Archive for 2008
1st Corinthians – Origins of Corinthian Christianity
Acts 18 describes how Christianity came to Corinth. After a difficult sojourn in Athens, Paul arrived in Corinth alone. Soon he met a Jew named Aquilla and his wife Priscilla, with whom he shared the same trade, and began persuading Jews and Greeks in the synagogues to follow Christ. The Scriptures account that the Jews…
Read More1st Corinthians – Introduction
An industrial hub and commercial center on an Isthmus, the city of Corinth contained many merchants and working-class types; many Roman army veterans retired to Corinth after their tour of duty. A conglomeration of Latins, Greeks, Syrians and Jews, it was the capital of the entire Roman province of the Achaia, roughly the boundary of…
Read MoreGalatians – Conclusion
Paul uses stark language in Galatians 6 to indict both legalists and antinomians: "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (v 7). While all in the Galatian assembly have some concern for honoring God, this verse makes a distinctions between those who "go through…
Read MoreGalatians – Responsibility and Liberty
In Galatians 5:13, Paul begins a pivotal discourse on the life in the Spirit. He writes, "for you were called to freedom; brethren, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for flesh." His discourse aptly begins with exhortations to live in the maturity that is freedom and love; he then makes a statement…
Read MoreGalatians – Freedom and Love
Paul knows that the free gift of Christ is a stumbling block for those who desire a religion of self-justification. He uses excruciatingly strong language against the advocates of such legalism when he says, "I wish those who unsettle you would mutilate themselves!" (Gal 5:12b) Paul masterfully indicts the Judaizers as law-breakers who are preoccupied…
Read MoreGalatians – Paul’s Arguments
Paul puts forth several lines of argumentation in Galatians 1-4, including: 1) The Messiah is greater than Israel and is a hope for the whole world; 2) More than a fulfillment of the law, Christ is God’s perfect gift for those who, in their mortal weakness, cannot hope to fulfill all the demands of God…
Read MoreGalatians – Bondage and Freedom
Paul expounds on the adoption of Christians as God’s sons in the beginning of the fourth chapter of Galatians. He focuses on the unique role of the Spirit in this adoption: it is through the Spirit that the Father knows his sons; through the same Spirit, God’s sons come to know the Eternal Son and…
Read MoreGalatians – The Law’s Preparation For Sonship
St. Irenaeus Ministries will be featured on EWTN’s "Life on the Rock" Thursday, September 4th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Find out more on siministries.org. God’s law is always good when properly interpreted and executed (cf. Ps 119). When used incorrectly, specifically when manipulated for self-justification, it is disastrous. The law can illuminate one’s sinful ways…
Read MoreGalatians – Covenantial Theology and Faith
Paul continues to explore the correct relationship between the Mosaic law and Gentile Christians in Galatians 3:10. By stating that "in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham [came] upon the Gentiles," he overturns the argument of the Judaizers (cf. 3:14). One must not let the Mosaic Law replace God’s covenant with Abraham, for "Anything that…
Read MoreGalatians – Faith and Works
The issue of Galatians has always been stark: either the Judaizers are correct and Paul is a gross heretic, or Paul’s gospel is from God and the Judaizing legalists are confusing the Galatian converts. Yet, Christians since the Protestant Reformation have used Paul’s argument in this epistle to understand to the relationship of faith and…
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