Paul introduces himself as an apostle sent by Jesus Christ and God the Father, emphasizing divine authority rather than human commissioning.
He addresses the churches in Galatia, sending them grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for humanity's sins.
Paul expresses astonishment at how quickly the Galatians have turned to a distorted gospel, warning against those who pervert Christ's message.
He insists that even if he or an angel preaches a different gospel, they should be accursed, reiterating the importance of adhering to the true gospel.
Paul clarifies that his teachings are not meant to seek human approval but stem from divine revelation, making him a servant of Christ.
He shares his personal transformation — originally a zealous persecutor of Christians, he was called by God's grace to preach among the Gentiles.
Paul recounts avoiding consultation with the apostles early on, instead receiving his gospel directly through revelation from Christ.
After three years, Paul met with Peter (Cephas) and James in Jerusalem, emphasizing limited interaction with other apostles at that time.
Paul describes his ministry in Syria and Cilicia, where churches knew him only by reputation as the former persecutor turned preacher, glorifying God for his transformation.
Fourteen years later, Paul returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus, presenting his gospel privately to leaders to ensure alignment and avoid laboring in vain.
Paul defends Titus, a Greek who was not compelled to be circumcised, highlighting the importance of Christian liberty and opposing legalism.
He emphasizes his independence from other apostles, receiving the acknowledgment of his mission to the Gentiles while Peter focused on the Jews.
James, Cephas, and John extended fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, asking only that they remember the poor.
Paul recounts confronting Peter in Antioch for withdrawing from Gentiles under pressure from Jewish Christians, accusing him of hypocrisy.
Paul declares that justification comes through faith in Christ, not by adherence to the law, underscoring the universality of grace.
He contrasts life under the law with life in Christ, proclaiming, "I am crucified with Christ" and emphasizing faith over works.
Paul criticizes the Galatians for being misled, emphasizing that salvation comes by faith and the Spirit, not by works of the flesh.
He invokes Abraham as an example of justification by faith, declaring that those who share Abraham's faith are his true children.
Paul explains that the law brought awareness of sin but could not justify; Christ redeemed humanity from the law's curse.
He contrasts the law with the promise given to Abraham, fulfilled through Christ, and declares that believers are all children of God through faith in Christ.
Paul uses an allegory of Abraham's two sons (from Hagar and Sarah) to contrast bondage under the law with freedom in Christ.
He exhorts the Galatians to stand firm in their freedom in Christ, warning against returning to the yoke of legalism.
Paul emphasizes that individuals are justified by faith and the Spirit, listing the works of the flesh versus the fruit of the Spirit.
He highlights mutual accountability, urging believers to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ while also taking personal responsibility for their actions.
Paul reminds the Galatians that whatever a person sows, they will reap and encourages them not to grow weary in doing good.
Paul concludes with a personal appeal, writing in large letters to emphasize his points, and warns against boasting in external rituals like circumcision.
He declares that the true mark of a Christian is being a "new creation" in Christ and pronounces blessings upon those who follow this principle.