The family church experience
Contradicting what Is Evident. Galatians 3:3-5. Dear Pilgrims and Sojourners, It has been said that what is obvious to some is a mystery to others. Yet we ought to be alert so that we do not miss what has been demonstrated before our eyes. Regression (v. 3). The Galatians started on the right track. They began…
Saved yet Foolish. Galatians 3:1-2. Dear Royal Priesthood, Finally, the frustration of the apostle Paul with the Galatians cannot be hidden anymore. In the first five verses of this chapter, he plays out that frustration in an uncharacteristic tirade. Exasperation(v. 1a). Paul expresses his frustration with two phrases. In the first, he calls the Galatians…
Dead yet Alive.Galatians 2:20-21 Dear Pilgrims, Having declared that he is dead to the law and alive to God, Paul now expounds further, the idea of dying to one realm and living to another. Nailed (v. 20a).Crucifixion is a portrayal of not only of death but also of the nailing of something to a post.…
No Contradiction. Galatians 2:17-19. Dear Saints, Paul now shifts gears from the event in which he rebuked Peter to the implications of abandoning the quest for justification through the law. The Confusing Matter (v. 17). Paul raises the question of those who have sought justification by faith, who are found to be still sinning. Does that…
A Bold Move. Galatians 2:14-16. Dear Family, We continue with Paul’s challenge to Peter’s hypocrisy. Paul has observed the impact Peter’s behavior has had on other Christians, including Barnabas. We often feel that we should live and let live, that another person’s life is his to live as he chooses. Why should we make enemies by challenging…
A Timely Challenge. Galatians 2:11-13. Dear Aliens and Strangers in this World, Having established that he was equal to the other apostles and that he had been given the task of reaching the gentiles with the gospel, while Peter and the others had the responsibility to reach the Jews, Paul now demonstrates the fact of…
Division of Labour. Galatians 2:7-10. Dear Children of the Heavenly Father, Our discussion on the validity of Paul’s gospel and authority shifts to the recognition of the variety of gifts and calling. It is of utmost importance to acknowledge the fact that the grace of God is often applied through his servants but that no one…
Ever Present Opposition Galatians 2:4-6. Dear Holy Nation, The discussion on the approval for the version of the gospel Paul preached to the gentiles continues. Stealth (v. 4). Paul says that the reason he had to explain his position at all was because of false brethren who infiltrated the Christian community by stealth, intending to introduce…
A Quest for approval. Galatians 2:1-3. Dear People Waiting for a Saviour from Heaven, It is clear that Paul knows who called him and what he was called to. However, it is important to note that he does not ignore others that God has appointed as leaders. It with this in mind that he tells about his…
A Dramatic Transformation. Galatians 1:18-25. Dear Citizens of the Kingdom of God, Familiarisation (vv. 18-19). Paul spent three years in the deserts of Arabia and in Damascus. After that time he showed up in Jerusalem, where he met Peter and stayed with him fifteen days, obviously for purposes of both getting to know each other. None of…