Study Galatians: Bible Journaling Guide

Overview

Galatians is Paul's most passionate and urgent letter. The churches in Galatia were being lured away from the gospel of grace by teachers who insisted that Gentile believers must follow the Jewish law — particularly circumcision — to be truly saved. Paul responds with fire: 'I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.'

Galatians is a manifesto of Christian freedom. Paul argues that believers are justified by faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law. He uses his own testimony, Abraham's story, and the contrast between slavery and sonship to make the case that grace and law are fundamentally different paths. The letter culminates in the famous Fruit of the Spirit passage (5:22-23), showing that true freedom produces character, not chaos.

Key Themes in Galatians

Popular Verses to Journal

Journaling Prompts for Galatians

1. Paul confronted Peter publicly in Galatians 2:11-14 for hypocrisy. Write about a time when fear of others' opinions affected your faith.
2. Study the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (5:19-23). Which list describes more of your daily life?
3. Galatians 6:2 says to bear one another's burdens. Who is carrying a heavy burden that you could help with this week?
4. Paul says 'if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing' (2:21). How does legalism creep into your faith?
5. Reflect on Galatians 6:9 — 'let us not be weary in doing good.' Where are you growing weary? What encouragement does this verse give?

Study Tips

• Read Galatians in one sitting — it's short and emotionally intense, like a speech that builds to a crescendo.
• Compare Galatians with Romans for a fuller picture of Paul's theology of grace and faith.
• Study the Fruit of the Spirit one at a time, spending a day on each. Look for other Scripture that illuminates each quality.
• Pay attention to Paul's autobiographical sections (chapters 1-2) — they reveal how personally invested he is in this message.

How to Study Galatians in Digible

Digible makes it easy to study Galatians with purpose-built Bible journaling tools on your iPad. Open any chapter, use Apple Pencil to highlight key verses, write notes directly on the page, and build a consistent study habit with streaks. Whether you prefer Soap Bible Study, Topical Bible Study, or Color Coding Bible, Digible gives you the canvas to engage with Galatians your way. Start with one of the free translations — WEB, ASV, or BSB — and begin journaling through Galatians today.

Related Books

• RomansNew Testament · 16 chapters
• EphesiansNew Testament · 6 chapters
• JamesNew Testament · 5 chapters

Guides and Resources

Want to go deeper? Read our beginner's guide to Bible journaling, explore creative journaling ideas, or find the best Bible apps with Apple Pencil support for studying Galatians on your iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Galatians?

Galatians is about freedom. Paul argues passionately that believers are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone — not by following the law. The letter defends the gospel against legalism and shows that the Spirit, not rules, produces godly character.

How do I journal the Fruit of the Spirit?

Take one fruit per day or per week. For each, define it, find other Bible passages about it, examine your own life, and write a prayer asking the Spirit to cultivate that quality in you. Creative journalers often illustrate each fruit alongside their reflection.

Should I study Galatians before or after Romans?

Either order works. Galatians is shorter and more emotionally direct — a good starting point. Romans is longer and more systematic. Studying Galatians first gives you the passion; Romans fills in the theology. Together they provide a comprehensive understanding of grace.