Outline of Galatians
—Structure of Paul’s letter to the Galatian Churches
Outline of Galatians
Salutation and doxology Galatians 1:1-5
FIRST PLEA (Galatians 1:6-9)
Setting the Record Straight Galatians 1:10 to 2:21
Paul answers misrepresentation and opposition by certain Jewish brethren who promote obedience to commands in the law of Moses, and distinctions between Jew and non-Jew.
SECOND PLEA (Galatians 3:1-5)
A Challenge to the Churches Galatians 3:6 to 4:9
Paul compares being in Christ with being under the law. He makes three powerful contrasts which show the superiority of the gospel over the law. Paul challenges the Galatians to choose which is better.
THIRD PLEA (Galatians 4:10-20)
An Allegory Explained Galatians 4:21-31
By expounding the allegorical significance of events surrounding God’s promise to Abraham, Paul shows that the law of Moses has been done away.
FOURTH PLEA (Galatians 5:1-15)
Good Works Commanded Galatians 5:16 to 6:10
Christians are "not under law" except to Christ, and they are to do the good works commanded by Christ. Paul shows that this is essential to salvation, and Paul makes those works a part of faith. We are free in Christ, but that does not mean we are free to disobey him.
FIFTH PLEA (Galatians 6:11-17)