Where does Galatians fit in the order of the Church letters even though it was written first?
Galatians stands fourth in the New Testament order of the Church letters, even though it was written before Romans. Romans is placed first for doctrine, the Corinthian letters follow for reproof, and Galatians comes fourth for correction, addressing legalism and bringing believers back on course.
Les explains that although Galatians was written earliest, the Holy Spirit placed Romans first in the New Testament because all Scripture is profitable first for doctrine. The next two books, I and II Corinthians, fit the category of reproof, dealing with problems like immorality, dissension, divisions, legal disputes, and disputes over food. Galatians then occupies the fourth slot in the Church letters. Though written before Romans, it appears after Romans in New Testament order and was written for correction; the Galatians were slipping into legalism, so the book was literally written to bring them back on course.