A large district in the center of Asia Minor, having Bithynia on its north, Pontus on its east, Lycaonia and Cappadocia on its south, and Phrygia on its west. The inhabitants, being emigrants from Gaul, were called the Galli or Gauls of the East. They settled themselves in Asia Minor, and being restless and warlike they became a scourge to their neighbors. When restrained, they hired themselves out as mercenary soldiers. They were brought under the power of Rome, and eventually Galatia became a Roman province.
Paul traveled through Galatia twice and churches (in the plural) were formed there. To these his Epistle was addressed (Gal. 1:22And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: (Galatians 1:2)). It is not known at what towns these churches were gathered. Though the inhabitants were principally Gentiles, we learn from 1 Peter 1:1 That there were Jews there also (Acts 16:66Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, (Acts 16:6); Acts 18:2323And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. (Acts 18:23); 1 Cor. 16:11Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. (1 Corinthians 16:1); 2 Tim. 4:1010For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10)). The inhabitants were addressed as GALATIANS (Gal. 3:11O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (Galatians 3:1)).