Posts Tagged ‘Galatians (2006)’
Galatians
What do we really mean by saving faith in Jesus Christ? We explore this in our study of St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Download MP3 (01:17:51; 26 MB)
Read MoreGalatians – The Backdrop for Galatians
To celebrate the Year of St. Paul, we begin now a study of the Epistle to the Galatians, a work which is authentically Pauline. The most argumentative and passionate of all his letters, it speaks to an extremely contentious issue in the early church: whether a Gentile male had to be circumcised to be considered…
Read MoreGalatians – The Impetus of Galatians
History has shown that Christians do best when they approach the Bible comprehensively. Many have profited in Bible study by availing themselves of ample background information, prayerfully reading through the text, considering the opinions of worthy commentators and carefully pondering those elements of the story not expressly stated in Scripture. A good backdrop for a…
Read MoreGalatians – Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
Within the first eleven verses of Galatians, Paul essentially damns twice over the Judaizers who have spread a contrary gospel. In our excessively polite culture, Paul’s unwavering attitude toward critical theological issues may seem hostile or exaggerated; in reality, his reaction is both fitting and necessary. The most important argument in the dating of Galatians…
Read MoreGalatians – Paul Rebukes Peter in Antioch
The start of the second chapter of Galatians accounts Paul’s journey to Jerusalem "after fourteen years," when he seeks Apostolic verification of the authenticity of his gospel and ministry. The Apostles clearly affirm his message and works, for "even Titus was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek" (v 3). His words…
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…
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 – 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 – 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 – 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…
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