Galatia was a province, occupying a central position in Asia Minor. It derived its name from the Gauls (tribes of Celts), who came thither from Europe. Jews resided there in large numbers, attracted by the opportunities for trade. Paul visited this region on his third missionary journey, Acts 18:23. His converts, composed of Jews and proselytes, manifested great eagerness and affection at first; but soon after the Apostle had left them, they fell an easy prey to the Judaizers, who wished to make the Mosaic ritual binding upon the Christian Church. These followed Paul’s steps and made every effort to undermine his influence.
   Their object in this was twofold:—first, to convince Jewish converts that Paul’s authority was inferior to that of Peter and others who represented the more conservative element in the Church; and second, to insist upon Gentiles submitting to the rites of the ceremonial law. On receiving information of this invasion of the young church that he had founded, Paul wrote this urgent letter to the Galatians from Ephesus in A.D. 54, to vindicate his authority and to insist upon the all-sufficiency of Christ’s redeeming work. —Through the Bible Day by Day 

Gospel Liberty and Legal Bondage

Salutation, Galatians 1:1-5
I. The Apostle’s Vindication, Galatians 1:6-2:21
   1. The Affront to His Authority, Galatians 1:6-10
   2. His Commission God-given, Galatians 1:11-17
   3. His Recognition in the Church, Galatians 1:18-2:10
   4. His Conflict with Cephas, Galatians 2:11-21
II. The Vindication of the Gospel, Galatians 3-6
   1. The Folly of Reverting to Legalism, Galatians 3:1-5
   2. The Example of Abraham, Galatians 3:6-29
   3. The Covenants Contrasted, Galatians 4
   4. The Conflict of the Flesh and the Spirit, Galatians 5
   5. The Law of Christ, Galatians 6:1-10
Conclusion, Galatians 6:11-18 —Through the Bible Day by Day