When looking over a new book it is good to get the book in context. This means that we look at when the book was written in relation to other books in the Bible.  The Word of God is progressive.  The people of God in the Bible go from monotheism to polytheism, to henotheism, and to a trinitarian monotheism.  From a position of community with the one true God, they come full circle back into that relationship.

Secondly, we need to know the social context, was the book written in exile?  Was the book written for Jewish believers or Gentiles?  What form of government was in place when the book was written?

Thirdly, before studying the book we need to know the presenting problems.  In other words we need to know in general why the book was written?  Were there arguments with local authorities?  Did believers disagree?  Had some kind of heresy broken out?  Were  people discouraged?

Finally, an outline is helpful so that we can see how passages that we know fit together with those that are less familiar.  Coupled with this is a knowledge of the genre of writing.  Is this book an epistle (letter), a historical outline, a series of wise sayings?

With these ideas in mind we should now turn to the book of Galatians.

1. To whom was the book written?
2. Where is Galatia?
3. When was Galatians written?
4. Who wrote it?
5. Why was it written?
6. How are people today facing the same challenges as the Galatians?

Use a Study Bible, a commentary, or the internet to find answers.