Galatians, by Dr. Douglas Moo

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.

We do not offer this class for credit. The comments that Dr. Moo makes regarding assignments and credits refer only to students who were taking the course for credit at the time of our filming.

Lecture 1:
Introduction to Galatians

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

Lecture 2:
Galatians 1

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

Lecture 3:
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 4:
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 5:
Galatians 2:15-21

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

Lecture 6:
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 7:
Galatians 3 (Part 2)

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 8:
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 9: 
Galatians 4:1-12

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

Lecture 10:
Galatians 4:12-31

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 their conduct. Dr. Moo discusses the process of translation.

Lecture 11:
Galatians 4:12-31 (Part 2)

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

Lecture 12:
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 13: 
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 14: 
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 15:
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."