Book of Galatians — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 6 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 49 · Theme: Freedom from the Mosaic Law

Summary of the Book of Galatians

Paul passionately defends the good news against those adding circumcision and the Mosaic Law as requirements, declaring that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ — not through works of the Law — and that all believers stand equal before Jehovah.

The book of Galatians is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 6 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 49. The central theme running throughout Galatians is freedom from the mosaic law — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Galatians

  • Gal 2:20
  • Gal 3:28
  • Gal 5:1

Notable Passages in Galatians

Galatians 2:20

Paul's declaration 'it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me' describes the complete surrender to Christ's example that characterizes genuine discipleship.

Galatians 3:28

The principle 'there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female — you are all one in Christ Jesus' reflects the unity and equality Jehovah values in his congregation.

Galatians 5:1

Paul's charge to 'stand firm in the freedom' Christ purchased and 'not be confined again in a yoke of slavery' calls Christians to reject any addition to the ransom as a basis for approval.

Study Questions for Galatians

As you read the book of Galatians, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What 'different good news' were the Judaizers promoting (chapter 1), and why did Paul say anyone preaching it should be 'accursed'?
  2. How does Paul's account of confronting Peter publicly (chapter 2) demonstrate the importance of defending doctrinal truth even when it means opposing a prominent person?
  3. What does the illustration of Hagar and Sarah (chapter 4) teach about the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant?
  4. How does Paul's description of 'the fruitage of the spirit' (5:22–23) identify qualities that should characterize everyone who serves Jehovah?
  5. What does Paul's principle 'a person will reap what he sows' (6:7) teach about the long-term consequences of our daily choices?

How to Study Galatians with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 6 chapters of Galatians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Galatians as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Galatians

The book of Galatians is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into all 13 letters of the apostle Paul — from Romans to Philemon — in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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