introduction (1:1-10)

   1. Salutation (1:1-5)

   2. Denunciation (1:6-10)

2. Personal: Defense of Paul’s Apostleship (1:11-2:21)

   1. Received by revelation (1:11-12)

   2. Independent of Jerusalem Apostles (1:13-2:21)

      1. Demonstrated by Paul’s early conversion and early years as a Christian (1:13-17)

      2. Demonstrated by Paul’s first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem (1:18-24)

      3. Confirmed by the Jerusalem Apostles (2:1-10)

         1. The treatment of Titus (2:1-5)

         2. The approval of Paul (2:6-10)

      4. Illustrated by Paul’s rebuke of Peter (2:11-21)

         1. Peter’s hypocrisy (2:11-13)

         2. Paul’s rebuke (2:14)

         3. The principle involved (2:15-21)

3. Doctrinal: Defense of Justification by Faith (3:1-4:31)

   1. Vindication of Justification by Faith (3:1-18)

      1. The experience of the Galatians (3:1-5)

      2. The example of Abraham (3:6-14)

         1. The faith of Abraham (3:6-9)

         2. The curse of the Law (3:10-12)

         3. The curse on Christ (3:13)

         4. The blessing of Abraham (3:14)

      3. The permanence of the Promise (3:15-18)

         1. The Promise given to Abraham’s seed – Christ (3:15-16)

         2. The Law’s irrelevance for the Promise (3:17-18)

   2. Purpose of the Law (3:19-4:7)

      1. Its temporary nature (3:19-25)

      2. Its inferior status (3:26-4:7)

         1. Equality in the Body of Christ (3:26-29)

         2. Slaves versus Sons (4:1-7)

   3. Appeal concerning justification by Faith (4:8-31)

      1. Paul’s concern for the Galatians (4:8-20)

         1. Because of their return to bondage (4:8-11)

         2. Because of their loss of joy (4:12-20)

4. Practical defense of Christian Liberty (5:1-6:10)

   1. Liberty versus Law (5:1-12)

      1. The Law enslaves the believer (5:1-2)

      2. The Law obligates the believer (5:3)

      3. The Law alienates Christ (5:4-6)

      4. The Law hinders growth (5:7-10)

      5. The Law removes the offense of the Cross (5:11-12)

   2. Liberty versus License (5:13-26)

      1. The fruit of License (5:13-21)

      2. The fruit of the Spirit (5:22-26)

   3. Liberty to Love (6:1-10)

      1. Responsibility toward the weak and sinful (6:1-5)

      2. Responsibility toward leaders (6:6-9)

      3. Responsibility toward all people (6:10)

5. Conclusion (6:11-18)

   1. Authentication of the Epistle (6:11)

   2. Condemnation of the Judaizers (6:12-13)

      1. The motives of the Judaizers (6:12-13)

      2. The motives of Paul (6:14-17)

   3. Benediction (6:18)