The Occasion of the Epistle. (1) Judaizing teachers had gone among the Galatians, claiming that the Jewish law was binding upon Christians, admitting that Jesus was the Messiah, but claiming that salvation must, nevertheless, be obtained by the works of the law. They especially urged that all Gentiles be circumcised. (2) In order to gain their point and turn the Galatians from their belief, they were trying to weaken their confidence in Paul, their spiritual teacher. They said he was not one of the twelve, and therefore, not one of the apostles, and his teachings were not of binding authority. They suggested that he had learned his doctrine from others, especially from the apostles who were pillars of the church. The Purpose of the Epistle. The purpose of the epistle was to root out the errors of doctrine introduced by the Judaizers and to hold the Galatians to their earlier faith. To do this it was necessary to establish his apostolic authority and the divine origin of his gospel. He also desired to show the practical value or application of his teaching. He especially shows the value of Christian freedom and at the same time shows that it is not license. In fulfilling these purposes he gave us an inspired classic upon the fundamental doctrine of justification by faith and forever settled the disturbing question of the relation of Christians to the Jewish law. Author and Date. It was written by Paul, probably from Corinth in A.D. 57. Analysis. Introduction, 1:1-10. I. Authoritativeness of Paul's Gospel, 1:11-2 end. 1. It is independent of man, 1:11 end. 2. It is the gospel of an apostle, Ch. 2. II. Teaching of Paul's Gospel, Chs. 3-4. Justification by faith. 1. Their experience proves it, 3:1-5. 2. The example of Abraham attests it, 3:6-8. 3. The scripture teaches it, 3:10-12. 4. The work of Christ provides for it, 3:13-14. 5. Its superior results demonstrate it. 3:15-4:20. 6. The experiences of Sarah and Hagar and their sons illustrate it, 4:21 end. III. Application of Paul's Gospel to Faith and Conduct, 5:1-6:10. 1. He exhorts them to stand fast in the liberty of Christ; 5:1-12; 5:12. This liberty excludes Judaism. 2. He exhorts them not to abuse their liberty, 5:13-6:10. Conclusion, 6:11 end.