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Study Galatians

An Exegetical Examination of the Book of Galatians with Some Comments about Paul’s Theology in General

Curated from a Lecture Series by Doug Moo
In partnership with BiblicalTraining
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Course Introduction

About Dr. Doug Moo

On a plaque mounted in Dr. Douglas’ office are the words of the great pietist theologian Johann Albrecht Bengel: “Apply yourself wholly to the text; apply the text wholly to yourself.” In his academic career, he has applied himself to the text by teaching New Testament and writing commentaries on the text-on James, 2 Peter and Jude, and Romans.  The text he deals with is no less than God’s word to his people, he must grapple not only with original meaning but with application to himself and to the contemporary church. Toward that end, he has also been active in his local church, serving as elder most years, in teaching and preaching to the church, and in conducting home Bible studies. Also very rewarding has been his service on the Committee on Bible Translation, the group of scholars charged with revising the text of the NIV and with producing the TNIV.

For over twenty years his ministry was based at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in Deerfield, IL. Now that he is at Wheaton Graduate School, he is enjoying the challenge of adapting to a new institution, discovering the delights of new colleagues, and meeting the challenges posed by a different type of student. His academic interests revolve around the interface of exegesis and theology. He seeks to model to students a rigorous approach to the Greek text that always asks the “so what” questions of ultimate significance and application. The Pauline and general letters have been his special focus within the NT canon. In the next few years, he will be writing commentaries on Galatians and Hebrews, a Pauline theology, and a theological/practical book on creation care. His wife Jenny and he have five grown children.

About the Course

Dr. Douglas Moo, Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School, is an acknowledged expert in the writings and theology of Paul. His commentary on Romans is among the best ever written, and he is working on a new commentary on Galatians. In this class, Professor Moo will walk you through the book of Galatians and will spend considerable time summarizing Paul’s basic theology.

The content for this course is provided courtesy of BiblicalTraining.orgBiblicalTraining.org is a not-for-profit ministry that creates and distributes biblical and theological classes from top biblical scholars to all people, whether they are new believers or pastors. Because of their vision to serve all people, the classes are free.


Introduction to Galatians

Galatians is about how you get yourself right with God and also how the Gospel is an inclusive power.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 51 min

Galatians 1

Paul’s autobiographical reasons for why you should listen to him.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 77 min

Galatians 2:1-14

Paul’s interaction with the apostles in Jerusalem and an encounter with the apostle Peter. Dr. Moo challenges you to define the Gospel in light of the themes in the text so far. (The handout on the Gospel that Dr. Moo mentions at about the 44 minute mark is not available.)


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 46 min

Defining the Gospel in Galatians

Paul framed his preaching of the Gospel in the context of both the fulfillment of promises of God to Israel and the contemporary images of the Greco-Roman tradition. The Good News is not simply a matter of individuals experiencing a relationship with God, but also a broader theme of God establishing his rule over the universe through Jesus. [There is some intermittent static in the audio for about the first 30 minutes]


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 74 min

Galatians 2:15-16

Introduction of the term, “justification.” Also a discussion of the meaning of the phrase, “works of the Law.”


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 83 min

Galatians 2:15-3:9

Discussion of the relationship of Jewish Christians to the Law of Moses. The crucifixion is a key transition moment and a shift in salvation history.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 60 min

Galatians 3

Paul contrasts the ideas of faith and the Law. One way to describe the Galatian controversy is to determine who has the correct reading of the Old Testament.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 72 min

Justification in Galatians

The meaning and implications of the doctrine of justification. One notable distinction is whether you are justified apart from your works, according to your works or on the basis of your works.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 53 min

Galatians 4:1-12

Discussion of the metaphors of the Law as a guardian, and being adopted into God’s family.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 62 min

Galatians 4:12-31 (Part 1)

Paul uses rhetorical techniques that were common in his day to persuade people. He also refers to Old Testament passages to instruct the Galatians in theire conduct. Dr. Moo discusses the process of translation.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 70 min

Galatians 4:12-31 (Part 2)

Appropriation of the Old Testament in the New Testament includes both explicit and implicit quotations.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 38 min

Galatians 5:1-6

Discussion of the meaning and application of the term, “by faith alone” as it relates to the subject of justification.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 72 min

Galatians 5:7-6:1

Paul reminds the Galatians that they started well and need to finish well. The Spirit-led righteous life results in authentic community. Discussion of the idea of freedom to live as we are created to live.


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 74 min

Law of Moses in Galatians

To what extent does the Law of Moses provide specific direction for the way we should live as disciples of Jesus?


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 53 min

Galatians 6:2-18

Discussion of what the Bible teaches about the extent to which your eternal destiny is tied to your behavior and the meaning of the term, “new creation.”


  • Lecture AudioRuntime: 63 min