Epistle to the Galatians facts for kids

The Epistle to the Galatians is the forty-eighth book in the Bible. It is the ninth book in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter. He sent it to the people of Galatia. Galatia was a region in what is now modern-day Turkey. Paul had visited them before. He had taught them about Christianity and started a church there.

Most people believe Paul wrote this letter around 57 A.D. There is an interesting line in the letter. Paul says, "See with what large letters I am writing this in my own hand." (Chapter 6, verse 11). This usually meant Paul used a secretary to write his letters. But he wanted the Galatians to know for sure that he wrote this part himself. Some think he might have had poor eyesight. This would explain why he wrote with "large letters."

What the Letter is About

Paul's letter aimed to answer a big question of that time. This question was whether non-Jewish Christians, called gentiles, first needed to join the Jewish religion. This included following the Law of Moses. Paul clearly stated that gentile Galatians did not need to follow these old Laws. For example, they did not need to be circumcised. This was a religious act for Jews and Muslims.

Paul explained that these old laws were no longer needed. This was because Jesus had already come. Paul was worried that the community had turned away from the true message (Chapter 1, verses 6–10). He said there is only one true message, or gospel. There is only one way to be saved. This is through faith in Christ. Adding other rules makes it a different message.

Paul talked about his own past as a Jew (Chapter 1, verses 13–14). He shared how he met Christ. This event is often called the conversion of Paul (Chapter 1, verses 15–16). He also spoke about his early work (Chapter 1, verses 17–24).

He mentioned meeting with other Christian leaders in Jerusalem. This meeting is also in the Bible, in Acts chapter 15 (verses 2:1–10). Paul said they agreed with him. They believed that gentiles did not need to become practicing Jews first.

In Chapter 2, Paul described a meeting with Peter. Paul told Peter that he was not treating gentile Christians fairly. Peter had stopped eating with them. Paul then explained that both Jews and Gentiles are made right with God. This happens not by following the old Law. It happens by trusting in what Jesus did for them. Jesus died on the cross for everyone.

Later in the letter, Paul explained the purpose of the Law. He said the Law showed people how sinful they were. This helped them see their need for forgiveness. He wrote that when people love others, they are truly following the meaning of the Law. He also said that when we have faith, God sends the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us live a good life. It helps us avoid bad actions. Paul even listed good and bad actions (Chapter 5).

Why This Letter is Important

The Epistle to the Galatians has been very important. It helped shape the history of Christianity. It also helped develop Christian theology, which is the study of God. It is also key to understanding the Apostle Paul.

This book contains some very well-known Bible teachings. For example, it teaches that everyone needs salvation. You can read about this in Galatians 3:28-29. It also lists the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). These are good qualities that come from God's Spirit.

Images for kids

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  Valentin de Boulogne's painting "Saint Paul Writing His Epistles" from the 16th century. It shows Paul writing his letters.

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