Understanding the Galatians: History, Culture, and Paul’s Urgent Message

In this episode, we explore the background of the Book of Galatians and why Paul wrote such a passionate and pointed letter to this particular group. Before jumping into the text itself, we take a closer look at who the Galatians were, their unique cultural identity, and the spiritual crisis that prompted Paul’s response. The historical, political, and theological context of this letter reveals why Galatians stands out among Paul’s writings and why its message still resonates today.

Top Topics Covered:

1. Who Were the Galatians?

The Galatians were descendants of Celtic tribes originally from Gaul—modern-day France—who migrated through Europe and eventually settled in what is now central Turkey. Fierce warriors by reputation, these tribes were eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire but retained much of their cultural identity. Understanding their roots in rebellion, warrior spirit, and eventual assimilation helps explain their temperament and the urgency behind Paul’s words.

2. Why Did Paul Write to Them?

Paul was responding to a theological crisis: Gentile believers in Galatia were being pressured by Jewish Christians—or perhaps even non-Christian Jews—to adopt full Jewish customs, including circumcision, in order to be accepted as true followers of Christ. Paul writes with intensity, skipping his usual greetings, because he is alarmed by how quickly the Galatians are turning away from the gospel of grace and embracing a law-based system.

3. When Was the Letter Written and To Whom?

Scholars debate whether Paul wrote to Southern or Northern Galatia, which influences the dating of the letter—either around 49 AD (making it possibly Paul’s earliest letter) or later in the mid-50s. Regardless of timing, the issues at hand were the same: whether faith in Christ alone is enough, or if salvation requires adherence to the Jewish law.

4. The Core Message: Grace Over Law

Paul emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or ritual observance. His concern is not just theological—it’s pastoral. He sees his spiritual children in danger of trading freedom in Christ for another form of slavery. His message is both a warning and a plea: don’t reduce the gospel to a checklist. God wants transformation of the heart, not just outward compliance.

Key Takeaways:

This episode is a powerful reminder that spiritual freedom and identity in Christ are not about following a rulebook, but about living in relationship with God. The Galatians were tempted to replace grace with structure, looking for reassurance in rituals. Paul’s letter pushes back with clarity: the gospel is sufficient, and our transformation comes from the inside out—not by returning to the law but by living in the Spirit.

The relevance today is striking. Just like the Galatians, many still wrestle with the temptation to define faith by performance instead of grace. Paul’s passionate tone reminds us that adding anything to the gospel subtracts from its power. Whether dealing with doubt, legalism, or a desire for spiritual certainty, the message of Galatians challenges us to embrace the freedom Christ offers—not as another set of rules to follow, but as an invitation to live as beloved sons and daughters of God.

Tune in as we begin the journey into Galatians—a short but powerful letter that still speaks truth to hearts seeking God in a complex and demanding world.

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The Bible Changes You: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis and the Way We Read Scripture

In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the most essential practices in Christian life: how we read and interpret the Bible. At the heart of this conversation are two critical approaches—exegesis and eisegesis. Understanding the difference between them can shape how we experience Scripture, how we grow in faith, and how we relate to God's word. This episode offers a practical, thoughtful exploration of why the Bible must be read to discover God—not simply to confirm what we already believe.

Top Topics:

What Are We Really Looking for in Scripture?

We often come to the Bible with a personal agenda—seeking comfort, validation, or answers about ourselves. But the deeper question should be: What does this passage tell us about God? When we shift our focus from ourselves to Him, we begin to understand the transformative power of Scripture.

Exegesis vs. Eisegesis—Why It Matters

Exegesis means drawing meaning out of the text as it was originally intended. It involves understanding the historical context, the author's purpose, the genre, and how the passage fits within the broader story of the Bible. Eisegesis, on the other hand, happens when we read our own assumptions, desires, or cultural perspectives into the text. It often starts with what we want to believe and finds verses to support it. Understanding the difference helps preserve the integrity of God’s Word.

How Different Traditions Approach Interpretation

Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions all recognize the value of exegesis but apply it differently. The Catholic Church emphasizes interpretation within the magisterium and tradition. The Orthodox Church prioritizes the communal and liturgical reading of Scripture. Protestants often empower individual believers to read and study the Bible with the aid of context, commentaries, and community. Each approach reveals something valuable, but all caution against the dangers of personal interpretations that distort Scripture.

Why ‘Looking for Ourselves’ Can Be Misleading

It’s natural to want to find ourselves in biblical stories. But when we make ourselves the main character, we reduce the Bible to a self-help book with God in a supporting role. Instead, the goal is to look for God first. His mercy, holiness, patience, and faithfulness reveal more about who we are than any self-focused reading ever could.

Takeaways:

Reading the Bible through the lens of exegesis requires humility and a willingness to be shaped by God’s word—not the other way around. When we let the Bible speak on its own terms, we discover who God is and how He relates to His people. That revelation then helps us understand ourselves more truthfully. The Bible isn’t there to reflect our image back to us; it’s there to reflect God’s character and transform ours. By keeping God at the center of our reading, we’re drawn into the bigger story—His story—and find our true place within it.

This episode is an invitation to read the Bible faithfully, thoughtfully, and with the right questions. Not “What does this say about me?” but “What does this tell me about God?” When we get that order right, transformation naturally follows.

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Build a Bible Habit That Actually Sticks

In this episode, I share why so many Bible reading plans fall apart—and offer a practical, grace-filled approach to making your Bible reading more meaningful and sustainable. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a long-time believer feeling stuck, this conversation will help you reframe your relationship with Scripture and build a practice that lasts.
Top Topics:
Why We Quit Bible Reading Plans:
January often starts strong with fresh plans and new motivation, but burnout sets in quickly. I explore the root causes—overly ambitious plans, guilt from missed days, and treating Bible reading like a task instead of a relationship.
Shifting to a Sustainable Practice:
Learn how to turn your Bible time into a space of reflection, presence, and transformation instead of checklist pressure. We talk about the value of curiosity, asking good questions, and giving yourself permission to go slow.
Different Study Methods That Work:
I outline multiple ways to approach Scripture—book studies, topic studies, liturgical readings, chronological Bibles, companion podcasts—and help you find what fits your season of life and personality.
Finding the Right Translation:
We explore the differences between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrased Bibles. I also share which ones I personally use and why, along with how to combine them for clarity and depth.
Takeaways:
It’s not about finishing the Bible in a year. It’s about engaging with it in a way that shapes your heart and draws you closer to God. Consistency matters more than volume. Missed days aren’t failures—they’re invitations to return. Find a study rhythm that brings joy and depth, and don’t be afraid to go slow. Whether you’re reading alone, in a group, or listening on a walk, Scripture can meet you right where you are—and change your life one step at a time.

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Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
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