Galatians Askelm

The Book of GalatiansPage 1 of 7 Doctrine Article Expanded Internet Edition - August 1, 2003 The Book of Galatians by Ernest L. Martin, Ph.D, 1980 Edited by David Sielaff, August 2003 Read the accompanying Newsletter for August 2003 Listen to the Byte Show Interview on this article: The Book of Galatians - Listen • Download • MP3 More Byte Show Interviews... This epistle has been called the Christian’s "Declaration of Independence" and so it is! Its teaching was a first step in securing a religious emancipation for God’s people from the domination of man. The message is as valid today as it was when Paul wrote it. The most abrupt introduction to any book of the Bible is that of Galatians. Paul was deliberate, to the point, and very decisive in stating that he was "an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ)" (Galatians 1:1). Within three words of introduction Paul set the theme of the whole epistle his teaching was not from any man. Not even the angels of heaven had a hand in giving it to Paul (Galatians 1:8), but it came directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1). Paul, however, was upset with the Galatians. They had become enamored by men, even with Christian leaders who resided in Jerusalem, and Paul had to correct their ways. "I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel" (Galatians 1:6). Then, for the next two chapters, Paul shows that he did not get his Gospel from any man, not even from the Christian apostles who were at Jerusalem. In fact, Paul stated very clearly that he had had so little contact with the apostles at Jerusalem, that for a seventeen year period, he went to Jerusalem only once and then he only saw the apostle Peter for fifteen days and James for a brief time (Galatians 1:18–19). What an admission on Paul’s part! He went to "headquarters" only once for a whole period of seventeen years, and yet he lived only about 400 miles north not much more than a ten-day trip away. He must not have thought it was all that important for him to have remained away so long. The truth is Paul was not interested in getting any approval of men in order to please men, even if it meant the "apostles before me" [those who were apostles before Paul in time] (Galatians 1:17). "Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man [not even from the top apostles in Jerusalem as he later went on to say], http://www.askelm.com/doctrine/d030802.htm 7/16/2011 "For I neither received it of man. the Jerusalem men thought they were high and important. Paul could not care less what "ranks" or so-called "high positions" any of them claimed to have. lest by any means I should run. And when he got to Jerusalem he. that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection. Paul called this teaching a perversion of the Gospel (Galatians 1. or had run [had run to Jerusalem] in vain. Christ Jesus had given him his commission and that was all he felt he needed.askelm." http://www. 17 Paul was ordained by none of the Jerusalem apostles nor did he seek to get their authority to preach. True. who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus. "it makes no matter to me.The Book of Galatians Page 2 of 7 neither was I taught it. but Paul gave them no recognition (as far as "rank" was concerned)." "And that because of false brethren unawares brought in [to the Jerusalem conference]. however. "But of these who seemed to be somewhat [somewhat important and of rank] (whatsoever they were.6) and that those people teaching it were "false brethren. his whole reason for going to explain his Gospel to those in Jerusalem would have been useless had he not told the top apostles of what he was preaching among the Gentiles." Galatians 2:4–5 Paul placed himself in subjection to none of those in Jerusalem no matter who they were. ..htm 7/16/2011 . Paul decided to go up to Jerusalem at the end of the seventeen-year period but even then he says. but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. not for an hour. but privately to them which were of reputation [the top apostles]. while the apostles in Jerusalem (and most of the people in Judea) were claiming that circumcision was very necessary. that the truth of the gospel might continue with you." Galatians 2:2 In other words.com/doctrine/d030802. no.. neither was I taught it [by man]. it makes no matter to me. but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. He had to be told by Jesus Christ to go. "I went up by revelation" (Galatians 2:2). The Gospel which Christ had given to Paul taught that the Gentiles did not have to be circumcised to be saved (Galatians 6:15). "… communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles.)" (Galatians 2:6). He had long been preaching and without any authority from them to do so. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me" Galatians 1:12. Yet note one thing carefully: Paul did not go to Jerusalem to get an approval from the other apostles to preach.’ God accepts no man’s person." Galatians 1:10–12 Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem Finally. when some Jewish elders came from James to Antioch on one occasion. not only sacrifices and rituals) was intended by God to govern "children" those not yet mature in faith. when we were children. crucified among you?" Galatians 3:1 Paul devotes chapter 3 to describing the reason why the law of the Old Testament was given in the first place. They acknowledged that Paul had been given his commission by Christ.. Was inferior to the Gospel in the sense that it was given by angels (Galatians 3:19). The Jerusalem apostles were not even consulted on the matter. not only did Paul not receive any part of his Gospel from the apostles in Jerusalem. Note carefully: Paul did not say the apostles at Jerusalem committed the Gospel to him. and then James. . "Even so we. who has bewitched you. They did not give him some kind of authority from "headquarters.. they (and even Peter and Barnabas) withdrew their fellowship from uncircumcised Gentiles (Galatians 2:12– 13). "When they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me. Was not of faith (Galatians 3:23). before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth. that you should not obey the truth." They simply "saw" and "perceived" that Christ had already given it to Paul. Paul not only rebuked those who came from James for their uncharitable actions. http://www. but he gave Peter a sound verbal lashing for his part in the unchristian attitude he expressed in the matter (Galatians 2:13–21). In a word. Peter. The Law. were in BONDAGE under the elements of the world" (Galatians 4:3). Indeed. the law of Moses (all of it. but he rebuked them publicly for teaching a "perversion of the Gospel" among the Gentiles! The Galatians’ Mistake But what were the Galatians now doing? For some reason they had been listening to people coming from Jerusalem who told them they had to be circumcised and to keep the law [like the Jews] or else they could not be saved.askelm. Was given to bring in [this is the correct rendering] more transgressions (Galatians 3:19). they perceived the grace that was given unto me" (Galatians 2:7.htm 7/16/2011 . They did not grant him his grace to preach. Gave no life to those who tried to keep it (Galatians 3:21). Brought a curse to people (Galatians 3:10). So. "O foolish Galatians. The Galatians believed them. Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24–26).com/doctrine/d030802. 9). Was only a "schoolmaster" to lead children to the One who saves. and John gave to Paul and Barnabas their right hands of fellowship. And it led directly to bondage.The Book of Galatians Page 3 of 7 However. Was of works (Galatians 3:2). they heard Paul out and understood that God had given him his special Gospel (Galatians 2:7–8). which is the mother of us all. found themselves in before the time of Christ. times. circumcision. a few verses later Paul made it very clear that it was the law of Moses (the Old Covenant. were in bondage under the elements of the world." Galatians 4:24–26 There can be no doubt about the matter! The bondage Paul was talking about was the Old Covenant made with Israel at Mount Sinai in the time of Moses. and months. 1 The Galatians were subjecting themselves back to the same bondage that Paul. the first of the five books of Moses.The Book of Galatians Page 4 of 7 Note that Paul said that "we . which genders to bondage.. And it ought to be emphasized that the law given at Mount Sinai included the Ten Commandments! "For if the ministration of death. and all Gentiles too.. "How turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements." Paul included himself (and all Jews who kept the law). and years. that Abraham had two sons. the apostles at Jerusalem. "You observe days.askelm. much more the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory" (2 Corinthians 3:9). you that desire to be under the law." 2 Corinthians 3:7–8 The giving of the Ten Commandments did have a certain amount of glory associated with them. written and engraven in stones. lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain. was glorious. Where was that story found? In some pagan source book? Of course not! It was directly from Genesis. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia. And indeed. The whole theme of the epistle is that concerning circumcision. all the Jewish people. and other works of the law. "Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants. and is in bondage with her children. months. the law of Moses.htm 7/16/2011 . which was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather [more] glorious. which is Agar. do you not hear the law?" (Galatians 4:21). Abraham. "For if the ministration of condemnation be glory." Galatians 4:10 Under no circumstances does this mean they were returning to the observance of pagan days. But Jerusalem which is above is free. What were these "elements of the world"? Paul mentions them again in verse 9. the other by a freewoman" (Galatians 4:22). years. the one by a bondmaid. I am afraid of you. But the Galatians were now doing it by listening to Jewish preachers from Jerusalem who demanded that they be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. the early Jewish apostles.com/doctrine/d030802." (Galatians 4:8). so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance. and answers to Jerusalem which now is. The law they were returning to was not any form of pagan law it was the Old Covenant with all its days. Though the Ten http://www. wherein you desire to be in bondage?" He equated them with the same things they were doing while they were in heathenism when "you did service unto them which by nature are not gods. the one from the mount Sinai. and times. all of it) that he was talking about. "Tell me. works of the law. And what "law" was it that Paul had in mind? "For it is written. This is made plain because Paul went on to tell the Galatians about the bondwoman and the freewoman. But Jerusalem which is above is free. Behold. joy. which put a veil over his face. But Paul said that such teaching was a perversion of the Gospel.The Book of Galatians Page 5 of 7 Commandments may have been glorious. but with the Spirit of the living God. which is the mother of us all. The teaching was not to be found in laws written on tables of stone [like the Ten Commandments which Moses had in his hand when he came down from Mount Sinai and his face shone in glory]. but in fleshly tables of the heart" (2 Corinthians 3:3).com/doctrine/d030802. Understand one thing plainly: The Old Covenant included the Ten Commandments as its basic "constitution" and those ten laws headed the Old Covenant legislation mentioned in Exodus chapters 20 through 23. "the one from the mount Sinai. not in tables of stone. and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished. and years. the glory is now done away for something more glorious. which veil is done away in Christ" (2 Corinthians 3:14). much more that which remains is [more] glorious" (2 Corinthians 3:11)." 2 Corinthians 3:13 And if anyone has any doubt about what Paul was talking. Certainly the Jews in Jerusalem considered the Old Covenant as the only law to keep. I Paul say unto you. and the sundry other laws. circumcision. longsuffering. And the Jews in Jerusalem were in that bondage. "Moses. the Old Covenant (with the Ten Commandments at its head) made people to be in bondage. and is in bondage with her children. just. and answers to Jerusalem which now is. faith. Christ shall profit you nothing. which is Agar. and good" they were only engraved on stone. But the Old Covenant was different." Galatians 5:1–2 http://www. What the Christian now has is the Holy Spirit placed within him which causes him to express true "love. peace. Though the Ten Commandments were "holy. that if you be circumcised. These attributes represent "the law of Christ" that Paul talked about in Galatians (Galatians 6:2). For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia.htm 7/16/2011 . But when the New Covenant message was introduced. he made it clear that "the same veil [is] untaken away in the reading of the old testament [the Old Covenant]. but the New Covenant laws are found in tables of the heart within a person: "Written not with ink. gentleness. months. meekness." Galatians 4:24–26 The truth is. as should now be clear. They were still observing Old Covenant days. But Paul said they were in servitude. 2 The teaching that Paul was trying to combat was that which was coming from people who resided in the "Jerusalem which now is" and were insisting that the Gentiles be circumcised and keep the law for salvation. "For if that which is done away was glorious. which genders to bondage.askelm. temperance: against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22–23). This did little good for the heart. times. It was. goodness. For that glory of Moses when he came down the Mount carrying the Ten Commandments was to be done away completely abolished. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. tithing. and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. temperance: "against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22–23). Paul is speaking about Jerusalem. and the law of Moses. sacrifices. These things are "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). The Conclusion to Galatians So. circumcision. August 2003 Read the companion article: the Principal Theology of the Book of Romans 1 For a full discussion on the role of angels and spirits in the giving of the law of Moses. etc. peace. the holy mountain of the Samaritans. That freedom involves no keeping of Old Covenant sabbaths. gentleness.htm 7/16/2011 . The Essentials of New Testament Doctrine. Mount Sinai. what do we have with the Book of Galatians? It is the Christian’s "Declaration of Independence" from the bondage of men and from outdated religious practices.The Book of Galatians Page 6 of 7 The Law of Christ Paul said it was "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2) that the Galatians were under. If they are practiced. This involves love. see my book.com/doctrine/d030802. And too. Samaritan theology. If people would apply the message of Galatians. Throughout. and in a way that glorifies Christ Jesus and God the Father. joy. 1980 Edited by David Sielaff." Galatians 5:1 Ernest L. goodness. (Galatians 5:22–23). It does mean that one will exercise the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit. the Book of Galatians could not be speaking about Samaritans. not that of the law of Moses which "engenders to bondage" which the people at Jerusalem were trying to keep. in order to glorify Christ in heaven. Paul shows in Galatians that no one needs to return to the Old Covenant ways of works which were given on Mount Sinai. it will bring in love. When one begins to practice a true love to all. etc. or anything else stemming from Mount Sinai (Galatians 4:24–25). The people at Jerusalem were definitely not keeping Gentile holy days which they abhorred. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. they would finally begin to understand what true freedom is all about. holydays. The Galatians should not have been listening to those teachers coming from Jerusalem. And such faith does not involve Old Covenant holydays. peace. There is not 2 http://www. meekness. clean and unclean laws of purity. Paul recognized none of their "authority" in the preaching of his Gospel and with Paul this included even the Jerusalem apostles: "the apostles before me [in time]" (Galatians 1:17). or Mount Gerizim. longsuffering. Martin. faith. Galatians chapters 5 and 6 home in on the fact that circumcision is not a means to salvation. It has nothing to do with the redemption that is in Christ which comes through faith. circumcision. and practice the fruits of the Spirit. new moons. works. No one any longer needs a priesthood of men to have authority between God and man to mediate between them (1 Timothy 2:5). Though faith does not grant license (Galatians 5:19–21). the Jerusalem on earth.askelm. then he can know what real liberty in Christ means. The Book of Galatians Page 7 of 7 the slightest hint that Samaritans or the teachings of Simon Magus are under discussion.askelm.ASK is supported by freewill contributions http://www.htm 7/16/2011 . Go to ASK Home Page • Print Page © 1976-2011 Associates for Scriptural Knowledge .com/doctrine/d030802.