Division

For the reason stated, the holy Paul writes the Epistle, intending to erase the impression produced on the Galatians by the false teachers. In opposition to their suggestions, he defends his Apostolic dignity and refutes their position, that the Law is necessary for salvation, applying also moral lessons in accordance with the subject of faith set forth. As is customary, a preface precedes all, and at the end a conclusion is appended—both with characteristic distinctions according to the content of the Epistle. Thus, in this Epistle:

– after the preface—containing the inscription, with greeting, and the opening of the Epistle (Gal. 1:1–10),

– there follows first the defensive part, where the holy Paul restores his Apostolic authority (Gal. 1:11–2:21),

– then the dogmatic part, where the holy Paul, refuting the false teachers, proves that salvation does not come from the Law, which, by the coming of Christ the Savior, lost its force and significance (Gal. 3–4),

– then the exhortatory part, where instructions are applied, toward which the moral powers should be directed, having received freedom from the yoke of the Law (Gal. 5; Gal. 6:1–10).

At the end a conclusion is added (Gal. 6:11–18).

The speech of the Apostle throughout the entire Epistle, from beginning to end, is lively, powerful, breathing with zeal for saving faith and love for the Galatians. As guides following the former holy Fathers and teachers, the holy Chrysostom, Theodoret, and Hilary (Ambrosiaster), and the holy John of Damascus, Ecumenius and Theophylact, the blessed Augustine and Jerome came forth.