Paul ends his letter to the Galatians by writing in his own handwriting. He confirms that circumcision is not the important factor of a Christian life - the Holy Spirit is. He carries scars on his body for the sake of the gospel and is passionate about the churches in Galatia.

Paul teaches the Galatians to live following the lead of the Holy Spirit and not by the rules and regulations of the Jews and not by the way of ‘the flesh’. He speaks of the Holy Spirit walking alongside the Christian disciple.

Paul uses strong language to condemn anything that takes away from the power of the gospel which comes from faith in the cross of Jesus Christ alone. He uses the imagery of running a race and baking bread to make his points.

Paul appeals to the Galatians not to follow the zealous Jewish teachers. He reminds them of their care and honour for him when he was with them even though he was ill. Paul uses the Old testament story of Ishmael and Isaac to illustrate that the Galatians belonged to the new covenant, not the old.

Paul greets the churches in Galatia, highlighting his calling and authority. He immediately starts to address the problem that has arisen - other Jewish teachers have undermined the gospel and taught ‘another gospel’.

Paul travels to Jerusalem for a second time to ensure he is preaching the right gospel to the Gentiles following criticism from Jewish believers who are undermining his preaching and questioning his authority. Peter and the other apostles agree with Paul and remind him to remember the poor, as the Gentiles did not share that concern in their societies.

Peter comes to visit the church in Antioch and then surprisingly stops eating meals with Gentiles, as if he is still trying to obey the Old Testament Jewish food laws which kept the Jews separate from the Gentiles. Paul challenges Peter to change his behaviour because the law of Moses is no longer in operation and the Gospel unites Jews and Gentiles

Paul challenges the Galatians to remember the gospel of justification by faith in Jesus that he preached to them. He reminds them of their forefather Abraham who came before Moses and had faith

Paul addresses Christian community living which is of secondary importance but could cause division. he calls those who have need to have more rules as weak in terms of faith. He advises respect and understanding and a concern for one’s own behaviour rather than criticism of others.

Writing to those who knew the Law of Moses, Paul uses the example of marriage to demonstrate the breaking of the law that binds a woman to a man when the man dies. The same radical change is made for Christians who are in a new relationship with God.