This article is the first in a series by Brother Michael Edgecombe which will explore the background and the serious issues that the Apostle Paul had to answer that had arisen among the ecclesias in Galatia, recently established by him and Silas
Shocked. Angry. Amazed and indignant. Anxious a…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part I Read More »
In the middle of the great debate still raging in Antioch, Paul received alarming news – from Galatia. The Judaists had heard from John Mark about Paul’s successful testimony before Sergius Paulus, and his determination to advance the Gentile mission without further delay. They knew that in Pisi…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part II Read More »
E. The implications of his gospel (2:17–21)
As we saw last time, Paul is keen to move on, and set out the true relationship between the promises and the Law (3:1–5:1). But he could not conclude his narrative without addressing one of the most obnoxious Judaist arguments (2:17–18). Now h…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part VII Read More »
B. An argument from Scripture and history (3:6-29)
Paul continues his argument from Scripture and history. In His promise to Abraham, God offered righteousness and blessing to all who believe. The promises were, therefore, ‘the gospel in advance’.
What of the Law promoted by the …
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part VIII Read More »
Part VIII–IX–The Law Cannot Annul or Vary the Promise
Paul concluded the previous section by declaring that Christ had accepted the curse of the Law, in order to redeem us from it. This action cleared the way for the next step in God’s purpose: “that the blessing of Abraham mi…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part IV Read More »
III.B.v. The Law’s role temporary (3:19-25)
19 “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is o…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part X Read More »
III. C. ii. Remember our Relationship! (4:12–20)
Paul’s exasperation with the Galatians dies quickly and he moves into an extended appeal to remember the quality of their relationship in the past, when they honoured him as a spiritual father, appreciating his divine message and personal sacri…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part XII Read More »
B. Live in the Spirit, not in the flesh (5:13-26)
i. Liberty is not licence (5:13-15)
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love t…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part XIV Read More »
iii. Stand fast in liberty, and cast out the slaves! (4:28–5:1)
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the…
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part XV Read More »
D. The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (4:21–5:1)
Paul returns to his exposition of the true relationship between the Promises and the Law, concluding with a master-stroke. In these verses we are reminded of the exceptional student, engaged in his rabbinical studies at the feet of Gamaliel. He has …
Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians Part XIII Read More »
