Paul’s Letters: Romans & Galatians
A 20-lesson self-study course exploring Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians, with emphasis on the gospel, sin and grace, justification by faith, life in the Spirit, Christian freedom, unity, holy living, and practical discipleship.
Course Description
This course provides a structured study of two foundational letters of the apostle Paul: Romans and Galatians. Students will examine Paul’s explanation of humanity’s need for salvation, justification by faith, union with Christ, freedom from the condemnation and dominion of sin, life in the Holy Spirit, God’s faithfulness, Christian unity, and the practical transformation that flows from the gospel.
The first twelve lessons focus primarily on Romans. The remaining eight lessons focus on Galatians while drawing connections between the two letters. Each lesson combines biblical exposition, reflection, practical application, a written assignment, and four multiple-choice questions.
What You Will Learn
Course Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Describe the historical and theological purpose of Romans and Galatians.
- Explain Paul’s presentation of the gospel and humanity’s need for salvation.
- Explain justification by faith and distinguish grace from reliance on works of the law.
- Discuss the relationship between Adam, Christ, sin, grace, death, and new life.
- Explain Paul’s teaching about life in the Holy Spirit and Christian freedom.
- Interpret major themes in Romans 9–11 with appropriate attention to Paul’s argument.
- Apply Paul’s teaching about worship, unity, love, conscience, service, and Christian community.
- Explain the fruit of the Spirit and the call to bear one another’s burdens.
- Compare important themes shared by Romans and Galatians.
Study Method
Read the assigned biblical passage before each lesson. Work carefully through the lesson, complete the reflection activity, answer the quiz, and submit the written assignment in your own words.
Course Overview
Course Structure
Lessons 1–12: Romans — the gospel, universal sin, justification, Abraham, peace with God, union with Christ, the struggle with sin, life in the Spirit, God’s faithfulness, transformed living, Christian relationships, and Paul’s mission.
Lessons 13–20: Galatians — the one true gospel, Paul’s defense of his apostleship, justification by faith, Abraham and the promise, adoption, Christian freedom, walking by the Spirit, restoration, burden-bearing, sowing and reaping, and boasting only in the cross.