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Galatians
BC Weekly Digest Tuesday, September 28 1999 In this issue: Galatians 4:8-11 Galatians 4:12-16 Galatians 4:12-16 Galatians 4:17-20 Galatians 4:17-20 Galatians 4:8-11 Galatians 4:8-11 (OPV) 8 But when you did not know God, you were slaves to those [gods] who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God, or rather, are known by God, how is it that you are reverting to these weak and destitute principles to which you want to be enslaved once more? 10 You observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. 11 I am concerned about you for fear that I have labored among you in vain. Comments by Roy Davison *4:8 "But when you did not know God" Paul reminds the Galatians of their former idolatry. The causes and consequences of idolatry are discussed in Romans: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, [even] his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things" (Rom 1:18-23 ASV). God's everlasting power and deity are evident in His creation. Thus, anyone can know these basic truths about God. But those who worship idols have rejected this evidence and have banished God from their thinking. *4:8 "You were slaves to those [gods] who by nature are not gods" From beginning to end, the Scriptures reveal one true God, and designate all other attributions of deity as false. The northern tribes of Israel, who split off after the time of Solomon, worshipped a golden calf and appointed men to be priests "of [them that are] no gods" (2 Chron 13:9 ASV). Idol worshipers might think they could become Christians by just "adding" another deity to their collection. Paul emphasized that there is but one God. "Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is [anything] in the world, and that there is no God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him" (1 Cor 8:4-6 ASV). It is true, however, that evil forces are at work through these non-existent gods. "What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons" (1 Cor 10:19,20 ASV). *4:9 "But now that you know God, or rather, are known by God" Knowledge of God comes through preaching: "For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:21 ASV). Through Paul's preaching, the Galatians had experienced the same conversion as the Thessalonians: "how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God" (1 Thes 1:9 ASV). In Christ, we know God: "And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen, And every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For all shall know me, From the least to the greatest of them" (Heb 8:11 ASV). To be known by God is even greater: "Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness" (2 Tim 2:19 ASV). *4:9 "How is it that you are reverting to these weak and destitute principles to which you want to be enslaved once more?" Formerly, they had been idol worshipers, enslaved to worldly religious principles without power to save. Paul chides them for now wanting to place themselves under bondage to the law of Moses, which was also based on worldly principles (see verse 3 and Col 2:8, 16-20) and which also had no power to save. They had received abundant wealth as heirs of God in Christ Jesus: "having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Eph 1:18 ASV). How could they revert to the impoverished worldly principles the false teachers were introducing among them? *4:10 "You observe days, and months, and seasons, and years" There is no indication that the Galatians were reverting to heathen holidays. The false teachers were trying to make Jewish holidays obligatory for Christians. The same categories are found in the Old Testament: "[He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt-offerings, [to wit], for the morning and evening burnt-offerings, and the burnt-offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts" (2 Chron 31:3 ASV). These Jewish holidays had their temporary meaning under the Old Covenant. But they were no part of the Christian faith: "Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col 2:8 ASV); "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's" (Col 2:16,17 ASV). Jews who became Christians were permitted to continue observing these feasts privately, but they were not permitted to make them obligatory for others: "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks" (Rom 14:5,6 ASV). *4:11 "I am concerned about you for fear that I have labored among you in vain" In the present context of a denominational Christendom, many people would not be too disturbed by the doctrines introduced among the Galatian churches. One major cause of division in Christendom today is the varied importation of Old Testament practices and doctrines. Many holidays of Old Testament and even heathen origin are observed. But, as Paul forcefully declared in chapter 1, the gospel is not of human origin and is not subject to change. When changed, it ceases to be the gospel. The innovator simply alienates himself from Christ: "Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace" (Gal 5:4 ASV). Paul is afraid the Galatians will be lost, and all his efforts will have been in vain. Roy Davison ------------------------------ Galatians 4:12-16 Galatians 4:12-16 (ASV) 12 I beseech you, brethren, become as I [am], for I also [am become] as ye [are]. Ye did me no wrong: 13 but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time: 14 and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus. 15 Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? Comments by Howard Justice *4:12 "I beseech you, brethren, become as I [am], for I also [am become] as ye [are]. Ye did me no wrong:" Paul now begins to reason with the Galatians from a personal prospective. He pleads with them to become as he was, a man who had willingly laid the trappings of Judaism aside for a life of service in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. *4:13 "But ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time:" The word "because" here is a translation of the Greek word "dia" which means "through." The King James has: "Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first." There is some question as to whether Paul means that he preached there because of an infirmity (which might have interrupted other travel plans, for example) or whether it means that he preached there in spite of an infirmity. In any case a "thorn in the flesh" was troubling him and had become a significant hindrance. *4:14 "And that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus." This tells us that they did not despise him because of his infirmity but held him even as an angel of God, almost to the same level of honor as Christ Jesus. Here is clear evidence that they had welcomed the word which at first had been delivered by Paul through the Holy Spirit. This gives even more impetus to the amazement of Paul that they had turned aside so quickly from the truth. *4:15 "Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me." Paul now asks them where the "blessedness" was that they had exhibited after obeying the gospel. He notes that they were so happy in their "first love" that they would have even given him their own eyes. Some view this as evidence that Paul's infirmity had to do with his eyes. Some scholars use this passage to prove that Paul's eyesight had begun to fail. It is also possible, however, that this is just a figure of speech indicating how much they had been willing to do for him. Some also see in Galatians 6:11 further evidence that he was going blind or that his eyesight had gotten so bad that he had used large characters in order to see clearly his own handwriting to them. It is possible that he had developed some serious eye disorder that interfered with his writing. Perhaps it was a severe case of nearsightedness or even a more serious disorder such as macular degeneration, bilateral cataracts or glaucoma. On the other hand, he may have written with large letters simply for emphasis. In the letters to the Ephesians and the Philippians, it was Tychicus and Epaphroditus who did the writing for Paul which some see as further evidence that he had problems with his site. Again, however, it was common in that time for a scribe to be used when writing letters. Whatever the nature of his infirmity, it was obviously something which might cause offense to some. 16 "So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?" Even though Paul had sensed their former willingness to pluck out their own eyes and give them to him, he now wonders if he has made them enemies by telling them that they were in error. This is a dilemma that often faces brethren, especially those who teach. It is often difficult to tell someone whom you love, that they are in error. But in truth, love should make each of us more zealous to help correct erroneous beliefs or behavior. There is no doubt that one of our most common failings is not going to our brethren in person and talking frankly and honestly about something that they are doing or that they believe which will doom them to a devil's hell. I have a very difficult time with this but I have learned that, if it is done correctly and in a loving manner, it often results in a closer bond between brethren. Howard Justice ------------------------------ Galatians 4:12-16 Galatians 4:12-16 (ASV) 12 I beseech you, brethren, become as I am, for I also am become as ye are. Ye did me no wrong: 13 but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time: 14 and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? Comments by William Booth *4:12a "I beseech you, brethren, become as I am, for I also am become as ye are" Paul continues to exhibit his love for the Galatians by stating how much he desired their salvation to be sure. First, he called them "brethren". This was similar to the circumstances at the church in Corinth. The Corinthians were allowing sin to exist, had internal divisions, sexual immorality was overlooked, lawsuits occurred between brethren, there were marriage difficulties, and Paul still called them brethren. The Galatians had listened to false teachers, the Judaizers, and were, as the Corinthians, sinning. Paul still called them brothers and implored his brothers in Christ to become like him. The Galatians had come to know God and stopped following false gods; Paul also had come to know God, and left the Jewish faith (Philippians 3:4-7). But Paul did not leave Christ and go back to bondage, however. The Galatians were doing so. This is why Paul wanted the Galatians to become like him, steadfast in Christ and remaining faithful. Paul had left the Jewish faith stating he gave it all up for the sake of Christ. He wanted the Galatians to follow his example. The Law could not save and Paul counted it all lost, even his position, prestige and honor, for the cause of Christ (Philippians 3:13). *4:12b-14 "Ye did me no wrong: but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time: and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus." Paul is making sure the Galatians understand and know up front that he holds no personal grudge against them. He wants them to know they have not personally wronged him, and what he is telling them is the truth. He was not correcting them because of any personal difficulty with them. He was truly concerned with their salvation. When Paul initially preached to the Galatians, he suffered from a physical ailment that was visible and possibly disgusting to anyone who looked at him. Some historians have suggested Paul suffered from malaria (which was prevalent in this region), others have said he had a severe eye disease. People through the ages have argued over the type of ailment Paul had. This was not for us to know, or God would have identified it for us. The fact the Galatians overlooked this disability and looked to Paul as someone who brought them the Gospel of Christ and saved them from their sinful nature, is more important. The Galatians loved Paul so much they considered him to be an angel (messenger) of God. His physical ailment was not of consequence. The Galatians looked to the inner man of Paul, and saw Christ Jesus living in him. It is a sad commentary when we look to the outer man, overlooking the inner man. *4:15 Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. Peter says in 2 Peter 2:9, the Christian who does not grow and does not possess faith, virtue, knowledge, patience, steadfastness, godliness, and brotherly love is short sighted, blind, and has forgotten the former cleansing from his old sins. Paul is asking the Galatians what happened to the blessedness they once enjoyed. Paul commends the love of the Galatians by saying they were so Christ-like they would have "plucked out" their own eyes and given them to him. The joy of being a Christian is knowing you are a child of God (Galatians 4:6), your sins are washed away (Acts 2:38), and you possess and exhibit brotherly love. *4:16 So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? Paul is reaching down to the inner-most part of the Galatians' hearts, trying to get them to recall their previous devotion to him (they would have plucked out their eyes for him). Paul is concluding the preceding verses by wanting to know why he may be their enemy for telling them the truth. Paul does not express disgust, but love. The fault lies with the Judaizers who perverted the joy the Galatians once possessed. William Booth ------------------------------ Galatians 4:17-20 Galatians 4:17-20 (ASV) 17 They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them. 18 But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you — 20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you. Comments by William Booth *4:17 "They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them" The Judaizers' main purpose was to attack Paul and Christianity (Acts 15:1-5; Acts 19:23), and if not physically, then those whom Paul had taught, such as the Galatian Christians (Acts 16:6). The situation was such a problem in the early years of the church that the Apostles called for a meeting to discuss the situation with the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:5-30). The Judaizers continued to cause trouble in the church, teaching that Gentile converts had to conform to the requirement of circumcision. Apparently after Paul's second visit to the churches in Galatia, he heard of the trouble being caused by the Judaizers. Here Paul is telling the Galatians the Judaizers were not giving them the truth, but were trying to separate them from Paul and the other Gentile converts. *4:18 "But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you" One notices that when parents are around, children behave. Paul says that when he was with them, they were zealous for the truth, and that zeal was good; but that it should continue whether he were with them, or absent from them. Since he had left them, they had weakened and allowed the Judaizers to distort the truth Paul had taught them. Paul knew the Judaizers were aggressive and was encouraging the Galatians to be strong at all times, even when he could not be with them. Paul also encouraged the Philippian brethren (Philippians 2:12) to continue to obey (and mature) even though Paul could not always be with them. *4:19 "My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you—" Paul expresses his love and concern for the Galatians by referring to them as his "little children." Just as a parent, especially a mother, would feel for her child, Paul felt the same for the Galatians. He wanted only the best for them and did not want them to go back into bondage. Being in travail means Paul felt the deepest of concern for them. *4:20 "But I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you" Many times we loose the 'tenor' of one's words through written correspondence; however, Paul uses "change my tone" and being "perplexed" which indicate he was very disappointed with them for being deceived by the Judaizers. Although Paul's tone was stern, he desired to be with them, and enjoy the warm fellowship they once shared. William Booth ------------------------------ Galatians 4:17-20 Galatians 4:17-20 (ASV) 17 They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them. 18 But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you-- 20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you. Comments by Howard Justice *4:17 "They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them" This desire was an unholy one in which these false teachers sought the Galatian Christians was to claim them as a big game hunter might a trophy to hold up for all to see in order to prove to all around them that they had the power (of the truth). Such is a false proof because might does not always mean right. Small groups of Christians may indeed be saved whereas large prosperous congregations of people may well be lost. What matters most of all whether a man allows Christ to "live in him." (Gal 2:20). There are those today who still cling to selected parts of the Law of Moses as did these Judaizers of Paul's time. They lie in wait to deceive each of us. The most common doctrine that they espouse today is the "keeping of the Sabbath." Their doctrine maintains that the keeping of the seventh day began in the creation and has continued throughout the Patriarchal era. The major flaw of their doctrine is that there is no mention of the required keeping of the seventh day as a religious day of worship until it was ordained later in the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments and every other aspect of the Law of Moses was canceled by the death of Christ upon the cross. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:7 that the Law of Moses was a "ministration of death, written and engraven on stones, which was glorious......which glory was passing away." This leads one to the conclusion that the Law of Moses and thus; the keeping of that law was a sentence of death, whereas the law of Christ was a greater glory. In 2 Corinthians 3:11 he states: "For if that which passeth away [was] with glory, much more that which remaineth [is] in glory." Thus, the Law of Moses, including the Ten Commandments, has passed away and the law that remains is the Law of Christ. See also Hebrews chapters 9 & 10. *4:18 "But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you." Certainly, it would be proper to be sought out by godly brethren for any honorable reason but to be exploited by "false teacher" is anathema. There is no profit for either in such a case. Peter told the Christians in 1 Peter 2:2: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." This is sound advice for all, especially those who are young in the truth. It is the surest way to safeguard the soul from deception and lies. *4:19 "My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you--" Paul's use of the term "little children" gives us a strong indication that they had not grown as they should but lacked the proper degree of development that characterizes faithful children of God. He was in anguish because of their disobedience. *4:20 "But I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you" Here, the tender desire of Paul was to be with his "children" because he was sure that he could correct the problem and that, like children, they would stop and listen to God through him. Then, he could change his tone from one of chastisement to one of solace and comfort. He was sure that they would hear him in the matter. Paul was perplexed or confused by their readiness to follow after these false teachers. He knows that they had no reason to be led astray except by deceit. Howard Justice.