An Advanced Study in Galatians: Part One

Explore Paul's Letter to the Galatians: Foundations of Christian Identity

Delve into Paul's Letter to the Galatians, a pivotal text offering invaluable insights into the early Christian movement and its core theological debates. This course examines the crucial question of identity within the Messiah community, specifically addressing the debate surrounding Gentile converts and the practice of circumcision.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early Christian Identity: Understand how the early followers of Jesus defined themselves and their place within the burgeoning Christian community.
• Gentile Inclusion: Analyze Paul's powerful argument for the inclusion of Gentile converts, challenging factions that sought to impose Jewish law (Torah) as a prerequisite for faith.
• New Covenant Theology: Explore the logic of a "New Age" established by Jesus Christ, examining the evolving requirements for belonging to the Messiah community.
• Righteousness & Faith: A deep dive into the concepts of "faith" and "righteousness" as foundational elements of social definition within the early church.
• Theological Roots: Trace the historical development of key Christian doctrines – including the Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement, and ultimate destiny – as they are illuminated in Galatians.
• Family of Abraham: Investigate the connection between Gentile inclusion and the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.

Course Structure:

This comprehensive course (37 lectures) guides you through Paul's argument step-by-step, clarifying complex translations and navigating the historical context of early Christian theology. Professor Wright expertly connects the original concerns of Galatians to contemporary challenges, revealing the enduring relevance of Paul's message.

Part One: Identifying the Messiah Community (Galatians 1-3:18)

This section focuses on the formation of an inclusive community built on a proper understanding of faith and righteousness. Discover what it truly means to be "in the Messiah" and how it relates to the promised family of Abraham. The inter-faith debates of Galatians provide a window into the development of essential Christian doctrines.

Course Features:

• Based on Professor Wright's renowned Galatians commentary.
• Self-paced learning with provided resources (Greek lexicon, concept reflection prompts).
• Emphasis on practical application of ancient theological concepts for today's Christian community.

This course is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the foundational principles of Christianity and the enduring power of Paul's message.